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 Macksville, accounting for 34% (941 people). This share was lower than Nambucca (A) (40.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Inadequately described, which decreased by 2 people and 99.9 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Macksville - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Macksville, with comparison markers for Nambucca (A).

Macksville
Nambucca (A)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

941

% of total

34.0%

Change from 2016

-

Western Catholic

2021 count

589

% of total

21.3%

Change from 2016

-

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

484

% of total

17.5%

Change from 2016

-

Not stated

2021 count

211

% of total

7.6%

Change from 2016

-

Presbyterian

2021 count

125

% of total

4.5%

Change from 2016

-

Uniting Church

2021 count

120

% of total

4.3%

Change from 2016

-

Jehovah's Witnesses

2021 count

54

% of total

1.9%

Change from 2016

-

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

51

% of total

1.8%

Change from 2016

-

Sikhism

2021 count

39

% of total

1.4%

Change from 2016

-

Salvation Army

2021 count

37

% of total

1.3%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

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

Religion for Macksville. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Nambucca (A).
Religion for Macksville. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Nambucca (A).
Category20212016Change
Count%Nambucca (A)%Count%Nambucca (A)%Countpp
No Religion, so described94134.0%40.4%--29.2%--
Western Catholic58921.3%17.2%--19.4%--
Anglican Church of Australia48417.5%15.8%--21.7%--
Not stated2117.6%9.5%--10.5%--
Presbyterian1254.5%3.6%--4.9%--
Uniting Church1204.3%3.1%--4.0%--
Jehovah's Witnesses541.9%1.3%--1.1%--
Christianity, nfd511.8%1.9%--2.2%--
Sikhism391.4%0.3%--0.1%--
Salvation Army371.3%0.7%--1.0%--
Total2,770100.0%100.0%5100.0%100.0%+2,7650.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.