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 Maroondah (C), accounting for 45.3% (52,086 people). This share was higher than Greater Melbourne (36.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 12,063 people and 9 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Maroondah (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Maroondah (C), with comparison markers for Greater Melbourne.

Maroondah (C)
Greater Melbourne

No Religion, so described

2021 count

52,086

% of total

45.3%

Change from 2016

+9.0pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

19,903

% of total

17.3%

Change from 2016

-2.6pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

8,495

% of total

7.4%

Change from 2016

-2.7pp

Not stated

2021 count

5,299

% of total

4.6%

Change from 2016

-2.6pp

Baptist

2021 count

4,772

% of total

4.1%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

4,266

% of total

3.7%

Change from 2016

-0.2pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

3,251

% of total

2.8%

Change from 2016

-1.0pp

Buddhism

2021 count

2,543

% of total

2.2%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Hinduism

2021 count

2,164

% of total

1.9%

Change from 2016

+0.6pp

Presbyterian

2021 count

1,721

% of total

1.5%

Change from 2016

-0.5pp

Data table

Religion for Maroondah (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Melbourne.

Religion for Maroondah (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Melbourne.
Religion for Maroondah (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Melbourne.
Category20212016Change
Count%Greater Melbourne%Count%Greater Melbourne%Countpp
No Religion, so described52,08645.3%36.9%40,02336.3%31.0%+12,063+9.0pp
Western Catholic19,90317.3%20.5%21,97019.9%23.2%-2,067-2.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia8,4957.4%5.5%11,11010.1%7.6%-2,615-2.7pp
Not stated5,2994.6%5.8%7,9927.2%8.6%-2,693-2.6pp
Baptist4,7724.1%1.3%4,6644.2%1.3%+108-0.1pp
Christianity, nfd4,2663.7%2.7%4,3343.9%2.6%-68-0.2pp
Uniting Church3,2512.8%1.7%4,1783.8%2.3%-927-1.0pp
Buddhism2,5432.2%3.9%2,1291.9%3.8%+414+0.3pp
Hinduism2,1641.9%4.1%1,4101.3%2.9%+754+0.6pp
Presbyterian1,7211.5%1.1%2,2372.0%1.5%-516-0.5pp
Total115,024100.0%100.0%110,345100.0%100.0%+4,6790.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.