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 Mosman, accounting for 40.1% (11,352 people). This share was similar to Mosman (A) (40.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 11,249 people, while its share fell by 7.1 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Mosman - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Mosman in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mosman (A) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size change

Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.

2016
2021

No Religion, so described

+11,249

-7.1pp

Western Catholic

+6,519

+14.8pp

Anglican Church of Australia

+4,886

+9.5pp

Not stated

+1,367

-12.0pp

Presbyterian

+551

-0.3pp

Uniting Church

+499

-0.5pp

Buddhism

+392

-3.6pp

Christianity, nfd

+371

-0.5pp

Hinduism

+290

-0.4pp

Inadequately described

+76

-2.0pp

Data table

Religion for Mosman. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mosman (A).

Religion for Mosman. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mosman (A).
Religion for Mosman. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mosman (A).
Category20212016Change
Count%Mosman (A)%Count%Mosman (A)%Countpp
No Religion, so described11,35240.1%40.1%10347.2%31.3%+11,249-7.1pp
Western Catholic6,53723.1%23.1%188.3%23.8%+6,519+14.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia4,90317.3%17.3%177.8%20.1%+4,886+9.5pp
Not stated1,4045.0%5.0%3717.0%10.3%+1,367-12.0pp
Presbyterian5562.0%2.0%52.3%2.5%+551-0.3pp
Uniting Church5041.8%1.8%52.3%1.9%+499-0.5pp
Greek Orthodox4611.6%1.6%--1.4%--
Buddhism4031.4%1.4%115.0%1.4%+392-3.6pp
Christianity, nfd3751.3%1.3%41.8%1.3%+371-0.5pp
Hinduism2931.0%1.0%31.4%1.0%+290-0.4pp
Total28,311100.0%100.0%218100.0%100.0%+28,0930.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.