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 Noarlunga Downs, accounting for 56.1% (2,251 people). This share was higher than Onkaparinga (C) (55.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 2,092 people and 25.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Noarlunga Downs - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Noarlunga Downs in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Onkaparinga (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Noarlunga Downs, with comparison markers for Onkaparinga (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
2,251
% of total
56.1%
Change from 2016
+25.9pp
2,251
56.1%
+25.9pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
487
% of total
12.1%
Change from 2016
+2.6pp
487
12.1%
+2.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
312
% of total
7.8%
Change from 2016
-6.6pp
312
7.8%
-6.6pp
Not stated
2021 count
258
% of total
6.4%
Change from 2016
-1.9pp
258
6.4%
-1.9pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
143
% of total
3.6%
Change from 2016
+1.1pp
143
3.6%
+1.1pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
106
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
-22.8pp
106
2.6%
-22.8pp
Baptist
2021 count
68
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
-1.5pp
68
1.7%
-1.5pp
Pentecostal, nfd
2021 count
45
% of total
1.1%
Change from 2016
-
45
1.1%
-
Lutheran
2021 count
43
% of total
1.1%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
43
1.1%
-1.7pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
34
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
-
34
0.8%
-
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+2,092
+25.9pp
Western Catholic
+437
+2.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+236
-6.6pp
Not stated
+214
-1.9pp
Christianity, nfd
+130
+1.1pp
Uniting Church
-28
-22.8pp
Baptist
+51
-1.5pp
Lutheran
+28
-1.7pp
Presbyterian
+18
-0.3pp
Salvation Army
+8
-0.3pp
Data table
Religion for Noarlunga Downs. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Onkaparinga (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Onkaparinga (C)% | Count | % | Onkaparinga (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 2,251 | 56.1% | 55.8% | 159 | 30.2% | 43.1% | +2,092 | +25.9pp |
| Western Catholic | 487 | 12.1% | 11.2% | 50 | 9.5% | 13.8% | +437 | +2.6pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 312 | 7.8% | 8.1% | 76 | 14.4% | 11.6% | +236 | -6.6pp |
| Not stated | 258 | 6.4% | 5.6% | 44 | 8.3% | 8.4% | +214 | -1.9pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 143 | 3.6% | 3.2% | 13 | 2.5% | 3.7% | +130 | +1.1pp |
| Uniting Church | 106 | 2.6% | 4.5% | 134 | 25.4% | 6.5% | -28 | -22.8pp |
| Baptist | 68 | 1.7% | 1.6% | 17 | 3.2% | 1.9% | +51 | -1.5pp |
| Pentecostal, nfd | 45 | 1.1% | 1.0% | - | - | 1.0% | - | - |
| Lutheran | 43 | 1.1% | 1.5% | 15 | 2.8% | 1.9% | +28 | -1.7pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 34 | 0.8% | 0.7% | - | - | 0.7% | - | - |
| Total | 4,010 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 527 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +3,483 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.