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 Western Downs (R), accounting for 30.3% (10,264 people). This share was lower than Regional Qld (40.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 4,533 people and 13.2 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Western Downs (R) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Western Downs (R) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Qld and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Western Downs (R), with comparison markers for Regional Qld.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
10,264
% of total
30.3%
Change from 2016
+13.2pp
10,264
30.3%
+13.2pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
6,561
% of total
19.4%
Change from 2016
-3.1pp
6,561
19.4%
-3.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
5,438
% of total
16.1%
Change from 2016
-4.6pp
5,438
16.1%
-4.6pp
Not stated
2021 count
3,720
% of total
11.0%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
3,720
11.0%
-1.4pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
1,767
% of total
5.2%
Change from 2016
-1.6pp
1,767
5.2%
-1.6pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
1,488
% of total
4.4%
Change from 2016
-1.3pp
1,488
4.4%
-1.3pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
1,153
% of total
3.4%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
1,153
3.4%
+0.3pp
Lutheran
2021 count
925
% of total
2.7%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
925
2.7%
-0.6pp
Baptist
2021 count
639
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
639
1.9%
-0.2pp
Pentecostal, nfd
2021 count
463
% of total
1.4%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
463
1.4%
0.0pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+4,533
+13.2pp
Western Catholic
-973
-3.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-1,505
-4.6pp
Not stated
-413
-1.4pp
Presbyterian
-522
-1.6pp
Uniting Church
-435
-1.3pp
Christianity, nfd
+122
+0.3pp
Lutheran
-194
-0.6pp
Baptist
-47
-0.2pp
Pentecostal, nfd
-11
0.0pp
Data table
Religion for Western Downs (R). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 10,264 | 30.3% | 40.1% | 5,731 | 17.1% | 27.9% | +4,533 | +13.2pp |
| Western Catholic | 6,561 | 19.4% | 18.7% | 7,534 | 22.5% | 22.0% | -973 | -3.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 5,438 | 16.1% | 12.8% | 6,943 | 20.7% | 17.1% | -1,505 | -4.6pp |
| Not stated | 3,720 | 11.0% | 8.8% | 4,133 | 12.4% | 10.1% | -413 | -1.4pp |
| Presbyterian | 1,767 | 5.2% | 2.3% | 2,289 | 6.8% | 3.2% | -522 | -1.6pp |
| Uniting Church | 1,488 | 4.4% | 4.0% | 1,923 | 5.7% | 5.6% | -435 | -1.3pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 1,153 | 3.4% | 3.0% | 1,031 | 3.1% | 3.0% | +122 | +0.3pp |
| Lutheran | 925 | 2.7% | 1.1% | 1,119 | 3.3% | 1.3% | -194 | -0.6pp |
| Baptist | 639 | 1.9% | 1.4% | 686 | 2.1% | 1.6% | -47 | -0.2pp |
| Pentecostal, nfd | 463 | 1.4% | 1.1% | 474 | 1.4% | 1.2% | -11 | 0.0pp |
| Total | 33,831 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 33,463 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +368 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.