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 Perth (C), accounting for 40.7% (17,669 people). This share was lower than Greater Perth (41.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 4,137 people and 8.5 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
South Perth (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for South Perth (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Perth and change since 2016.
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for South Perth (C), with comparison markers for Greater Perth.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
17,669
% of total
40.7%
Change from 2016
+8.5pp
17,669
40.7%
+8.5pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
9,418
% of total
21.7%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
9,418
21.7%
-1.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
4,236
% of total
9.8%
Change from 2016
-2.3pp
4,236
9.8%
-2.3pp
Not stated
2021 count
2,775
% of total
6.4%
Change from 2016
-3.5pp
2,775
6.4%
-3.5pp
Buddhism
2021 count
1,354
% of total
3.1%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
1,354
3.1%
0.0pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
1,179
% of total
2.7%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
1,179
2.7%
-0.5pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
1,138
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
1,138
2.6%
-0.6pp
Islam
2021 count
1,070
% of total
2.5%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
1,070
2.5%
-0.3pp
Hinduism
2021 count
846
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
846
1.9%
+0.2pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
626
% of total
1.4%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
626
1.4%
-0.2pp
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+4,137
+8.5pp
Western Catholic
-137
-1.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-848
-2.3pp
Not stated
-1,391
-3.5pp
Buddhism
+60
0.0pp
Christianity, nfd
-167
-0.5pp
Uniting Church
-212
-0.6pp
Islam
-91
-0.3pp
Hinduism
+138
+0.2pp
Presbyterian
-65
-0.2pp
Data table
Religion for South Perth (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Perth.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Perth% | Count | % | Greater Perth% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 17,669 | 40.7% | 41.8% | 13,532 | 32.2% | 32.1% | +4,137 | +8.5pp |
| Western Catholic | 9,418 | 21.7% | 19.4% | 9,555 | 22.7% | 22.0% | -137 | -1.0pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 4,236 | 9.8% | 9.9% | 5,084 | 12.1% | 13.8% | -848 | -2.3pp |
| Not stated | 2,775 | 6.4% | 6.2% | 4,166 | 9.9% | 9.1% | -1,391 | -3.5pp |
| Buddhism | 1,354 | 3.1% | 2.5% | 1,294 | 3.1% | 2.5% | +60 | 0.0pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 1,179 | 2.7% | 3.4% | 1,346 | 3.2% | 3.4% | -167 | -0.5pp |
| Uniting Church | 1,138 | 2.6% | 1.5% | 1,350 | 3.2% | 2.0% | -212 | -0.6pp |
| Islam | 1,070 | 2.5% | 3.0% | 1,161 | 2.8% | 2.4% | -91 | -0.3pp |
| Hinduism | 846 | 1.9% | 2.3% | 708 | 1.7% | 1.9% | +138 | +0.2pp |
| Presbyterian | 626 | 1.4% | 1.2% | 691 | 1.6% | 1.6% | -65 | -0.2pp |
| Total | 43,389 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 42,002 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +1,387 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.