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 Penrith, accounting for 35.2% (6,305 people). This share was higher than Penrith (C) (28.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 2,836 people and 9.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Penrith - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Penrith in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Penrith (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Penrith, with comparison markers for Penrith (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
6,305
% of total
35.2%
Change from 2016
+9.1pp
6,305
35.2%
+9.1pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
3,695
% of total
20.6%
Change from 2016
-3.9pp
3,695
20.6%
-3.9pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
2,206
% of total
12.3%
Change from 2016
-5.7pp
2,206
12.3%
-5.7pp
Not stated
2021 count
1,983
% of total
11.1%
Change from 2016
+1.3pp
1,983
11.1%
+1.3pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
553
% of total
3.1%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
553
3.1%
+0.4pp
Hinduism
2021 count
551
% of total
3.1%
Change from 2016
+1.0pp
551
3.1%
+1.0pp
Islam
2021 count
408
% of total
2.3%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
408
2.3%
+0.6pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
329
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
329
1.8%
-0.7pp
Buddhism
2021 count
309
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
309
1.7%
-0.5pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
239
% of total
1.3%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
239
1.3%
-0.5pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+2,836
+9.1pp
Western Catholic
+431
-3.9pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-192
-5.7pp
Not stated
+675
+1.3pp
Christianity, nfd
+197
+0.4pp
Hinduism
+270
+1.0pp
Islam
+183
+0.6pp
Presbyterian
0
-0.7pp
Buddhism
+19
-0.5pp
Uniting Church
0
-0.5pp
Data table
Religion for Penrith. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Penrith (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Penrith (C)% | Count | % | Penrith (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 6,305 | 35.2% | 28.9% | 3,469 | 26.1% | 21.1% | +2,836 | +9.1pp |
| Western Catholic | 3,695 | 20.6% | 28.2% | 3,264 | 24.5% | 31.7% | +431 | -3.9pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 2,206 | 12.3% | 13.1% | 2,398 | 18.0% | 18.4% | -192 | -5.7pp |
| Not stated | 1,983 | 11.1% | 7.0% | 1,308 | 9.8% | 8.0% | +675 | +1.3pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 553 | 3.1% | 2.8% | 356 | 2.7% | 2.3% | +197 | +0.4pp |
| Hinduism | 551 | 3.1% | 3.3% | 281 | 2.1% | 1.8% | +270 | +1.0pp |
| Islam | 408 | 2.3% | 3.1% | 225 | 1.7% | 2.1% | +183 | +0.6pp |
| Presbyterian | 329 | 1.8% | 1.6% | 329 | 2.5% | 2.2% | 0 | -0.7pp |
| Buddhism | 309 | 1.7% | 1.1% | 290 | 2.2% | 1.1% | +19 | -0.5pp |
| Uniting Church | 239 | 1.3% | 1.4% | 239 | 1.8% | 2.0% | 0 | -0.5pp |
| Total | 17,911 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 13,308 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +4,603 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.