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 South Arm (Nambucca Valley - NSW), accounting for 41.5% (130 people). This share was higher than Nambucca (A) (40.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 17 people and 4.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

South Arm (Nambucca Valley - NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for South Arm (Nambucca Valley - NSW) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Nambucca (A) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for South Arm (Nambucca Valley - NSW), with comparison markers for Nambucca (A).

South Arm (Nambucca Valley - NSW)
Nambucca (A)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

130

% of total

41.5%

Change from 2016

+4.8pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

69

% of total

22.0%

Change from 2016

-4.0pp

Not stated

2021 count

37

% of total

11.8%

Change from 2016

+1.7pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

33

% of total

10.5%

Change from 2016

-4.8pp

Presbyterian

2021 count

14

% of total

4.5%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Data table

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

Religion for South Arm (Nambucca Valley - NSW). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Nambucca (A).
Religion for South Arm (Nambucca Valley - NSW). 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 described13041.5%40.4%11336.7%29.2%+17+4.8pp
Western Catholic6922.0%17.2%8026.0%19.4%-11-4.0pp
Not stated3711.8%9.5%3110.1%10.5%+6+1.7pp
Anglican Church of Australia3310.5%15.8%4715.3%21.7%-14-4.8pp
Presbyterian144.5%3.6%134.2%4.9%+1+0.3pp
Total313100.0%100.0%308100.0%100.0%+50.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.