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 Whitehorse (C), accounting for 43.4% (73,545 people). This share was higher than Greater Melbourne (36.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 13,851 people and 6.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Whitehorse (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Whitehorse (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Melbourne and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Whitehorse (C), with comparison markers for Greater Melbourne.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
73,545
% of total
43.4%
Change from 2016
+6.6pp
73,545
43.4%
+6.6pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
27,554
% of total
16.3%
Change from 2016
-2.3pp
27,554
16.3%
-2.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
9,950
% of total
5.9%
Change from 2016
-1.8pp
9,950
5.9%
-1.8pp
Buddhism
2021 count
9,190
% of total
5.4%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
9,190
5.4%
+0.4pp
Not stated
2021 count
8,674
% of total
5.1%
Change from 2016
-2.2pp
8,674
5.1%
-2.2pp
Hinduism
2021 count
6,499
% of total
3.8%
Change from 2016
+1.1pp
6,499
3.8%
+1.1pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
5,516
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
5,516
3.3%
-0.1pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
5,132
% of total
3.0%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
5,132
3.0%
+0.1pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
4,487
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
4,487
2.6%
-1.0pp
Baptist
2021 count
4,381
% of total
2.6%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
4,381
2.6%
-0.1pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+13,851
+6.6pp
Western Catholic
-2,635
-2.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-2,595
-1.8pp
Buddhism
+1,147
+0.4pp
Not stated
-3,196
-2.2pp
Hinduism
+2,126
+1.1pp
Greek Orthodox
-53
-0.1pp
Christianity, nfd
+476
+0.1pp
Uniting Church
-1,418
-1.0pp
Baptist
+16
-0.1pp
Data table
Religion for Whitehorse (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Melbourne.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 73,545 | 43.4% | 36.9% | 59,694 | 36.8% | 31.0% | +13,851 | +6.6pp |
| Western Catholic | 27,554 | 16.3% | 20.5% | 30,189 | 18.6% | 23.2% | -2,635 | -2.3pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 9,950 | 5.9% | 5.5% | 12,545 | 7.7% | 7.6% | -2,595 | -1.8pp |
| Buddhism | 9,190 | 5.4% | 3.9% | 8,043 | 5.0% | 3.8% | +1,147 | +0.4pp |
| Not stated | 8,674 | 5.1% | 5.8% | 11,870 | 7.3% | 8.6% | -3,196 | -2.2pp |
| Hinduism | 6,499 | 3.8% | 4.1% | 4,373 | 2.7% | 2.9% | +2,126 | +1.1pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 5,516 | 3.3% | 3.3% | 5,569 | 3.4% | 3.5% | -53 | -0.1pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 5,132 | 3.0% | 2.7% | 4,656 | 2.9% | 2.6% | +476 | +0.1pp |
| Uniting Church | 4,487 | 2.6% | 1.7% | 5,905 | 3.6% | 2.3% | -1,418 | -1.0pp |
| Baptist | 4,381 | 2.6% | 1.3% | 4,365 | 2.7% | 1.3% | +16 | -0.1pp |
| Total | 169,345 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 162,070 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +7,275 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.