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 Northern Areas (DC), accounting for 41% (1,858 people). This share was lower than Regional SA (47.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 593 people and 13 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Northern Areas (DC) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Northern Areas (DC) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional SA and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Northern Areas (DC), with comparison markers for Regional SA.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
1,858
% of total
41.0%
Change from 2016
+13.0pp
1,858
41.0%
+13.0pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
832
% of total
18.3%
Change from 2016
-3.1pp
832
18.3%
-3.1pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
557
% of total
12.3%
Change from 2016
-5.1pp
557
12.3%
-5.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
392
% of total
8.6%
Change from 2016
-2.9pp
392
8.6%
-2.9pp
Not stated
2021 count
368
% of total
8.1%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
368
8.1%
-0.8pp
Lutheran
2021 count
182
% of total
4.0%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
182
4.0%
-1.0pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
97
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
97
2.1%
0.0pp
Baptist
2021 count
69
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
69
1.5%
0.0pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
35
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
35
0.8%
0.0pp
Pentecostal, nfd
2021 count
25
% of total
0.6%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
25
0.6%
-0.4pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+593
+13.0pp
Western Catholic
-132
-3.1pp
Uniting Church
-230
-5.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-126
-2.9pp
Not stated
-35
-0.8pp
Lutheran
-45
-1.0pp
Christianity, nfd
+2
0.0pp
Baptist
+3
0.0pp
Presbyterian
-1
0.0pp
Pentecostal, nfd
-18
-0.4pp
Data table
Religion for Northern Areas (DC). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 1,858 | 41.0% | 47.5% | 1,265 | 28.0% | 35.0% | +593 | +13.0pp |
| Western Catholic | 832 | 18.3% | 11.7% | 964 | 21.4% | 14.5% | -132 | -3.1pp |
| Uniting Church | 557 | 12.3% | 7.7% | 787 | 17.4% | 11.4% | -230 | -5.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 392 | 8.6% | 7.8% | 518 | 11.5% | 10.7% | -126 | -2.9pp |
| Not stated | 368 | 8.1% | 8.9% | 403 | 8.9% | 9.8% | -35 | -0.8pp |
| Lutheran | 182 | 4.0% | 5.3% | 227 | 5.0% | 6.5% | -45 | -1.0pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 97 | 2.1% | 2.5% | 95 | 2.1% | 2.7% | +2 | 0.0pp |
| Baptist | 69 | 1.5% | 1.1% | 66 | 1.5% | 1.2% | +3 | 0.0pp |
| Presbyterian | 35 | 0.8% | 1.1% | 36 | 0.8% | 1.7% | -1 | 0.0pp |
| Pentecostal, nfd | 25 | 0.6% | 1.0% | 43 | 1.0% | 1.0% | -18 | -0.4pp |
| Total | 4,537 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 4,511 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +26 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.