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 Muswellbrook (A), accounting for 33.5% (5,474 people). This share was lower than Regional NSW (37.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 1,869 people and 11.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Muswellbrook (A) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Muswellbrook (A) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional NSW and change since 2016.
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Muswellbrook (A), with comparison markers for Regional NSW.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
5,474
% of total
33.5%
Change from 2016
+11.1pp
5,474
33.5%
+11.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
4,172
% of total
25.6%
Change from 2016
-4.3pp
4,172
25.6%
-4.3pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
3,391
% of total
20.8%
Change from 2016
-3.7pp
3,391
20.8%
-3.7pp
Not stated
2021 count
1,374
% of total
8.4%
Change from 2016
-1.6pp
1,374
8.4%
-1.6pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
390
% of total
2.4%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
390
2.4%
-0.7pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
316
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
316
1.9%
-0.8pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
257
% of total
1.6%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
257
1.6%
-0.1pp
Baptist
2021 count
198
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
198
1.2%
0.0pp
Buddhism
2021 count
117
% of total
0.7%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
117
0.7%
+0.2pp
Inadequately described
2021 count
82
% of total
0.5%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
82
0.5%
0.0pp
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+1,869
+11.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-641
-4.3pp
Western Catholic
-553
-3.7pp
Not stated
-234
-1.6pp
Uniting Church
-108
-0.7pp
Presbyterian
-119
-0.8pp
Christianity, nfd
-23
-0.1pp
Baptist
+1
0.0pp
Buddhism
+43
+0.2pp
Inadequately described
+9
0.0pp
Data table
Religion for Muswellbrook (A). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NSW.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 5,474 | 33.5% | 37.4% | 3,605 | 22.4% | 26.0% | +1,869 | +11.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 4,172 | 25.6% | 17.0% | 4,813 | 29.9% | 21.9% | -641 | -4.3pp |
| Western Catholic | 3,391 | 20.8% | 21.0% | 3,944 | 24.5% | 23.8% | -553 | -3.7pp |
| Not stated | 1,374 | 8.4% | 7.7% | 1,608 | 10.0% | 9.3% | -234 | -1.6pp |
| Uniting Church | 390 | 2.4% | 3.3% | 498 | 3.1% | 4.5% | -108 | -0.7pp |
| Presbyterian | 316 | 1.9% | 2.6% | 435 | 2.7% | 3.5% | -119 | -0.8pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 257 | 1.6% | 2.2% | 280 | 1.7% | 2.2% | -23 | -0.1pp |
| Baptist | 198 | 1.2% | 1.2% | 197 | 1.2% | 1.3% | +1 | 0.0pp |
| Buddhism | 117 | 0.7% | 0.8% | 74 | 0.5% | 0.8% | +43 | +0.2pp |
| Inadequately described | 82 | 0.5% | 0.4% | 73 | 0.5% | 0.4% | +9 | 0.0pp |
| Total | 16,327 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 16,071 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +256 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.