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 Shark Bay (S), accounting for 47% (486 people). This share was higher than Regional WA (45.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 127 people and 8.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Shark Bay (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Shark Bay (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional WA and change since 2016.
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Shark Bay (S), with comparison markers for Regional WA.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
486
% of total
47.0%
Change from 2016
+8.8pp
486
47.0%
+8.8pp
Not stated
2021 count
180
% of total
17.4%
Change from 2016
+7.2pp
180
17.4%
+7.2pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
139
% of total
13.5%
Change from 2016
-6.5pp
139
13.5%
-6.5pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
135
% of total
13.1%
Change from 2016
-7.3pp
135
13.1%
-7.3pp
Buddhism
2021 count
19
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
19
1.8%
+0.8pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
17
% of total
1.6%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
17
1.6%
-1.4pp
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+127
+8.8pp
Not stated
+84
+7.2pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-49
-6.5pp
Western Catholic
-57
-7.3pp
Buddhism
+10
+0.8pp
Christianity, nfd
-11
-1.4pp
Data table
Religion for Shark Bay (S). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional WA% | Count | % | Regional WA% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 486 | 47.0% | 45.6% | 359 | 38.2% | 33.8% | +127 | +8.8pp |
| Not stated | 180 | 17.4% | 12.1% | 96 | 10.2% | 12.4% | +84 | +7.2pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 139 | 13.5% | 11.3% | 188 | 20.0% | 16.4% | -49 | -6.5pp |
| Western Catholic | 135 | 13.1% | 15.7% | 192 | 20.4% | 19.3% | -57 | -7.3pp |
| Buddhism | 19 | 1.8% | 0.9% | 9 | 1.0% | 1.0% | +10 | +0.8pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 17 | 1.6% | 3.2% | 28 | 3.0% | 3.3% | -11 | -1.4pp |
| Total | 1,033 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 941 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +92 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.