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 North Melbourne, accounting for 52.7% (7,864 people). This share was higher than Melbourne (C) (48.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 900 people and 6 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
North Melbourne - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for North Melbourne in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Melbourne (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for North Melbourne, with comparison markers for Melbourne (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
7,864
% of total
52.7%
Change from 2016
+6.0pp
7,864
52.7%
+6.0pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,713
% of total
11.5%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
1,713
11.5%
-0.6pp
Not stated
2021 count
1,448
% of total
9.7%
Change from 2016
-4.3pp
1,448
9.7%
-4.3pp
Islam
2021 count
1,045
% of total
7.0%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
1,045
7.0%
-0.3pp
Buddhism
2021 count
665
% of total
4.5%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
665
4.5%
-0.5pp
Hinduism
2021 count
373
% of total
2.5%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
373
2.5%
+0.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
364
% of total
2.4%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
364
2.4%
-0.7pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
276
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
276
1.8%
0.0pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
173
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
173
1.2%
+0.2pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
111
% of total
0.7%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
111
0.7%
-0.6pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+900
+6.0pp
Western Catholic
-88
-0.6pp
Not stated
-645
-4.3pp
Islam
-43
-0.3pp
Buddhism
-82
-0.5pp
Hinduism
+92
+0.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-95
-0.7pp
Christianity, nfd
+8
0.0pp
Greek Orthodox
+24
+0.2pp
Uniting Church
-77
-0.6pp
Data table
Religion for North Melbourne. 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 | 7,864 | 52.7% | 48.5% | 6,964 | 46.7% | 44.5% | +900 | +6.0pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,713 | 11.5% | 13.0% | 1,801 | 12.1% | 12.9% | -88 | -0.6pp |
| Not stated | 1,448 | 9.7% | 9.0% | 2,093 | 14.0% | 14.2% | -645 | -4.3pp |
| Islam | 1,045 | 7.0% | 3.9% | 1,088 | 7.3% | 3.9% | -43 | -0.3pp |
| Buddhism | 665 | 4.5% | 6.3% | 747 | 5.0% | 6.9% | -82 | -0.5pp |
| Hinduism | 373 | 2.5% | 6.1% | 281 | 1.9% | 4.0% | +92 | +0.6pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 364 | 2.4% | 3.1% | 459 | 3.1% | 3.6% | -95 | -0.7pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 276 | 1.8% | 2.2% | 268 | 1.8% | 1.9% | +8 | 0.0pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 173 | 1.2% | 0.9% | 149 | 1.0% | 0.8% | +24 | +0.2pp |
| Uniting Church | 111 | 0.7% | 1.0% | 188 | 1.3% | 1.3% | -77 | -0.6pp |
| Total | 14,919 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 14,910 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +9 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.