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 Whittlesea (C), accounting for 24% (55,129 people). This share was lower than Greater Melbourne (36.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 15,454 people and 3.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Whittlesea (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Whittlesea (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Melbourne and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Whittlesea (C), with comparison markers for Greater Melbourne.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
55,129
% of total
24.0%
Change from 2016
+3.9pp
55,129
24.0%
+3.9pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
55,037
% of total
24.0%
Change from 2016
-3.5pp
55,037
24.0%
-3.5pp
Islam
2021 count
20,731
% of total
9.0%
Change from 2016
+1.6pp
20,731
9.0%
+1.6pp
Hinduism
2021 count
14,332
% of total
6.2%
Change from 2016
+2.0pp
14,332
6.2%
+2.0pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
13,062
% of total
5.7%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
13,062
5.7%
-0.6pp
Not stated
2021 count
12,519
% of total
5.5%
Change from 2016
-1.8pp
12,519
5.5%
-1.8pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
9,616
% of total
4.2%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
9,616
4.2%
+0.2pp
Sikhism
2021 count
8,508
% of total
3.7%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
8,508
3.7%
+0.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
8,132
% of total
3.5%
Change from 2016
-1.6pp
8,132
3.5%
-1.6pp
Buddhism
2021 count
7,637
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
7,637
3.3%
0.0pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+15,454
+3.9pp
Western Catholic
+733
-3.5pp
Islam
+6,206
+1.6pp
Hinduism
+6,063
+2.0pp
Greek Orthodox
+583
-0.6pp
Not stated
-1,838
-1.8pp
Christianity, nfd
+1,728
+0.2pp
Sikhism
+2,733
+0.8pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-2,013
-1.6pp
Buddhism
+1,068
0.0pp
Data table
Religion for Whittlesea (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 | 55,129 | 24.0% | 36.9% | 39,675 | 20.1% | 31.0% | +15,454 | +3.9pp |
| Western Catholic | 55,037 | 24.0% | 20.5% | 54,304 | 27.5% | 23.2% | +733 | -3.5pp |
| Islam | 20,731 | 9.0% | 5.3% | 14,525 | 7.4% | 4.2% | +6,206 | +1.6pp |
| Hinduism | 14,332 | 6.2% | 4.1% | 8,269 | 4.2% | 2.9% | +6,063 | +2.0pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 13,062 | 5.7% | 3.3% | 12,479 | 6.3% | 3.5% | +583 | -0.6pp |
| Not stated | 12,519 | 5.5% | 5.8% | 14,357 | 7.3% | 8.6% | -1,838 | -1.8pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 9,616 | 4.2% | 2.7% | 7,888 | 4.0% | 2.6% | +1,728 | +0.2pp |
| Sikhism | 8,508 | 3.7% | 1.7% | 5,775 | 2.9% | 1.1% | +2,733 | +0.8pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 8,132 | 3.5% | 5.5% | 10,145 | 5.1% | 7.6% | -2,013 | -1.6pp |
| Buddhism | 7,637 | 3.3% | 3.9% | 6,569 | 3.3% | 3.8% | +1,068 | 0.0pp |
| Total | 229,434 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 197,501 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +31,933 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.