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 Parkville (Vic.) (part), accounting for 54.9% (3,855 people). This share was higher than Melbourne (C) (48.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 2,305 people and 14.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Parkville (Vic.) (part) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Parkville (Vic.) (part) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Melbourne (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Parkville (Vic.) (part), with comparison markers for Melbourne (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
3,855
% of total
54.9%
Change from 2016
+14.4pp
3,855
54.9%
+14.4pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,026
% of total
14.6%
Change from 2016
-3.4pp
1,026
14.6%
-3.4pp
Not stated
2021 count
478
% of total
6.8%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
478
6.8%
-1.7pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
345
% of total
4.9%
Change from 2016
-12.3pp
345
4.9%
-12.3pp
Islam
2021 count
276
% of total
3.9%
Change from 2016
-
276
3.9%
-
Buddhism
2021 count
234
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
+2.7pp
234
3.3%
+2.7pp
Hinduism
2021 count
171
% of total
2.4%
Change from 2016
-
171
2.4%
-
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
100
% of total
1.4%
Change from 2016
-0.9pp
100
1.4%
-0.9pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
78
% of total
1.1%
Change from 2016
-2.1pp
78
1.1%
-2.1pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
66
% of total
0.9%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
66
0.9%
-0.7pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+2,305
+14.4pp
Western Catholic
+338
-3.4pp
Not stated
+152
-1.7pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-312
-12.3pp
Buddhism
+212
+2.7pp
Christianity, nfd
+11
-0.9pp
Uniting Church
-45
-2.1pp
Greek Orthodox
+4
-0.7pp
Presbyterian
-63
-2.3pp
Baptist
+1
-0.6pp
Data table
Religion for Parkville (Vic.) (part). 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 | 3,855 | 54.9% | 48.5% | 1,550 | 40.5% | 44.5% | +2,305 | +14.4pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,026 | 14.6% | 13.0% | 688 | 18.0% | 12.9% | +338 | -3.4pp |
| Not stated | 478 | 6.8% | 9.0% | 326 | 8.5% | 14.2% | +152 | -1.7pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 345 | 4.9% | 3.1% | 657 | 17.2% | 3.6% | -312 | -12.3pp |
| Islam | 276 | 3.9% | 3.9% | - | - | 3.9% | - | - |
| Buddhism | 234 | 3.3% | 6.3% | 22 | 0.6% | 6.9% | +212 | +2.7pp |
| Hinduism | 171 | 2.4% | 6.1% | - | - | 4.0% | - | - |
| Christianity, nfd | 100 | 1.4% | 2.2% | 89 | 2.3% | 1.9% | +11 | -0.9pp |
| Uniting Church | 78 | 1.1% | 1.0% | 123 | 3.2% | 1.3% | -45 | -2.1pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 66 | 0.9% | 0.9% | 62 | 1.6% | 0.8% | +4 | -0.7pp |
| Total | 7,021 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 3,828 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +3,193 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.