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 Northam, accounting for 40.1% (2,666 people). This share was lower than Northam (S) (41.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 786 people and 11.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Northam - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Northam in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Northam (S) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Northam, with comparison markers for Northam (S).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
2,666
% of total
40.1%
Change from 2016
+11.3pp
2,666
40.1%
+11.3pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,253
% of total
18.9%
Change from 2016
-3.2pp
1,253
18.9%
-3.2pp
Not stated
2021 count
802
% of total
12.1%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
802
12.1%
+0.2pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
768
% of total
11.6%
Change from 2016
-5.2pp
768
11.6%
-5.2pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
202
% of total
3.0%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
202
3.0%
0.0pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
151
% of total
2.3%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
151
2.3%
-0.7pp
Brethren
2021 count
140
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
140
2.1%
-0.2pp
Jehovah's Witnesses
2021 count
89
% of total
1.3%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
89
1.3%
-0.4pp
Baptist
2021 count
77
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
77
1.2%
-0.5pp
Churches of Christ (Conference)
2021 count
71
% of total
1.1%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
71
1.1%
+0.3pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+786
+11.3pp
Western Catholic
-195
-3.2pp
Not stated
+27
+0.2pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-329
-5.2pp
Christianity, nfd
+6
0.0pp
Uniting Church
-46
-0.7pp
Brethren
-8
-0.2pp
Jehovah's Witnesses
-22
-0.4pp
Baptist
-31
-0.5pp
Churches of Christ (Conference)
+16
+0.3pp
Data table
Religion for Northam. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Northam (S).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Northam (S)% | Count | % | Northam (S)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 2,666 | 40.1% | 41.6% | 1,880 | 28.8% | 29.2% | +786 | +11.3pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,253 | 18.9% | 17.1% | 1,448 | 22.1% | 20.2% | -195 | -3.2pp |
| Not stated | 802 | 12.1% | 13.6% | 775 | 11.9% | 15.0% | +27 | +0.2pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 768 | 11.6% | 12.5% | 1,097 | 16.8% | 18.0% | -329 | -5.2pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 202 | 3.0% | 2.9% | 196 | 3.0% | 2.6% | +6 | 0.0pp |
| Uniting Church | 151 | 2.3% | 2.0% | 197 | 3.0% | 3.0% | -46 | -0.7pp |
| Brethren | 140 | 2.1% | 1.2% | 148 | 2.3% | 1.3% | -8 | -0.2pp |
| Jehovah's Witnesses | 89 | 1.3% | 1.0% | 111 | 1.7% | 1.2% | -22 | -0.4pp |
| Baptist | 77 | 1.2% | 1.1% | 108 | 1.7% | 1.4% | -31 | -0.5pp |
| Churches of Christ (Conference) | 71 | 1.1% | 0.7% | 55 | 0.8% | 0.6% | +16 | +0.3pp |
| Total | 6,645 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 6,538 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +107 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.