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 Moonee Ponds, accounting for 38.3% (6,205 people). This share was higher than Moonee Valley (C) (31.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 1,678 people and 6.5 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Moonee Ponds - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Moonee Ponds in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Moonee Valley (C) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Moonee Ponds, with comparison markers for Moonee Valley (C).

Moonee Ponds
Moonee Valley (C)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

6,205

% of total

38.3%

Change from 2016

+6.5pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

5,210

% of total

32.2%

Change from 2016

-3.3pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

790

% of total

4.9%

Change from 2016

-0.7pp

Greek Orthodox

2021 count

714

% of total

4.4%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Not stated

2021 count

702

% of total

4.3%

Change from 2016

-4.3pp

Hinduism

2021 count

476

% of total

2.9%

Change from 2016

+0.6pp

Buddhism

2021 count

302

% of total

1.9%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Islam

2021 count

293

% of total

1.8%

Change from 2016

+0.6pp

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

292

% of total

1.8%

Change from 2016

+0.4pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

265

% of total

1.6%

Change from 2016

-0.4pp

Data table

Religion for Moonee Ponds. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Moonee Valley (C).

Religion for Moonee Ponds. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Moonee Valley (C).
Religion for Moonee Ponds. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Moonee Valley (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Moonee Valley (C)%Count%Moonee Valley (C)%Countpp
No Religion, so described6,20538.3%31.9%4,52731.8%25.9%+1,678+6.5pp
Western Catholic5,21032.2%36.1%5,05135.5%37.7%+159-3.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia7904.9%4.5%7915.6%5.5%-1-0.7pp
Greek Orthodox7144.4%4.8%6414.5%4.6%+73-0.1pp
Not stated7024.3%4.8%1,2308.6%8.4%-528-4.3pp
Hinduism4762.9%2.3%3312.3%2.1%+145+0.6pp
Buddhism3021.9%2.5%2501.8%2.5%+52+0.1pp
Islam2931.8%3.4%1731.2%2.9%+120+0.6pp
Christianity, nfd2921.8%1.8%1961.4%1.6%+96+0.4pp
Uniting Church2651.6%1.7%2802.0%2.2%-15-0.4pp
Total16,183100.0%100.0%14,247100.0%100.0%+1,9360.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.