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 Port Phillip (C), accounting for 50.1% (51,020 people). This share was higher than Greater Melbourne (36.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 8,379 people and 7.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Port Phillip (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Port Phillip (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Melbourne and change since 2016.
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Port Phillip (C), with comparison markers for Greater Melbourne.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
51,020
% of total
50.1%
Change from 2016
+7.8pp
51,020
50.1%
+7.8pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
16,897
% of total
16.6%
Change from 2016
-0.9pp
16,897
16.6%
-0.9pp
Not stated
2021 count
7,992
% of total
7.8%
Change from 2016
-5.4pp
7,992
7.8%
-5.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
5,787
% of total
5.7%
Change from 2016
-1.3pp
5,787
5.7%
-1.3pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
3,626
% of total
3.6%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
3,626
3.6%
+0.2pp
Judaism
2021 count
3,408
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
3,408
3.3%
-0.2pp
Hinduism
2021 count
2,103
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
2,103
2.1%
+0.1pp
Buddhism
2021 count
1,750
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
1,750
1.7%
-0.1pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
1,524
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
1,524
1.5%
+0.2pp
Islam
2021 count
1,365
% of total
1.3%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
1,365
1.3%
+0.2pp
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+8,379
+7.8pp
Western Catholic
-775
-0.9pp
Not stated
-5,315
-5.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-1,275
-1.3pp
Greek Orthodox
+160
+0.2pp
Judaism
-124
-0.2pp
Hinduism
+126
+0.1pp
Buddhism
-83
-0.1pp
Christianity, nfd
+185
+0.2pp
Islam
+297
+0.2pp
Data table
Religion for Port Phillip (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Melbourne.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 51,020 | 50.1% | 36.9% | 42,641 | 42.3% | 31.0% | +8,379 | +7.8pp |
| Western Catholic | 16,897 | 16.6% | 20.5% | 17,672 | 17.5% | 23.2% | -775 | -0.9pp |
| Not stated | 7,992 | 7.8% | 5.8% | 13,307 | 13.2% | 8.6% | -5,315 | -5.4pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 5,787 | 5.7% | 5.5% | 7,062 | 7.0% | 7.6% | -1,275 | -1.3pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 3,626 | 3.6% | 3.3% | 3,466 | 3.4% | 3.5% | +160 | +0.2pp |
| Judaism | 3,408 | 3.3% | 0.9% | 3,532 | 3.5% | 0.9% | -124 | -0.2pp |
| Hinduism | 2,103 | 2.1% | 4.1% | 1,977 | 2.0% | 2.9% | +126 | +0.1pp |
| Buddhism | 1,750 | 1.7% | 3.9% | 1,833 | 1.8% | 3.8% | -83 | -0.1pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 1,524 | 1.5% | 2.7% | 1,339 | 1.3% | 2.6% | +185 | +0.2pp |
| Islam | 1,365 | 1.3% | 5.3% | 1,068 | 1.1% | 4.2% | +297 | +0.2pp |
| Total | 101,891 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 100,857 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +1,034 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.