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 Unincorporated ACT, accounting for 43.5% (197,367 people). This share was similar to Australian Capital Territory (43.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 53,816 people and 7.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Unincorporated ACT - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Unincorporated ACT in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Australian Capital Territory and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Unincorporated ACT, with comparison markers for Australian Capital Territory.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
197,367
% of total
43.5%
Change from 2016
+7.3pp
197,367
43.5%
+7.3pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
86,744
% of total
19.1%
Change from 2016
-3.0pp
86,744
19.1%
-3.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
37,108
% of total
8.2%
Change from 2016
-2.6pp
37,108
8.2%
-2.6pp
Not stated
2021 count
23,557
% of total
5.2%
Change from 2016
-3.3pp
23,557
5.2%
-3.3pp
Hinduism
2021 count
20,498
% of total
4.5%
Change from 2016
+1.9pp
20,498
4.5%
+1.9pp
Islam
2021 count
14,602
% of total
3.2%
Change from 2016
+0.7pp
14,602
3.2%
+0.7pp
Buddhism
2021 count
12,685
% of total
2.8%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
12,685
2.8%
+0.3pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
10,618
% of total
2.3%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
10,618
2.3%
+0.1pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
7,995
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
7,995
1.8%
-0.6pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
6,061
% of total
1.3%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
6,061
1.3%
-0.5pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+53,816
+7.3pp
Western Catholic
-942
-3.0pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-5,576
-2.6pp
Not stated
-10,326
-3.3pp
Hinduism
+10,290
+1.9pp
Islam
+4,738
+0.7pp
Buddhism
+2,777
+0.3pp
Christianity, nfd
+1,689
+0.1pp
Uniting Church
-1,602
-0.6pp
Presbyterian
-1,092
-0.5pp
Data table
Religion for Unincorporated ACT. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Australian Capital Territory.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Australian Capital Territory% | Count | % | Australian Capital Territory% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 197,367 | 43.5% | 43.5% | 143,551 | 36.2% | 36.2% | +53,816 | +7.3pp |
| Western Catholic | 86,744 | 19.1% | 19.1% | 87,686 | 22.1% | 22.1% | -942 | -3.0pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 37,108 | 8.2% | 8.2% | 42,684 | 10.8% | 10.8% | -5,576 | -2.6pp |
| Not stated | 23,557 | 5.2% | 5.2% | 33,883 | 8.5% | 8.5% | -10,326 | -3.3pp |
| Hinduism | 20,498 | 4.5% | 4.5% | 10,208 | 2.6% | 2.6% | +10,290 | +1.9pp |
| Islam | 14,602 | 3.2% | 3.2% | 9,864 | 2.5% | 2.5% | +4,738 | +0.7pp |
| Buddhism | 12,685 | 2.8% | 2.8% | 9,908 | 2.5% | 2.5% | +2,777 | +0.3pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 10,618 | 2.3% | 2.3% | 8,929 | 2.2% | 2.2% | +1,689 | +0.1pp |
| Uniting Church | 7,995 | 1.8% | 1.8% | 9,597 | 2.4% | 2.4% | -1,602 | -0.6pp |
| Presbyterian | 6,061 | 1.3% | 1.3% | 7,153 | 1.8% | 1.8% | -1,092 | -0.5pp |
| Total | 453,879 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 396,863 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +57,016 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.