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, Western Catholic was the most common religious affiliation among residents in Avondale Heights, accounting for 44.7% (5,534 people). This share was higher than Moonee Valley (C) (36.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 753 people and 5 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Avondale Heights - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Avondale Heights in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Moonee Valley (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Avondale Heights, with comparison markers for Moonee Valley (C).
Western Catholic
2021 count
5,534
% of total
44.7%
Change from 2016
-1.2pp
5,534
44.7%
-1.2pp
No Religion, so described
2021 count
2,726
% of total
22.0%
Change from 2016
+5.0pp
2,726
22.0%
+5.0pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
888
% of total
7.2%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
888
7.2%
-0.3pp
Buddhism
2021 count
545
% of total
4.4%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
545
4.4%
0.0pp
Not stated
2021 count
530
% of total
4.3%
Change from 2016
-3.3pp
530
4.3%
-3.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
386
% of total
3.1%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
386
3.1%
-0.6pp
Islam
2021 count
351
% of total
2.8%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
351
2.8%
+0.6pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
255
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
255
2.1%
-0.1pp
Hinduism
2021 count
163
% of total
1.3%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
163
1.3%
+0.2pp
Macedonian Orthodox
2021 count
147
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
147
1.2%
+0.1pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Western Catholic
+191
-1.2pp
No Religion, so described
+753
+5.0pp
Greek Orthodox
+14
-0.3pp
Buddhism
+31
0.0pp
Not stated
-356
-3.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-39
-0.6pp
Islam
+95
+0.6pp
Christianity, nfd
+3
-0.1pp
Hinduism
+35
+0.2pp
Macedonian Orthodox
+22
+0.1pp
Data table
Religion for Avondale Heights. 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 | |
| Western Catholic | 5,534 | 44.7% | 36.1% | 5,343 | 45.9% | 37.7% | +191 | -1.2pp |
| No Religion, so described | 2,726 | 22.0% | 31.9% | 1,973 | 17.0% | 25.9% | +753 | +5.0pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 888 | 7.2% | 4.8% | 874 | 7.5% | 4.6% | +14 | -0.3pp |
| Buddhism | 545 | 4.4% | 2.5% | 514 | 4.4% | 2.5% | +31 | 0.0pp |
| Not stated | 530 | 4.3% | 4.8% | 886 | 7.6% | 8.4% | -356 | -3.3pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 386 | 3.1% | 4.5% | 425 | 3.7% | 5.5% | -39 | -0.6pp |
| Islam | 351 | 2.8% | 3.4% | 256 | 2.2% | 2.9% | +95 | +0.6pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 255 | 2.1% | 1.8% | 252 | 2.2% | 1.6% | +3 | -0.1pp |
| Hinduism | 163 | 1.3% | 2.3% | 128 | 1.1% | 2.1% | +35 | +0.2pp |
| Macedonian Orthodox | 147 | 1.2% | 0.4% | 125 | 1.1% | 0.3% | +22 | +0.1pp |
| Total | 12,369 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 11,633 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +736 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.