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 Telopea, accounting for 34.2% (1,831 people). This share was higher than Parramatta (C) (29.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 230 people and 3.4 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Telopea - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

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

Telopea
Parramatta (C)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

1,831

% of total

34.2%

Change from 2016

+3.4pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

921

% of total

17.2%

Change from 2016

-0.7pp

Not stated

2021 count

373

% of total

7.0%

Change from 2016

-1.3pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

359

% of total

6.7%

Change from 2016

-2.0pp

Presbyterian

2021 count

320

% of total

6.0%

Change from 2016

+0.9pp

Buddhism

2021 count

277

% of total

5.2%

Change from 2016

-0.7pp

Islam

2021 count

272

% of total

5.1%

Change from 2016

+0.6pp

Hinduism

2021 count

163

% of total

3.0%

Change from 2016

+0.7pp

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

155

% of total

2.9%

Change from 2016

+0.5pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

141

% of total

2.6%

Change from 2016

-0.8pp

Data table

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

Religion for Telopea. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Parramatta (C).
Religion for Telopea. 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 described1,83134.2%29.7%1,60130.8%24.5%+230+3.4pp
Western Catholic92117.2%17.1%93017.9%19.1%-9-0.7pp
Not stated3737.0%6.4%4318.3%9.1%-58-1.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia3596.7%6.0%4518.7%8.3%-92-2.0pp
Presbyterian3206.0%3.1%2645.1%3.4%+56+0.9pp
Buddhism2775.2%4.0%3075.9%3.8%-30-0.7pp
Islam2725.1%5.5%2364.5%4.3%+36+0.6pp
Hinduism1633.0%12.9%1202.3%11.3%+43+0.7pp
Christianity, nfd1552.9%2.7%1272.4%2.3%+28+0.5pp
Uniting Church1412.6%1.8%1773.4%2.5%-36-0.8pp
Total5,354100.0%100.0%5,200100.0%100.0%+1540.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.