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 Doreen (part), accounting for 41.5% (11,257 people). This share was higher than Whittlesea (C) (24%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 11,248 people and 8.2 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Doreen (part) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Doreen (part) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Whittlesea (C) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Doreen (part), with comparison markers for Whittlesea (C).

Doreen (part)
Whittlesea (C)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

11,257

% of total

41.5%

Change from 2016

+8.2pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

6,263

% of total

23.1%

Change from 2016

+8.3pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

1,858

% of total

6.8%

Change from 2016

-15.4pp

Hinduism

2021 count

972

% of total

3.6%

Change from 2016

-

Not stated

2021 count

936

% of total

3.4%

Change from 2016

-7.7pp

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

897

% of total

3.3%

Change from 2016

-

Greek Orthodox

2021 count

648

% of total

2.4%

Change from 2016

-

Islam

2021 count

509

% of total

1.9%

Change from 2016

-

Buddhism

2021 count

486

% of total

1.8%

Change from 2016

-

Sikhism

2021 count

420

% of total

1.5%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Religion for Doreen (part). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Whittlesea (C).

Religion for Doreen (part). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Whittlesea (C).
Religion for Doreen (part). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Whittlesea (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Whittlesea (C)%Count%Whittlesea (C)%Countpp
No Religion, so described11,25741.5%24.0%933.3%20.1%+11,248+8.2pp
Western Catholic6,26323.1%24.0%414.8%27.5%+6,259+8.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia1,8586.8%3.5%622.2%5.1%+1,852-15.4pp
Hinduism9723.6%6.2%--4.2%--
Not stated9363.4%5.5%311.1%7.3%+933-7.7pp
Christianity, nfd8973.3%4.2%--4.0%--
Greek Orthodox6482.4%5.7%--6.3%--
Islam5091.9%9.0%--7.4%--
Buddhism4861.8%3.3%--3.3%--
Sikhism4201.5%3.7%--2.9%--
Total27,132100.0%100.0%27100.0%100.0%+27,1050.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.