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 Perth (C), accounting for 43.2% (12,309 people). This share was higher than Greater Perth (41.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 4,855 people and 9 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Perth (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Perth (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Perth and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Perth (C), with comparison markers for Greater Perth.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
12,309
% of total
43.2%
Change from 2016
+9.0pp
12,309
43.2%
+9.0pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
4,297
% of total
15.1%
Change from 2016
-2.1pp
4,297
15.1%
-2.1pp
Not stated
2021 count
3,184
% of total
11.2%
Change from 2016
-7.6pp
3,184
11.2%
-7.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
1,601
% of total
5.6%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
1,601
5.6%
-1.1pp
Buddhism
2021 count
1,287
% of total
4.5%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
1,287
4.5%
0.0pp
Hinduism
2021 count
1,274
% of total
4.5%
Change from 2016
+0.5pp
1,274
4.5%
+0.5pp
Islam
2021 count
1,183
% of total
4.2%
Change from 2016
+0.9pp
1,183
4.2%
+0.9pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
804
% of total
2.8%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
804
2.8%
+0.4pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
297
% of total
1.0%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
297
1.0%
-0.2pp
Baptist
2021 count
291
% of total
1.0%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
291
1.0%
+0.1pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+4,855
+9.0pp
Western Catholic
+538
-2.1pp
Not stated
-919
-7.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+147
-1.1pp
Buddhism
+296
0.0pp
Hinduism
+405
+0.5pp
Islam
+466
+0.9pp
Christianity, nfd
+283
+0.4pp
Uniting Church
+33
-0.2pp
Baptist
+95
+0.1pp
Data table
Religion for Perth (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Perth.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Perth% | Count | % | Greater Perth% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 12,309 | 43.2% | 41.8% | 7,454 | 34.2% | 32.1% | +4,855 | +9.0pp |
| Western Catholic | 4,297 | 15.1% | 19.4% | 3,759 | 17.2% | 22.0% | +538 | -2.1pp |
| Not stated | 3,184 | 11.2% | 6.2% | 4,103 | 18.8% | 9.1% | -919 | -7.6pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 1,601 | 5.6% | 9.9% | 1,454 | 6.7% | 13.8% | +147 | -1.1pp |
| Buddhism | 1,287 | 4.5% | 2.5% | 991 | 4.5% | 2.5% | +296 | 0.0pp |
| Hinduism | 1,274 | 4.5% | 2.3% | 869 | 4.0% | 1.9% | +405 | +0.5pp |
| Islam | 1,183 | 4.2% | 3.0% | 717 | 3.3% | 2.4% | +466 | +0.9pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 804 | 2.8% | 3.4% | 521 | 2.4% | 3.4% | +283 | +0.4pp |
| Uniting Church | 297 | 1.0% | 1.5% | 264 | 1.2% | 2.0% | +33 | -0.2pp |
| Baptist | 291 | 1.0% | 1.6% | 196 | 0.9% | 1.7% | +95 | +0.1pp |
| Total | 28,466 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 21,807 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +6,659 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.