Cultural diversity
Religion
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.
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
Western Catholic
Not stated
Islam
Buddhism
Hinduism
Anglican Church of Australia
Christianity, nfd
Greek Orthodox
Uniting Church
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.