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 Southwood, accounting for 29% (20 people). This share was lower than Western Downs (R) (30.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Presbyterian, which decreased by 7 people and 7.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Southwood - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Southwood in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Western Downs (R) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Southwood, with comparison markers for Western Downs (R).

Southwood
Western Downs (R)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

20

% of total

29.0%

Change from 2016

+7.7pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

11

% of total

15.9%

Change from 2016

-4.1pp

Not stated

2021 count

10

% of total

14.5%

Change from 2016

-0.5pp

Data table

Religion for Southwood. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Western Downs (R).

Religion for Southwood. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Western Downs (R).
Religion for Southwood. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Western Downs (R).
Category20212016Change
Count%Western Downs (R)%Count%Western Downs (R)%Countpp
No Religion, so described2029.0%30.3%1721.3%17.1%+3+7.7pp
Western Catholic1115.9%19.4%1620.0%22.5%-5-4.1pp
Not stated1014.5%11.0%1215.0%12.4%-2-0.5pp
Total69100.0%100.0%80100.0%100.0%-110.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.