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 Unley (C), accounting for 47.1% (18,211 people). This share was higher than Greater Adelaide (44.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 3,786 people and 8.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Unley (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Unley (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Adelaide and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Unley (C), with comparison markers for Greater Adelaide.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
18,211
% of total
47.1%
Change from 2016
+8.8pp
18,211
47.1%
+8.8pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
6,102
% of total
15.8%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
6,102
15.8%
-1.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
3,439
% of total
8.9%
Change from 2016
-2.2pp
3,439
8.9%
-2.2pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
2,025
% of total
5.2%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
2,025
5.2%
+0.1pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
1,649
% of total
4.3%
Change from 2016
-1.3pp
1,649
4.3%
-1.3pp
Not stated
2021 count
1,582
% of total
4.1%
Change from 2016
-3.9pp
1,582
4.1%
-3.9pp
Hinduism
2021 count
882
% of total
2.3%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
882
2.3%
+0.8pp
Lutheran
2021 count
732
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
732
1.9%
-0.5pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
680
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
680
1.8%
-0.1pp
Buddhism
2021 count
675
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
675
1.7%
+0.1pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+3,786
+8.8pp
Western Catholic
-363
-1.4pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-754
-2.2pp
Greek Orthodox
+112
+0.1pp
Uniting Church
-468
-1.3pp
Not stated
-1,436
-3.9pp
Hinduism
+299
+0.8pp
Lutheran
-188
-0.5pp
Christianity, nfd
-48
-0.1pp
Buddhism
+72
+0.1pp
Data table
Religion for Unley (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Adelaide.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Adelaide% | Count | % | Greater Adelaide% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 18,211 | 47.1% | 44.6% | 14,425 | 38.3% | 35.6% | +3,786 | +8.8pp |
| Western Catholic | 6,102 | 15.8% | 16.4% | 6,465 | 17.2% | 18.9% | -363 | -1.4pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 3,439 | 8.9% | 7.0% | 4,193 | 11.1% | 9.8% | -754 | -2.2pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 2,025 | 5.2% | 2.4% | 1,913 | 5.1% | 2.5% | +112 | +0.1pp |
| Uniting Church | 1,649 | 4.3% | 3.9% | 2,117 | 5.6% | 5.8% | -468 | -1.3pp |
| Not stated | 1,582 | 4.1% | 5.2% | 3,018 | 8.0% | 8.0% | -1,436 | -3.9pp |
| Hinduism | 882 | 2.3% | 2.7% | 583 | 1.5% | 1.7% | +299 | +0.8pp |
| Lutheran | 732 | 1.9% | 1.6% | 920 | 2.4% | 2.1% | -188 | -0.5pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 680 | 1.8% | 2.7% | 728 | 1.9% | 2.8% | -48 | -0.1pp |
| Buddhism | 675 | 1.7% | 2.3% | 603 | 1.6% | 2.2% | +72 | +0.1pp |
| Total | 38,635 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 37,696 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +939 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.