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, Islam was the most common religious affiliation among residents in South Wharf, accounting for 39.7% (25 people). This share was higher than Melbourne (C) (3.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 5 people and 19.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
South Wharf - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for South Wharf in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Melbourne (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for South Wharf, with comparison markers for Melbourne (C).
Islam
2021 count
25
% of total
39.7%
Change from 2016
-
25
39.7%
-
No Religion, so described
2021 count
24
% of total
38.1%
Change from 2016
+19.1pp
24
38.1%
+19.1pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
10
% of total
15.9%
Change from 2016
+0.9pp
10
15.9%
+0.9pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+5
+19.1pp
Western Catholic
-5
+0.9pp
Data table
Religion for South Wharf. 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 | |
| Islam | 25 | 39.7% | 3.9% | - | - | 3.9% | - | - |
| No Religion, so described | 24 | 38.1% | 48.5% | 19 | 19.0% | 44.5% | +5 | +19.1pp |
| Western Catholic | 10 | 15.9% | 13.0% | 15 | 15.0% | 12.9% | -5 | +0.9pp |
| Total | 63 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 100 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -37 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.