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, Hinduism was the most common religious affiliation among residents in Parramatta, accounting for 33.6% (10,155 people). This share was higher than Parramatta (C) (12.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Hinduism, which increased by 2,826 people and 5.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Parramatta - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Parramatta in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Parramatta (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Parramatta, with comparison markers for Parramatta (C).
Hinduism
2021 count
10,155
% of total
33.6%
Change from 2016
+5.1pp
10,155
33.6%
+5.1pp
No Religion, so described
2021 count
6,525
% of total
21.6%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
6,525
21.6%
+0.2pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
3,151
% of total
10.4%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
3,151
10.4%
-0.7pp
Not stated
2021 count
2,335
% of total
7.7%
Change from 2016
-3.6pp
2,335
7.7%
-3.6pp
Islam
2021 count
2,274
% of total
7.5%
Change from 2016
+1.2pp
2,274
7.5%
+1.2pp
Buddhism
2021 count
1,262
% of total
4.2%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
1,262
4.2%
+0.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
771
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
771
2.6%
-1.1pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
612
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
612
2.0%
+0.2pp
Sikhism
2021 count
480
% of total
1.6%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
480
1.6%
-0.8pp
Maronite Catholic
2021 count
455
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
455
1.5%
0.0pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Hinduism
+2,826
+5.1pp
No Religion, so described
+1,029
+0.2pp
Western Catholic
+304
-0.7pp
Not stated
-572
-3.6pp
Islam
+665
+1.2pp
Buddhism
+198
+0.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-169
-1.1pp
Christianity, nfd
+159
+0.2pp
Sikhism
-132
-0.8pp
Maronite Catholic
+68
0.0pp
Data table
Religion for Parramatta. 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 | |
| Hinduism | 10,155 | 33.6% | 12.9% | 7,329 | 28.5% | 11.3% | +2,826 | +5.1pp |
| No Religion, so described | 6,525 | 21.6% | 29.7% | 5,496 | 21.4% | 24.5% | +1,029 | +0.2pp |
| Western Catholic | 3,151 | 10.4% | 17.1% | 2,847 | 11.1% | 19.1% | +304 | -0.7pp |
| Not stated | 2,335 | 7.7% | 6.4% | 2,907 | 11.3% | 9.1% | -572 | -3.6pp |
| Islam | 2,274 | 7.5% | 5.5% | 1,609 | 6.3% | 4.3% | +665 | +1.2pp |
| Buddhism | 1,262 | 4.2% | 4.0% | 1,064 | 4.1% | 3.8% | +198 | +0.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 771 | 2.6% | 6.0% | 940 | 3.7% | 8.3% | -169 | -1.1pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 612 | 2.0% | 2.7% | 453 | 1.8% | 2.3% | +159 | +0.2pp |
| Sikhism | 480 | 1.6% | 1.0% | 612 | 2.4% | 1.2% | -132 | -0.8pp |
| Maronite Catholic | 455 | 1.5% | 1.7% | 387 | 1.5% | 1.6% | +68 | 0.0pp |
| Total | 30,193 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 25,725 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +4,468 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.