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 Essendon North, accounting for 33.5% (1,028 people). This share was lower than Moonee Valley (C) (36.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 277 people and 8.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Essendon North - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Essendon North in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Moonee Valley (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Essendon North, with comparison markers for Moonee Valley (C).
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,028
% of total
33.5%
Change from 2016
-2.2pp
1,028
33.5%
-2.2pp
No Religion, so described
2021 count
954
% of total
31.1%
Change from 2016
+8.4pp
954
31.1%
+8.4pp
Hinduism
2021 count
166
% of total
5.4%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
166
5.4%
-1.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
145
% of total
4.7%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
145
4.7%
-1.1pp
Not stated
2021 count
144
% of total
4.7%
Change from 2016
-6.9pp
144
4.7%
-6.9pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
118
% of total
3.8%
Change from 2016
+0.5pp
118
3.8%
+0.5pp
Islam
2021 count
101
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
+0.9pp
101
3.3%
+0.9pp
Buddhism
2021 count
93
% of total
3.0%
Change from 2016
+1.3pp
93
3.0%
+1.3pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
79
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
+1.2pp
79
2.6%
+1.2pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
49
% of total
1.6%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
49
1.6%
-0.7pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Western Catholic
-33
-2.2pp
No Religion, so described
+277
+8.4pp
Hinduism
-27
-1.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-29
-1.1pp
Not stated
-200
-6.9pp
Greek Orthodox
+19
+0.5pp
Islam
+29
+0.9pp
Buddhism
+41
+1.3pp
Christianity, nfd
+38
+1.2pp
Uniting Church
-19
-0.7pp
Data table
Religion for Essendon North. 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 | 1,028 | 33.5% | 36.1% | 1,061 | 35.7% | 37.7% | -33 | -2.2pp |
| No Religion, so described | 954 | 31.1% | 31.9% | 677 | 22.7% | 25.9% | +277 | +8.4pp |
| Hinduism | 166 | 5.4% | 2.3% | 193 | 6.5% | 2.1% | -27 | -1.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 145 | 4.7% | 4.5% | 174 | 5.8% | 5.5% | -29 | -1.1pp |
| Not stated | 144 | 4.7% | 4.8% | 344 | 11.6% | 8.4% | -200 | -6.9pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 118 | 3.8% | 4.8% | 99 | 3.3% | 4.6% | +19 | +0.5pp |
| Islam | 101 | 3.3% | 3.4% | 72 | 2.4% | 2.9% | +29 | +0.9pp |
| Buddhism | 93 | 3.0% | 2.5% | 52 | 1.7% | 2.5% | +41 | +1.3pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 79 | 2.6% | 1.8% | 41 | 1.4% | 1.6% | +38 | +1.2pp |
| Uniting Church | 49 | 1.6% | 1.7% | 68 | 2.3% | 2.2% | -19 | -0.7pp |
| Total | 3,072 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2,976 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +96 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.