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 Palmerston (C), accounting for 44.6% (16,599 people). This share was higher than Greater Darwin (41.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 4,645 people and 9.2 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Palmerston (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Palmerston (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Darwin and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Palmerston (C), with comparison markers for Greater Darwin.

Palmerston (C)
Greater Darwin

No Religion, so described

2021 count

16,599

% of total

44.6%

Change from 2016

+9.2pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

6,932

% of total

18.6%

Change from 2016

-4.1pp

Not stated

2021 count

3,776

% of total

10.1%

Change from 2016

-1.0pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

2,196

% of total

5.9%

Change from 2016

-3.6pp

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

968

% of total

2.6%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Hinduism

2021 count

858

% of total

2.3%

Change from 2016

+0.6pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

776

% of total

2.1%

Change from 2016

-1.0pp

Buddhism

2021 count

748

% of total

2.0%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Pentecostal, nfd

2021 count

612

% of total

1.6%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Greek Orthodox

2021 count

577

% of total

1.6%

Change from 2016

+0.4pp

Data table

Religion for Palmerston (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Darwin.

Religion for Palmerston (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Darwin.
Religion for Palmerston (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Darwin.
Category20212016Change
Count%Greater Darwin%Count%Greater Darwin%Countpp
No Religion, so described16,59944.6%41.7%11,95435.4%32.8%+4,645+9.2pp
Western Catholic6,93218.6%18.1%7,68322.7%21.4%-751-4.1pp
Not stated3,77610.1%10.5%3,74211.1%14.1%+34-1.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia2,1965.9%5.8%3,2019.5%8.7%-1,005-3.6pp
Christianity, nfd9682.6%2.1%9082.7%2.2%+60-0.1pp
Hinduism8582.3%3.7%5621.7%2.2%+296+0.6pp
Uniting Church7762.1%2.2%1,0583.1%3.2%-282-1.0pp
Buddhism7482.0%3.0%7022.1%2.8%+46-0.1pp
Pentecostal, nfd6121.6%1.0%5471.6%1.0%+650.0pp
Greek Orthodox5771.6%2.9%4201.2%2.9%+157+0.4pp
Total37,219100.0%100.0%33,776100.0%100.0%+3,4430.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.