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 Whyalla (C), accounting for 53% (11,261 people). This share was higher than Regional SA (47.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 2,810 people and 14.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Whyalla (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Whyalla (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional SA and change since 2016.
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Whyalla (C), with comparison markers for Regional SA.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
11,261
% of total
53.0%
Change from 2016
+14.3pp
11,261
53.0%
+14.3pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
3,182
% of total
15.0%
Change from 2016
-4.5pp
3,182
15.0%
-4.5pp
Not stated
2021 count
1,739
% of total
8.2%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
1,739
8.2%
-1.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
1,439
% of total
6.8%
Change from 2016
-3.7pp
1,439
6.8%
-3.7pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
844
% of total
4.0%
Change from 2016
-2.4pp
844
4.0%
-2.4pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
446
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
446
2.1%
-0.4pp
Lutheran
2021 count
310
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
310
1.5%
-0.6pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
259
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
259
1.2%
-1.0pp
Baptist
2021 count
254
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
254
1.2%
-0.1pp
Pentecostal, nfd
2021 count
203
% of total
1.0%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
203
1.0%
-0.3pp
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+2,810
+14.3pp
Western Catholic
-1,069
-4.5pp
Not stated
-291
-1.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-850
-3.7pp
Uniting Church
-549
-2.4pp
Christianity, nfd
-106
-0.4pp
Lutheran
-150
-0.6pp
Presbyterian
-226
-1.0pp
Baptist
-24
-0.1pp
Pentecostal, nfd
-77
-0.3pp
Data table
Religion for Whyalla (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 11,261 | 53.0% | 47.5% | 8,451 | 38.7% | 35.0% | +2,810 | +14.3pp |
| Western Catholic | 3,182 | 15.0% | 11.7% | 4,251 | 19.5% | 14.5% | -1,069 | -4.5pp |
| Not stated | 1,739 | 8.2% | 8.9% | 2,030 | 9.3% | 9.8% | -291 | -1.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 1,439 | 6.8% | 7.8% | 2,289 | 10.5% | 10.7% | -850 | -3.7pp |
| Uniting Church | 844 | 4.0% | 7.7% | 1,393 | 6.4% | 11.4% | -549 | -2.4pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 446 | 2.1% | 2.5% | 552 | 2.5% | 2.7% | -106 | -0.4pp |
| Lutheran | 310 | 1.5% | 5.3% | 460 | 2.1% | 6.5% | -150 | -0.6pp |
| Presbyterian | 259 | 1.2% | 1.1% | 485 | 2.2% | 1.7% | -226 | -1.0pp |
| Baptist | 254 | 1.2% | 1.1% | 278 | 1.3% | 1.2% | -24 | -0.1pp |
| Pentecostal, nfd | 203 | 1.0% | 1.0% | 280 | 1.3% | 1.0% | -77 | -0.3pp |
| Total | 21,228 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 21,810 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -582 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.