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 Monash (C), accounting for 35.4% (67,390 people). This share was lower than Greater Melbourne (36.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 9,973 people and 4 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Monash (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Monash (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Melbourne and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Monash (C), with comparison markers for Greater Melbourne.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
67,390
% of total
35.4%
Change from 2016
+4.0pp
67,390
35.4%
+4.0pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
32,517
% of total
17.1%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
32,517
17.1%
-1.7pp
Hinduism
2021 count
14,241
% of total
7.5%
Change from 2016
+2.3pp
14,241
7.5%
+2.3pp
Buddhism
2021 count
13,700
% of total
7.2%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
13,700
7.2%
+0.4pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
12,943
% of total
6.8%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
12,943
6.8%
0.0pp
Not stated
2021 count
10,290
% of total
5.4%
Change from 2016
-2.4pp
10,290
5.4%
-2.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
8,244
% of total
4.3%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
8,244
4.3%
-1.4pp
Islam
2021 count
5,230
% of total
2.7%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
5,230
2.7%
+0.4pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
4,821
% of total
2.5%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
4,821
2.5%
0.0pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
4,173
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
4,173
2.2%
-0.7pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+9,973
+4.0pp
Western Catholic
-1,892
-1.7pp
Hinduism
+4,666
+2.3pp
Buddhism
+1,309
+0.4pp
Greek Orthodox
+524
0.0pp
Not stated
-3,970
-2.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-2,249
-1.4pp
Islam
+984
+0.4pp
Christianity, nfd
+243
0.0pp
Uniting Church
-1,185
-0.7pp
Data table
Religion for Monash (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Melbourne.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 67,390 | 35.4% | 36.9% | 57,417 | 31.4% | 31.0% | +9,973 | +4.0pp |
| Western Catholic | 32,517 | 17.1% | 20.5% | 34,409 | 18.8% | 23.2% | -1,892 | -1.7pp |
| Hinduism | 14,241 | 7.5% | 4.1% | 9,575 | 5.2% | 2.9% | +4,666 | +2.3pp |
| Buddhism | 13,700 | 7.2% | 3.9% | 12,391 | 6.8% | 3.8% | +1,309 | +0.4pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 12,943 | 6.8% | 3.3% | 12,419 | 6.8% | 3.5% | +524 | 0.0pp |
| Not stated | 10,290 | 5.4% | 5.8% | 14,260 | 7.8% | 8.6% | -3,970 | -2.4pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 8,244 | 4.3% | 5.5% | 10,493 | 5.7% | 7.6% | -2,249 | -1.4pp |
| Islam | 5,230 | 2.7% | 5.3% | 4,246 | 2.3% | 4.2% | +984 | +0.4pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 4,821 | 2.5% | 2.7% | 4,578 | 2.5% | 2.6% | +243 | 0.0pp |
| Uniting Church | 4,173 | 2.2% | 1.7% | 5,358 | 2.9% | 2.3% | -1,185 | -0.7pp |
| Total | 190,410 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 182,585 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +7,825 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.