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 Melinga, accounting for 36.8% (43 people). This share was higher than Mid-Coast (A) (36.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 13 people and 4.5 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Melinga - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Melinga in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mid-Coast (A) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Melinga, with comparison markers for Mid-Coast (A).

Melinga
Mid-Coast (A)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

43

% of total

36.8%

Change from 2016

+4.5pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

25

% of total

21.4%

Change from 2016

+7.4pp

Not stated

2021 count

18

% of total

15.4%

Change from 2016

+8.9pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

10

% of total

8.5%

Change from 2016

-15.2pp

Data table

Religion for Melinga. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mid-Coast (A).

Religion for Melinga. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mid-Coast (A).
Religion for Melinga. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mid-Coast (A).
Category20212016Change
Count%Mid-Coast (A)%Count%Mid-Coast (A)%Countpp
No Religion, so described4336.8%36.2%3032.3%24.4%+13+4.5pp
Anglican Church of Australia2521.4%22.6%1314.0%28.6%+12+7.4pp
Not stated1815.4%8.2%66.5%9.0%+12+8.9pp
Western Catholic108.5%16.7%2223.7%19.1%-12-15.2pp
Total117100.0%100.0%93100.0%100.0%+240.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.