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 Southern Grampians (S), accounting for 39.9% (6,606 people). This share was lower than Regional Vic. (44.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 2,095 people and 11.5 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Southern Grampians (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Southern Grampians (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 Southern Grampians (S), with comparison markers for Regional Vic..
No Religion, so described
2021 count
6,606
% of total
39.9%
Change from 2016
+11.5pp
6,606
39.9%
+11.5pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
2,699
% of total
16.3%
Change from 2016
-2.6pp
2,699
16.3%
-2.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
1,603
% of total
9.7%
Change from 2016
-2.5pp
1,603
9.7%
-2.5pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
1,536
% of total
9.3%
Change from 2016
-2.8pp
1,536
9.3%
-2.8pp
Not stated
2021 count
1,271
% of total
7.7%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
1,271
7.7%
-0.7pp
Lutheran
2021 count
964
% of total
5.8%
Change from 2016
-1.3pp
964
5.8%
-1.3pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
690
% of total
4.2%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
690
4.2%
-1.7pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
323
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
323
1.9%
+0.1pp
Baptist
2021 count
140
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
140
0.8%
-0.3pp
Pentecostal, nfd
2021 count
116
% of total
0.7%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
116
0.7%
+0.1pp
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+2,095
+11.5pp
Western Catholic
-305
-2.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-341
-2.5pp
Uniting Church
-396
-2.8pp
Not stated
-62
-0.7pp
Lutheran
-165
-1.3pp
Presbyterian
-243
-1.7pp
Christianity, nfd
+43
+0.1pp
Baptist
-34
-0.3pp
Pentecostal, nfd
+23
+0.1pp
Data table
Religion for Southern Grampians (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 | 6,606 | 39.9% | 44.9% | 4,511 | 28.4% | 33.7% | +2,095 | +11.5pp |
| Western Catholic | 2,699 | 16.3% | 19.7% | 3,004 | 18.9% | 22.7% | -305 | -2.6pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 1,603 | 9.7% | 9.8% | 1,944 | 12.2% | 13.3% | -341 | -2.5pp |
| Uniting Church | 1,536 | 9.3% | 4.7% | 1,932 | 12.1% | 6.5% | -396 | -2.8pp |
| Not stated | 1,271 | 7.7% | 7.7% | 1,333 | 8.4% | 9.8% | -62 | -0.7pp |
| Lutheran | 964 | 5.8% | 0.7% | 1,129 | 7.1% | 0.9% | -165 | -1.3pp |
| Presbyterian | 690 | 4.2% | 2.2% | 933 | 5.9% | 3.2% | -243 | -1.7pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 323 | 1.9% | 2.1% | 280 | 1.8% | 2.1% | +43 | +0.1pp |
| Baptist | 140 | 0.8% | 1.2% | 174 | 1.1% | 1.3% | -34 | -0.3pp |
| Pentecostal, nfd | 116 | 0.7% | 0.7% | 93 | 0.6% | 0.7% | +23 | +0.1pp |
| Total | 16,575 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 15,908 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +667 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.