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 Smiths Lake, accounting for 51.2% (670 people). This share was higher than Mid-Coast (A) (36.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 211 people and 13.7 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Smiths Lake - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Smiths Lake in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mid-Coast (A) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Smiths Lake, with comparison markers for Mid-Coast (A).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
670
% of total
51.2%
Change from 2016
+13.7pp
670
51.2%
+13.7pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
206
% of total
15.7%
Change from 2016
-3.9pp
206
15.7%
-3.9pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
203
% of total
15.5%
Change from 2016
-6.8pp
203
15.5%
-6.8pp
Not stated
2021 count
127
% of total
9.7%
Change from 2016
+1.5pp
127
9.7%
+1.5pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
24
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
+0.5pp
24
1.8%
+0.5pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
19
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
19
1.5%
-1.1pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
15
% of total
1.1%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
15
1.1%
-1.4pp
Hinduism
2021 count
11
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
-
11
0.8%
-
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+211
+13.7pp
Western Catholic
-34
-3.9pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-70
-6.8pp
Not stated
+27
+1.5pp
Christianity, nfd
+8
+0.5pp
Presbyterian
-13
-1.1pp
Uniting Church
-16
-1.4pp
Data table
Religion for Smiths Lake. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mid-Coast (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Mid-Coast (A)% | Count | % | Mid-Coast (A)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 670 | 51.2% | 36.2% | 459 | 37.5% | 24.4% | +211 | +13.7pp |
| Western Catholic | 206 | 15.7% | 16.7% | 240 | 19.6% | 19.1% | -34 | -3.9pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 203 | 15.5% | 22.6% | 273 | 22.3% | 28.6% | -70 | -6.8pp |
| Not stated | 127 | 9.7% | 8.2% | 100 | 8.2% | 9.0% | +27 | +1.5pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 24 | 1.8% | 2.2% | 16 | 1.3% | 2.1% | +8 | +0.5pp |
| Presbyterian | 19 | 1.5% | 3.0% | 32 | 2.6% | 3.9% | -13 | -1.1pp |
| Uniting Church | 15 | 1.1% | 3.9% | 31 | 2.5% | 5.4% | -16 | -1.4pp |
| Hinduism | 11 | 0.8% | 0.3% | - | - | 0.2% | - | - |
| Total | 1,309 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1,225 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +84 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.