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 Brunswick West, accounting for 51.2% (7,538 people). This share was higher than Moreland (C) (40.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 1,690 people and 9.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Brunswick West - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Brunswick West in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Moreland (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Brunswick West, with comparison markers for Moreland (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
7,538
% of total
51.2%
Change from 2016
+9.8pp
7,538
51.2%
+9.8pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
2,891
% of total
19.6%
Change from 2016
-2.6pp
2,891
19.6%
-2.6pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
882
% of total
6.0%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
882
6.0%
-0.7pp
Not stated
2021 count
677
% of total
4.6%
Change from 2016
-4.2pp
677
4.6%
-4.2pp
Islam
2021 count
598
% of total
4.1%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
598
4.1%
-0.5pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
403
% of total
2.7%
Change from 2016
-1.2pp
403
2.7%
-1.2pp
Buddhism
2021 count
322
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
322
2.2%
+0.2pp
Hinduism
2021 count
296
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
296
2.0%
-0.6pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
182
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
182
1.2%
0.0pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
139
% of total
0.9%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
139
0.9%
-0.3pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+1,690
+9.8pp
Western Catholic
-242
-2.6pp
Greek Orthodox
-62
-0.7pp
Not stated
-571
-4.2pp
Islam
-56
-0.5pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-154
-1.2pp
Buddhism
+33
+0.2pp
Hinduism
-66
-0.6pp
Christianity, nfd
+13
0.0pp
Uniting Church
-35
-0.3pp
Data table
Religion for Brunswick West. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Moreland (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Moreland (C)% | Count | % | Moreland (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 7,538 | 51.2% | 40.4% | 5,848 | 41.4% | 31.9% | +1,690 | +9.8pp |
| Western Catholic | 2,891 | 19.6% | 22.9% | 3,133 | 22.2% | 26.6% | -242 | -2.6pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 882 | 6.0% | 5.4% | 944 | 6.7% | 5.9% | -62 | -0.7pp |
| Not stated | 677 | 4.6% | 5.4% | 1,248 | 8.8% | 8.6% | -571 | -4.2pp |
| Islam | 598 | 4.1% | 9.8% | 654 | 4.6% | 9.8% | -56 | -0.5pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 403 | 2.7% | 2.7% | 557 | 3.9% | 3.7% | -154 | -1.2pp |
| Buddhism | 322 | 2.2% | 2.1% | 289 | 2.0% | 2.1% | +33 | +0.2pp |
| Hinduism | 296 | 2.0% | 3.6% | 362 | 2.6% | 3.0% | -66 | -0.6pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 182 | 1.2% | 1.4% | 169 | 1.2% | 1.4% | +13 | 0.0pp |
| Uniting Church | 139 | 0.9% | 0.9% | 174 | 1.2% | 1.2% | -35 | -0.3pp |
| Total | 14,730 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 14,136 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +594 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.