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 Maribyrnong (C), accounting for 44.5% (37,912 people). This share was higher than Greater Melbourne (36.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 7,990 people and 8.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Maribyrnong (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Maribyrnong (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Melbourne and change since 2016.
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Maribyrnong (C), with comparison markers for Greater Melbourne.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
37,912
% of total
44.5%
Change from 2016
+8.1pp
37,912
44.5%
+8.1pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
16,051
% of total
18.8%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
16,051
18.8%
-1.4pp
Buddhism
2021 count
6,827
% of total
8.0%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
6,827
8.0%
-0.3pp
Not stated
2021 count
5,351
% of total
6.3%
Change from 2016
-3.5pp
5,351
6.3%
-3.5pp
Islam
2021 count
3,370
% of total
4.0%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
3,370
4.0%
-0.3pp
Hinduism
2021 count
2,679
% of total
3.1%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
2,679
3.1%
-0.7pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
2,507
% of total
2.9%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
2,507
2.9%
-0.2pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
2,440
% of total
2.9%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
2,440
2.9%
-0.8pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
1,874
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
1,874
2.2%
+0.2pp
Baptist
2021 count
754
% of total
0.9%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
754
0.9%
-0.2pp
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+7,990
+8.1pp
Western Catholic
-530
-1.4pp
Buddhism
-2
-0.3pp
Not stated
-2,724
-3.5pp
Islam
-206
-0.3pp
Hinduism
-422
-0.7pp
Greek Orthodox
-74
-0.2pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-573
-0.8pp
Christianity, nfd
+204
+0.2pp
Baptist
-120
-0.2pp
Data table
Religion for Maribyrnong (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Melbourne.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 37,912 | 44.5% | 36.9% | 29,922 | 36.4% | 31.0% | +7,990 | +8.1pp |
| Western Catholic | 16,051 | 18.8% | 20.5% | 16,581 | 20.2% | 23.2% | -530 | -1.4pp |
| Buddhism | 6,827 | 8.0% | 3.9% | 6,829 | 8.3% | 3.8% | -2 | -0.3pp |
| Not stated | 5,351 | 6.3% | 5.8% | 8,075 | 9.8% | 8.6% | -2,724 | -3.5pp |
| Islam | 3,370 | 4.0% | 5.3% | 3,576 | 4.3% | 4.2% | -206 | -0.3pp |
| Hinduism | 2,679 | 3.1% | 4.1% | 3,101 | 3.8% | 2.9% | -422 | -0.7pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 2,507 | 2.9% | 3.3% | 2,581 | 3.1% | 3.5% | -74 | -0.2pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 2,440 | 2.9% | 5.5% | 3,013 | 3.7% | 7.6% | -573 | -0.8pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 1,874 | 2.2% | 2.7% | 1,670 | 2.0% | 2.6% | +204 | +0.2pp |
| Baptist | 754 | 0.9% | 1.3% | 874 | 1.1% | 1.3% | -120 | -0.2pp |
| Total | 85,204 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 82,285 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +2,919 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.