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 Merton (part), accounting for 52.6% (113 people). This share was higher than Mansfield (S) (49%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 43 people and 15.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Merton (part) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Merton (part) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mansfield (S) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Merton (part), with comparison markers for Mansfield (S).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
113
% of total
52.6%
Change from 2016
+15.4pp
113
52.6%
+15.4pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
38
% of total
17.7%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
38
17.7%
-0.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
33
% of total
15.3%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
33
15.3%
+0.4pp
Not stated
2021 count
24
% of total
11.2%
Change from 2016
-6.9pp
24
11.2%
-6.9pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+43
+15.4pp
Western Catholic
+4
-0.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+5
+0.4pp
Not stated
-10
-6.9pp
Data table
Religion for Merton (part). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mansfield (S).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Mansfield (S)% | Count | % | Mansfield (S)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 113 | 52.6% | 49.0% | 70 | 37.2% | 35.7% | +43 | +15.4pp |
| Western Catholic | 38 | 17.7% | 17.1% | 34 | 18.1% | 21.7% | +4 | -0.4pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 33 | 15.3% | 11.8% | 28 | 14.9% | 16.2% | +5 | +0.4pp |
| Not stated | 24 | 11.2% | 8.6% | 34 | 18.1% | 10.1% | -10 | -6.9pp |
| Total | 215 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 188 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +27 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.