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 Downs, accounting for 33.9% (2,140 people). This share was lower than Salisbury (C) (37.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 350 people and 3.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Salisbury Downs - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Salisbury Downs in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Salisbury (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Salisbury Downs, with comparison markers for Salisbury (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
2,140
% of total
33.9%
Change from 2016
+3.9pp
2,140
33.9%
+3.9pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,125
% of total
17.8%
Change from 2016
-3.5pp
1,125
17.8%
-3.5pp
Islam
2021 count
498
% of total
7.9%
Change from 2016
+3.5pp
498
7.9%
+3.5pp
Buddhism
2021 count
469
% of total
7.4%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
469
7.4%
+0.8pp
Not stated
2021 count
429
% of total
6.8%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
429
6.8%
+0.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
296
% of total
4.7%
Change from 2016
-3.3pp
296
4.7%
-3.3pp
Hinduism
2021 count
233
% of total
3.7%
Change from 2016
+0.9pp
233
3.7%
+0.9pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
187
% of total
3.0%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
187
3.0%
-0.2pp
Baptist
2021 count
168
% of total
2.7%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
168
2.7%
+0.1pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
154
% of total
2.4%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
154
2.4%
-1.7pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+350
+3.9pp
Western Catholic
-145
-3.5pp
Islam
+237
+3.5pp
Buddhism
+76
+0.8pp
Not stated
+27
+0.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-183
-3.3pp
Hinduism
+64
+0.9pp
Christianity, nfd
-7
-0.2pp
Baptist
+12
+0.1pp
Uniting Church
-91
-1.7pp
Data table
Religion for Salisbury Downs. 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 | 2,140 | 33.9% | 37.4% | 1,790 | 30.0% | 31.4% | +350 | +3.9pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,125 | 17.8% | 15.8% | 1,270 | 21.3% | 19.2% | -145 | -3.5pp |
| Islam | 498 | 7.9% | 7.5% | 261 | 4.4% | 4.7% | +237 | +3.5pp |
| Buddhism | 469 | 7.4% | 4.8% | 393 | 6.6% | 4.6% | +76 | +0.8pp |
| Not stated | 429 | 6.8% | 5.4% | 402 | 6.7% | 7.4% | +27 | +0.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 296 | 4.7% | 5.6% | 479 | 8.0% | 8.9% | -183 | -3.3pp |
| Hinduism | 233 | 3.7% | 4.3% | 169 | 2.8% | 3.0% | +64 | +0.9pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 187 | 3.0% | 3.1% | 194 | 3.2% | 2.9% | -7 | -0.2pp |
| Baptist | 168 | 2.7% | 2.0% | 156 | 2.6% | 2.0% | +12 | +0.1pp |
| Uniting Church | 154 | 2.4% | 2.9% | 245 | 4.1% | 4.7% | -91 | -1.7pp |
| Total | 6,321 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 5,972 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +349 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.