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 Carlingford (part), accounting for 39% (10,936 people). This share was higher than Parramatta (C) (29.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 2,659 people and 5.2 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Carlingford (part) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Carlingford (part) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Parramatta (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Carlingford (part), with comparison markers for Parramatta (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
10,936
% of total
39.0%
Change from 2016
+5.2pp
10,936
39.0%
+5.2pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
3,842
% of total
13.7%
Change from 2016
-2.9pp
3,842
13.7%
-2.9pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
1,849
% of total
6.6%
Change from 2016
-2.6pp
1,849
6.6%
-2.6pp
Buddhism
2021 count
1,639
% of total
5.8%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
1,639
5.8%
0.0pp
Hinduism
2021 count
1,597
% of total
5.7%
Change from 2016
+1.4pp
1,597
5.7%
+1.4pp
Islam
2021 count
1,523
% of total
5.4%
Change from 2016
+2.9pp
1,523
5.4%
+2.9pp
Not stated
2021 count
1,258
% of total
4.5%
Change from 2016
-2.0pp
1,258
4.5%
-2.0pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
1,156
% of total
4.1%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
1,156
4.1%
-0.5pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
872
% of total
3.1%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
872
3.1%
+0.6pp
Baptist
2021 count
759
% of total
2.7%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
759
2.7%
-0.3pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+2,659
+5.2pp
Western Catholic
-235
-2.9pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-400
-2.6pp
Buddhism
+222
0.0pp
Hinduism
+541
+1.4pp
Islam
+909
+2.9pp
Not stated
-340
-2.0pp
Presbyterian
+20
-0.5pp
Christianity, nfd
+272
+0.6pp
Baptist
+18
-0.3pp
Data table
Religion for Carlingford (part). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Parramatta (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Parramatta (C)% | Count | % | Parramatta (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 10,936 | 39.0% | 29.7% | 8,277 | 33.8% | 24.5% | +2,659 | +5.2pp |
| Western Catholic | 3,842 | 13.7% | 17.1% | 4,077 | 16.6% | 19.1% | -235 | -2.9pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 1,849 | 6.6% | 6.0% | 2,249 | 9.2% | 8.3% | -400 | -2.6pp |
| Buddhism | 1,639 | 5.8% | 4.0% | 1,417 | 5.8% | 3.8% | +222 | 0.0pp |
| Hinduism | 1,597 | 5.7% | 12.9% | 1,056 | 4.3% | 11.3% | +541 | +1.4pp |
| Islam | 1,523 | 5.4% | 5.5% | 614 | 2.5% | 4.3% | +909 | +2.9pp |
| Not stated | 1,258 | 4.5% | 6.4% | 1,598 | 6.5% | 9.1% | -340 | -2.0pp |
| Presbyterian | 1,156 | 4.1% | 3.1% | 1,136 | 4.6% | 3.4% | +20 | -0.5pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 872 | 3.1% | 2.7% | 600 | 2.5% | 2.3% | +272 | +0.6pp |
| Baptist | 759 | 2.7% | 1.8% | 741 | 3.0% | 1.9% | +18 | -0.3pp |
| Total | 28,031 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 24,490 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +3,541 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.