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 Wellington (S), accounting for 45.4% (20,722 people). This share was higher than Regional Vic. (44.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 6,598 people and 12.5 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Wellington (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Wellington (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 Wellington (S), with comparison markers for Regional Vic..
No Religion, so described
2021 count
20,722
% of total
45.4%
Change from 2016
+12.5pp
20,722
45.4%
+12.5pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
7,669
% of total
16.8%
Change from 2016
-3.1pp
7,669
16.8%
-3.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
6,402
% of total
14.0%
Change from 2016
-5.1pp
6,402
14.0%
-5.1pp
Not stated
2021 count
4,592
% of total
10.1%
Change from 2016
-1.6pp
4,592
10.1%
-1.6pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
1,763
% of total
3.9%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
1,763
3.9%
-1.7pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
901
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
901
2.0%
+0.1pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
865
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
865
1.9%
-1.0pp
Baptist
2021 count
550
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
550
1.2%
0.0pp
Buddhism
2021 count
295
% of total
0.6%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
295
0.6%
-0.1pp
Hinduism
2021 count
181
% of total
0.4%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
181
0.4%
+0.1pp
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+6,598
+12.5pp
Western Catholic
-870
-3.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-1,808
-5.1pp
Not stated
-415
-1.6pp
Uniting Church
-633
-1.7pp
Christianity, nfd
+103
+0.1pp
Presbyterian
-390
-1.0pp
Baptist
+23
0.0pp
Buddhism
-13
-0.1pp
Hinduism
+45
+0.1pp
Data table
Religion for Wellington (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 | 20,722 | 45.4% | 44.9% | 14,124 | 32.9% | 33.7% | +6,598 | +12.5pp |
| Western Catholic | 7,669 | 16.8% | 19.7% | 8,539 | 19.9% | 22.7% | -870 | -3.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 6,402 | 14.0% | 9.8% | 8,210 | 19.1% | 13.3% | -1,808 | -5.1pp |
| Not stated | 4,592 | 10.1% | 7.7% | 5,007 | 11.7% | 9.8% | -415 | -1.6pp |
| Uniting Church | 1,763 | 3.9% | 4.7% | 2,396 | 5.6% | 6.5% | -633 | -1.7pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 901 | 2.0% | 2.1% | 798 | 1.9% | 2.1% | +103 | +0.1pp |
| Presbyterian | 865 | 1.9% | 2.2% | 1,255 | 2.9% | 3.2% | -390 | -1.0pp |
| Baptist | 550 | 1.2% | 1.2% | 527 | 1.2% | 1.3% | +23 | 0.0pp |
| Buddhism | 295 | 0.6% | 0.9% | 308 | 0.7% | 0.8% | -13 | -0.1pp |
| Hinduism | 181 | 0.4% | 0.7% | 136 | 0.3% | 0.4% | +45 | +0.1pp |
| Total | 45,630 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 42,960 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +2,670 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.