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 Oak Park, accounting for 33.5% (2,252 people). This share was lower than Moreland (C) (40.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 2,212 people, while its share fell by 12.5 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Oak Park - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Oak Park in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Moreland (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Oak Park, with comparison markers for Moreland (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
2,252
% of total
33.5%
Change from 2016
-12.5pp
2,252
33.5%
-12.5pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,880
% of total
28.0%
Change from 2016
+9.6pp
1,880
28.0%
+9.6pp
Hinduism
2021 count
446
% of total
6.6%
Change from 2016
-
446
6.6%
-
Islam
2021 count
437
% of total
6.5%
Change from 2016
-
437
6.5%
-
Not stated
2021 count
347
% of total
5.2%
Change from 2016
-2.8pp
347
5.2%
-2.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
276
% of total
4.1%
Change from 2016
-15.4pp
276
4.1%
-15.4pp
Buddhism
2021 count
198
% of total
2.9%
Change from 2016
-
198
2.9%
-
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
194
% of total
2.9%
Change from 2016
-
194
2.9%
-
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
164
% of total
2.4%
Change from 2016
-2.2pp
164
2.4%
-2.2pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
97
% of total
1.4%
Change from 2016
-2.0pp
97
1.4%
-2.0pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+2,212
-12.5pp
Western Catholic
+1,864
+9.6pp
Not stated
+340
-2.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+259
-15.4pp
Christianity, nfd
+160
-2.2pp
Uniting Church
+94
-2.0pp
Data table
Religion for Oak Park. 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 | 2,252 | 33.5% | 40.4% | 40 | 46.0% | 31.9% | +2,212 | -12.5pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,880 | 28.0% | 22.9% | 16 | 18.4% | 26.6% | +1,864 | +9.6pp |
| Hinduism | 446 | 6.6% | 3.6% | - | - | 3.0% | - | - |
| Islam | 437 | 6.5% | 9.8% | - | - | 9.8% | - | - |
| Not stated | 347 | 5.2% | 5.4% | 7 | 8.0% | 8.6% | +340 | -2.8pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 276 | 4.1% | 2.7% | 17 | 19.5% | 3.7% | +259 | -15.4pp |
| Buddhism | 198 | 2.9% | 2.1% | - | - | 2.1% | - | - |
| Greek Orthodox | 194 | 2.9% | 5.4% | - | - | 5.9% | - | - |
| Christianity, nfd | 164 | 2.4% | 1.4% | 4 | 4.6% | 1.4% | +160 | -2.2pp |
| Uniting Church | 97 | 1.4% | 0.9% | 3 | 3.4% | 1.2% | +94 | -2.0pp |
| Total | 6,714 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 87 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +6,627 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.