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 Merrimu, accounting for 34.5% (142 people). This share was lower than Moorabool (S) (45.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 31 people and 4.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Merrimu - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Merrimu in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Moorabool (S) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Merrimu, with comparison markers for Moorabool (S).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
142
% of total
34.5%
Change from 2016
+4.3pp
142
34.5%
+4.3pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
131
% of total
31.9%
Change from 2016
-4.6pp
131
31.9%
-4.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
39
% of total
9.5%
Change from 2016
-6.8pp
39
9.5%
-6.8pp
Not stated
2021 count
31
% of total
7.5%
Change from 2016
+1.5pp
31
7.5%
+1.5pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
13
% of total
3.2%
Change from 2016
+1.0pp
13
3.2%
+1.0pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
12
% of total
2.9%
Change from 2016
+1.3pp
12
2.9%
+1.3pp
Revival Centres
2021 count
10
% of total
2.4%
Change from 2016
-
10
2.4%
-
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+31
+4.3pp
Western Catholic
-3
-4.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-21
-6.8pp
Not stated
+9
+1.5pp
Christianity, nfd
+5
+1.0pp
Presbyterian
+6
+1.3pp
Data table
Religion for Merrimu. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Moorabool (S).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Moorabool (S)% | Count | % | Moorabool (S)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 142 | 34.5% | 45.4% | 111 | 30.2% | 35.1% | +31 | +4.3pp |
| Western Catholic | 131 | 31.9% | 24.5% | 134 | 36.5% | 28.5% | -3 | -4.6pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 39 | 9.5% | 9.0% | 60 | 16.3% | 12.2% | -21 | -6.8pp |
| Not stated | 31 | 7.5% | 6.0% | 22 | 6.0% | 8.7% | +9 | +1.5pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 13 | 3.2% | 2.0% | 8 | 2.2% | 2.0% | +5 | +1.0pp |
| Presbyterian | 12 | 2.9% | 1.4% | 6 | 1.6% | 2.2% | +6 | +1.3pp |
| Revival Centres | 10 | 2.4% | 0.0% | - | - | - | - | - |
| Total | 411 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 367 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +44 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.