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 Salisbury (C), accounting for 37.4% (54,575 people). This share was lower than Greater Adelaide (44.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 11,317 people and 6 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Salisbury (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Salisbury (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Adelaide and change since 2016.
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Salisbury (C), with comparison markers for Greater Adelaide.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
54,575
% of total
37.4%
Change from 2016
+6.0pp
54,575
37.4%
+6.0pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
22,998
% of total
15.8%
Change from 2016
-3.4pp
22,998
15.8%
-3.4pp
Islam
2021 count
11,007
% of total
7.5%
Change from 2016
+2.8pp
11,007
7.5%
+2.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
8,136
% of total
5.6%
Change from 2016
-3.3pp
8,136
5.6%
-3.3pp
Not stated
2021 count
7,886
% of total
5.4%
Change from 2016
-2.0pp
7,886
5.4%
-2.0pp
Buddhism
2021 count
6,952
% of total
4.8%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
6,952
4.8%
+0.2pp
Hinduism
2021 count
6,218
% of total
4.3%
Change from 2016
+1.3pp
6,218
4.3%
+1.3pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
4,469
% of total
3.1%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
4,469
3.1%
+0.2pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
4,275
% of total
2.9%
Change from 2016
-1.8pp
4,275
2.9%
-1.8pp
Baptist
2021 count
2,969
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
2,969
2.0%
0.0pp
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+11,317
+6.0pp
Western Catholic
-3,518
-3.4pp
Islam
+4,566
+2.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-4,086
-3.3pp
Not stated
-2,349
-2.0pp
Buddhism
+557
+0.2pp
Hinduism
+2,087
+1.3pp
Christianity, nfd
+405
+0.2pp
Uniting Church
-2,205
-1.8pp
Baptist
+258
0.0pp
Data table
Religion for Salisbury (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Adelaide.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Adelaide% | Count | % | Greater Adelaide% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 54,575 | 37.4% | 44.6% | 43,258 | 31.4% | 35.6% | +11,317 | +6.0pp |
| Western Catholic | 22,998 | 15.8% | 16.4% | 26,516 | 19.2% | 18.9% | -3,518 | -3.4pp |
| Islam | 11,007 | 7.5% | 2.8% | 6,441 | 4.7% | 2.1% | +4,566 | +2.8pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 8,136 | 5.6% | 7.0% | 12,222 | 8.9% | 9.8% | -4,086 | -3.3pp |
| Not stated | 7,886 | 5.4% | 5.2% | 10,235 | 7.4% | 8.0% | -2,349 | -2.0pp |
| Buddhism | 6,952 | 4.8% | 2.3% | 6,395 | 4.6% | 2.2% | +557 | +0.2pp |
| Hinduism | 6,218 | 4.3% | 2.7% | 4,131 | 3.0% | 1.7% | +2,087 | +1.3pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 4,469 | 3.1% | 2.7% | 4,064 | 2.9% | 2.8% | +405 | +0.2pp |
| Uniting Church | 4,275 | 2.9% | 3.9% | 6,480 | 4.7% | 5.8% | -2,205 | -1.8pp |
| Baptist | 2,969 | 2.0% | 1.6% | 2,711 | 2.0% | 1.7% | +258 | 0.0pp |
| Total | 145,838 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 137,962 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +7,876 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.