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 South Gippsland (S), accounting for 50.9% (15,552 people). This share was higher than Regional Vic. (44.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 4,610 people and 12.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
South Gippsland (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for South Gippsland (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Vic. and change since 2016.
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for South Gippsland (S), with comparison markers for Regional Vic..
No Religion, so described
2021 count
15,552
% of total
50.9%
Change from 2016
+12.8pp
15,552
50.9%
+12.8pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
4,503
% of total
14.7%
Change from 2016
-2.7pp
4,503
14.7%
-2.7pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
3,533
% of total
11.6%
Change from 2016
-4.5pp
3,533
11.6%
-4.5pp
Not stated
2021 count
2,492
% of total
8.2%
Change from 2016
-2.2pp
2,492
8.2%
-2.2pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
1,536
% of total
5.0%
Change from 2016
-2.2pp
1,536
5.0%
-2.2pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
598
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
598
2.0%
0.0pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
588
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
588
1.9%
-1.1pp
Baptist
2021 count
287
% of total
0.9%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
287
0.9%
+0.1pp
Pentecostal, nfd
2021 count
170
% of total
0.6%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
170
0.6%
0.0pp
Buddhism
2021 count
166
% of total
0.5%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
166
0.5%
-0.1pp
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+4,610
+12.8pp
Western Catholic
-491
-2.7pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-1,076
-4.5pp
Not stated
-483
-2.2pp
Uniting Church
-530
-2.2pp
Christianity, nfd
+18
0.0pp
Presbyterian
-261
-1.1pp
Baptist
+65
+0.1pp
Pentecostal, nfd
-2
0.0pp
Buddhism
+5
-0.1pp
Data table
Religion for South Gippsland (S). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Vic..
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Vic.% | Count | % | Regional Vic.% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 15,552 | 50.9% | 44.9% | 10,942 | 38.1% | 33.7% | +4,610 | +12.8pp |
| Western Catholic | 4,503 | 14.7% | 19.7% | 4,994 | 17.4% | 22.7% | -491 | -2.7pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 3,533 | 11.6% | 9.8% | 4,609 | 16.1% | 13.3% | -1,076 | -4.5pp |
| Not stated | 2,492 | 8.2% | 7.7% | 2,975 | 10.4% | 9.8% | -483 | -2.2pp |
| Uniting Church | 1,536 | 5.0% | 4.7% | 2,066 | 7.2% | 6.5% | -530 | -2.2pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 598 | 2.0% | 2.1% | 580 | 2.0% | 2.1% | +18 | 0.0pp |
| Presbyterian | 588 | 1.9% | 2.2% | 849 | 3.0% | 3.2% | -261 | -1.1pp |
| Baptist | 287 | 0.9% | 1.2% | 222 | 0.8% | 1.3% | +65 | +0.1pp |
| Pentecostal, nfd | 170 | 0.6% | 0.7% | 172 | 0.6% | 0.7% | -2 | 0.0pp |
| Buddhism | 166 | 0.5% | 0.9% | 161 | 0.6% | 0.8% | +5 | -0.1pp |
| Total | 30,574 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 28,698 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +1,876 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.