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 Ascot Vale, accounting for 41.5% (6,303 people). This share was higher than Moonee Valley (C) (31.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 1,209 people and 7 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Ascot Vale - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Ascot Vale in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Moonee Valley (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Ascot Vale, with comparison markers for Moonee Valley (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
6,303
% of total
41.5%
Change from 2016
+7.0pp
6,303
41.5%
+7.0pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
4,080
% of total
26.8%
Change from 2016
-2.2pp
4,080
26.8%
-2.2pp
Not stated
2021 count
959
% of total
6.3%
Change from 2016
-3.0pp
959
6.3%
-3.0pp
Islam
2021 count
756
% of total
5.0%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
756
5.0%
0.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
608
% of total
4.0%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
608
4.0%
-1.0pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
539
% of total
3.5%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
539
3.5%
+0.1pp
Buddhism
2021 count
395
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
395
2.6%
-0.4pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
267
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
267
1.8%
+0.2pp
Hinduism
2021 count
244
% of total
1.6%
Change from 2016
+0.5pp
244
1.6%
+0.5pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
225
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
225
1.5%
-0.3pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+1,209
+7.0pp
Western Catholic
-193
-2.2pp
Not stated
-417
-3.0pp
Islam
+15
0.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-127
-1.0pp
Greek Orthodox
+39
+0.1pp
Buddhism
-40
-0.4pp
Christianity, nfd
+30
+0.2pp
Hinduism
+76
+0.5pp
Uniting Church
-37
-0.3pp
Data table
Religion for Ascot Vale. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Moonee Valley (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Moonee Valley (C)% | Count | % | Moonee Valley (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 6,303 | 41.5% | 31.9% | 5,094 | 34.5% | 25.9% | +1,209 | +7.0pp |
| Western Catholic | 4,080 | 26.8% | 36.1% | 4,273 | 29.0% | 37.7% | -193 | -2.2pp |
| Not stated | 959 | 6.3% | 4.8% | 1,376 | 9.3% | 8.4% | -417 | -3.0pp |
| Islam | 756 | 5.0% | 3.4% | 741 | 5.0% | 2.9% | +15 | 0.0pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 608 | 4.0% | 4.5% | 735 | 5.0% | 5.5% | -127 | -1.0pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 539 | 3.5% | 4.8% | 500 | 3.4% | 4.6% | +39 | +0.1pp |
| Buddhism | 395 | 2.6% | 2.5% | 435 | 3.0% | 2.5% | -40 | -0.4pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 267 | 1.8% | 1.8% | 237 | 1.6% | 1.6% | +30 | +0.2pp |
| Hinduism | 244 | 1.6% | 2.3% | 168 | 1.1% | 2.1% | +76 | +0.5pp |
| Uniting Church | 225 | 1.5% | 1.7% | 262 | 1.8% | 2.2% | -37 | -0.3pp |
| Total | 15,199 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 14,749 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +450 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.