Cultural diversity

Religion

About this topic

Religion records a person's stated religious affiliation, including no religion and not stated responses. It is a measure of cultural identity and belief rather than practice or participation.

This topic helps show the religious diversity of an area and can support planning for community facilities, faith-based services, and inclusive engagement. It is best interpreted with ancestry, birthplace, and language, which together provide a broader picture of cultural composition.

Interpretation notes

  • This records stated religious affiliation, not attendance or level of religious practice.
  • No religion and not stated are part of the overall picture, so interpretation should consider both affiliation and non-response.

Key insight

In 2021, No religion was the most common religious affiliation among residents in Templestowe, accounting for 34.3% (5,814 people). This share was lower than Manningham (C) (37%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 1,186 people and 6.5 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Templestowe - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Templestowe in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Manningham (C) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Templestowe, with comparison markers for Manningham (C).

Templestowe
Manningham (C)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

5,814

% of total

34.3%

Change from 2016

+6.5pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

3,575

% of total

21.1%

Change from 2016

-2.5pp

Greek Orthodox

2021 count

1,610

% of total

9.5%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

992

% of total

5.8%

Change from 2016

-1.8pp

Not stated

2021 count

830

% of total

4.9%

Change from 2016

-2.3pp

Islam

2021 count

636

% of total

3.7%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Buddhism

2021 count

601

% of total

3.5%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

418

% of total

2.5%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Baptist

2021 count

385

% of total

2.3%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

346

% of total

2.0%

Change from 2016

-0.6pp

Data table

Religion for Templestowe. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Manningham (C).

Religion for Templestowe. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Manningham (C).
Religion for Templestowe. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Manningham (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Manningham (C)%Count%Manningham (C)%Countpp
No Religion, so described5,81434.3%37.0%4,62827.8%30.7%+1,186+6.5pp
Western Catholic3,57521.1%19.6%3,92523.6%22.3%-350-2.5pp
Greek Orthodox1,6109.5%7.9%1,5239.2%8.1%+87+0.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia9925.8%5.7%1,2677.6%7.3%-275-1.8pp
Not stated8304.9%4.6%1,2007.2%7.3%-370-2.3pp
Islam6363.7%3.4%5583.4%2.2%+78+0.3pp
Buddhism6013.5%4.4%5413.3%4.0%+60+0.2pp
Christianity, nfd4182.5%3.0%3902.3%2.7%+28+0.2pp
Baptist3852.3%2.5%3402.0%2.3%+45+0.3pp
Uniting Church3462.0%2.2%4332.6%2.9%-87-0.6pp
Total16,971100.0%100.0%16,628100.0%100.0%+3430.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.