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 Carlton (Vic.), accounting for 51.6% (8,277 people). This share was higher than Melbourne (C) (48.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 1,892 people and 14.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Carlton (Vic.) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Carlton (Vic.) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Melbourne (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Carlton (Vic.), with comparison markers for Melbourne (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
8,277
% of total
51.6%
Change from 2016
+14.8pp
8,277
51.6%
+14.8pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,817
% of total
11.3%
Change from 2016
-5.2pp
1,817
11.3%
-5.2pp
Not stated
2021 count
1,249
% of total
7.8%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
1,249
7.8%
-0.1pp
Islam
2021 count
1,141
% of total
7.1%
Change from 2016
+6.0pp
1,141
7.1%
+6.0pp
Buddhism
2021 count
968
% of total
6.0%
Change from 2016
+2.9pp
968
6.0%
+2.9pp
Hinduism
2021 count
730
% of total
4.6%
Change from 2016
-4.0pp
730
4.6%
-4.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
385
% of total
2.4%
Change from 2016
-3.5pp
385
2.4%
-3.5pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
316
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
316
2.0%
+0.6pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
131
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
-3.9pp
131
0.8%
-3.9pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
119
% of total
0.7%
Change from 2016
-1.5pp
119
0.7%
-1.5pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+1,892
+14.8pp
Western Catholic
-1,039
-5.2pp
Not stated
-121
-0.1pp
Islam
+957
+6.0pp
Buddhism
+426
+2.9pp
Hinduism
-754
-4.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-635
-3.5pp
Christianity, nfd
+81
+0.6pp
Greek Orthodox
-678
-3.9pp
Uniting Church
-256
-1.5pp
Data table
Religion for Carlton (Vic.). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Melbourne (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Melbourne (C)% | Count | % | Melbourne (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 8,277 | 51.6% | 48.5% | 6,385 | 36.8% | 44.5% | +1,892 | +14.8pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,817 | 11.3% | 13.0% | 2,856 | 16.5% | 12.9% | -1,039 | -5.2pp |
| Not stated | 1,249 | 7.8% | 9.0% | 1,370 | 7.9% | 14.2% | -121 | -0.1pp |
| Islam | 1,141 | 7.1% | 3.9% | 184 | 1.1% | 3.9% | +957 | +6.0pp |
| Buddhism | 968 | 6.0% | 6.3% | 542 | 3.1% | 6.9% | +426 | +2.9pp |
| Hinduism | 730 | 4.6% | 6.1% | 1,484 | 8.6% | 4.0% | -754 | -4.0pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 385 | 2.4% | 3.1% | 1,020 | 5.9% | 3.6% | -635 | -3.5pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 316 | 2.0% | 2.2% | 235 | 1.4% | 1.9% | +81 | +0.6pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 131 | 0.8% | 0.9% | 809 | 4.7% | 0.8% | -678 | -3.9pp |
| Uniting Church | 119 | 0.7% | 1.0% | 375 | 2.2% | 1.3% | -256 | -1.5pp |
| Total | 16,043 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 17,343 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -1,300 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.