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 Newington (NSW), accounting for 35.5% (2,000 people). This share was higher than Parramatta (C) (29.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 1,971 people and 11.1 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Newington (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Newington (NSW) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Parramatta (C) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Newington (NSW), with comparison markers for Parramatta (C).

Newington (NSW)
Parramatta (C)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

2,000

% of total

35.5%

Change from 2016

+11.1pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

1,247

% of total

22.1%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Islam

2021 count

335

% of total

5.9%

Change from 2016

-

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

317

% of total

5.6%

Change from 2016

-22.1pp

Presbyterian

2021 count

315

% of total

5.6%

Change from 2016

-0.3pp

Buddhism

2021 count

258

% of total

4.6%

Change from 2016

-

Not stated

2021 count

193

% of total

3.4%

Change from 2016

-5.0pp

Hinduism

2021 count

182

% of total

3.2%

Change from 2016

-

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

157

% of total

2.8%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

131

% of total

2.3%

Change from 2016

-1.1pp

Data table

Religion for Newington (NSW). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Parramatta (C).

Religion for Newington (NSW). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Parramatta (C).
Religion for Newington (NSW). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Parramatta (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Parramatta (C)%Count%Parramatta (C)%Countpp
No Religion, so described2,00035.5%29.7%2924.4%24.5%+1,971+11.1pp
Western Catholic1,24722.1%17.1%2621.8%19.1%+1,221+0.3pp
Islam3355.9%5.5%--4.3%--
Anglican Church of Australia3175.6%6.0%3327.7%8.3%+284-22.1pp
Presbyterian3155.6%3.1%75.9%3.4%+308-0.3pp
Buddhism2584.6%4.0%--3.8%--
Not stated1933.4%6.4%108.4%9.1%+183-5.0pp
Hinduism1823.2%12.9%--11.3%--
Christianity, nfd1572.8%2.7%32.5%2.3%+154+0.3pp
Uniting Church1312.3%1.8%43.4%2.5%+127-1.1pp
Total5,639100.0%100.0%119100.0%100.0%+5,5200.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.