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 Macleay Island, accounting for 45% (1,427 people). This share was higher than Redland (C) (42%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 434 people and 7.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Macleay Island - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Macleay Island, with comparison markers for Redland (C).

Macleay Island
Redland (C)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

1,427

% of total

45.0%

Change from 2016

+7.8pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

499

% of total

15.7%

Change from 2016

-1.7pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

426

% of total

13.4%

Change from 2016

-3.4pp

Not stated

2021 count

328

% of total

10.3%

Change from 2016

+0.8pp

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

86

% of total

2.7%

Change from 2016

-0.4pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

85

% of total

2.7%

Change from 2016

-1.3pp

Presbyterian

2021 count

75

% of total

2.4%

Change from 2016

-1.1pp

Buddhism

2021 count

42

% of total

1.3%

Change from 2016

-0.3pp

Baptist

2021 count

36

% of total

1.1%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Lutheran

2021 count

31

% of total

1.0%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Data table

Religion for Macleay Island. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Redland (C).

Religion for Macleay Island. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Redland (C).
Religion for Macleay Island. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Redland (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Redland (C)%Count%Redland (C)%Countpp
No Religion, so described1,42745.0%42.0%99337.2%29.8%+434+7.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia49915.7%13.5%46617.4%17.9%+33-1.7pp
Western Catholic42613.4%18.6%45016.8%21.1%-24-3.4pp
Not stated32810.3%5.0%2549.5%7.1%+74+0.8pp
Christianity, nfd862.7%3.1%833.1%2.9%+3-0.4pp
Uniting Church852.7%4.3%1084.0%6.1%-23-1.3pp
Presbyterian752.4%2.4%943.5%3.2%-19-1.1pp
Buddhism421.3%0.9%431.6%0.9%-1-0.3pp
Baptist361.1%2.5%331.2%2.8%+3-0.1pp
Lutheran311.0%0.9%230.9%1.1%+8+0.1pp
Total3,170100.0%100.0%2,672100.0%100.0%+4980.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.