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 Edinburgh, accounting for 55% (208 people). This share was higher than Salisbury (C) (37.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 85 people and 7.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Edinburgh - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Edinburgh in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Salisbury (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Edinburgh, with comparison markers for Salisbury (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
208
% of total
55.0%
Change from 2016
+7.9pp
208
55.0%
+7.9pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
67
% of total
17.7%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
67
17.7%
+0.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
22
% of total
5.8%
Change from 2016
-4.5pp
22
5.8%
-4.5pp
Not stated
2021 count
21
% of total
5.6%
Change from 2016
-10.9pp
21
5.6%
-10.9pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
10
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
+0.7pp
10
2.6%
+0.7pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+85
+7.9pp
Western Catholic
+21
+0.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-5
-4.5pp
Not stated
-22
-10.9pp
Christianity, nfd
+5
+0.7pp
Data table
Religion for Edinburgh. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Salisbury (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Salisbury (C)% | Count | % | Salisbury (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 208 | 55.0% | 37.4% | 123 | 47.1% | 31.4% | +85 | +7.9pp |
| Western Catholic | 67 | 17.7% | 15.8% | 46 | 17.6% | 19.2% | +21 | +0.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 22 | 5.8% | 5.6% | 27 | 10.3% | 8.9% | -5 | -4.5pp |
| Not stated | 21 | 5.6% | 5.4% | 43 | 16.5% | 7.4% | -22 | -10.9pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 10 | 2.6% | 3.1% | 5 | 1.9% | 2.9% | +5 | +0.7pp |
| Total | 378 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 261 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +117 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.