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 Chatswood, accounting for 47.1% (12,015 people). This share was higher than Willoughby (C) (43%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 1,417 people and 4.5 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Chatswood - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Chatswood in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Willoughby (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Chatswood, with comparison markers for Willoughby (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
12,015
% of total
47.1%
Change from 2016
+4.5pp
12,015
47.1%
+4.5pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
4,023
% of total
15.8%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
4,023
15.8%
0.0pp
Buddhism
2021 count
1,824
% of total
7.1%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
1,824
7.1%
+0.2pp
Not stated
2021 count
1,507
% of total
5.9%
Change from 2016
-3.1pp
1,507
5.9%
-3.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
1,313
% of total
5.1%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
1,313
5.1%
-1.4pp
Hinduism
2021 count
1,211
% of total
4.7%
Change from 2016
+1.3pp
1,211
4.7%
+1.3pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
646
% of total
2.5%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
646
2.5%
-1.0pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
639
% of total
2.5%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
639
2.5%
+0.3pp
Baptist
2021 count
396
% of total
1.6%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
396
1.6%
+0.1pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
372
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
372
1.5%
-0.3pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+1,417
+4.5pp
Western Catholic
+87
0.0pp
Buddhism
+101
+0.2pp
Not stated
-733
-3.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-314
-1.4pp
Hinduism
+373
+1.3pp
Presbyterian
-226
-1.0pp
Christianity, nfd
+82
+0.3pp
Baptist
+24
+0.1pp
Uniting Church
-81
-0.3pp
Data table
Religion for Chatswood. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Willoughby (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Willoughby (C)% | Count | % | Willoughby (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 12,015 | 47.1% | 43.0% | 10,598 | 42.6% | 36.5% | +1,417 | +4.5pp |
| Western Catholic | 4,023 | 15.8% | 20.2% | 3,936 | 15.8% | 21.5% | +87 | 0.0pp |
| Buddhism | 1,824 | 7.1% | 4.5% | 1,723 | 6.9% | 4.3% | +101 | +0.2pp |
| Not stated | 1,507 | 5.9% | 5.0% | 2,240 | 9.0% | 8.4% | -733 | -3.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 1,313 | 5.1% | 9.5% | 1,627 | 6.5% | 11.5% | -314 | -1.4pp |
| Hinduism | 1,211 | 4.7% | 3.6% | 838 | 3.4% | 2.8% | +373 | +1.3pp |
| Presbyterian | 646 | 2.5% | 1.9% | 872 | 3.5% | 2.5% | -226 | -1.0pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 639 | 2.5% | 2.0% | 557 | 2.2% | 1.8% | +82 | +0.3pp |
| Baptist | 396 | 1.6% | 1.0% | 372 | 1.5% | 0.9% | +24 | +0.1pp |
| Uniting Church | 372 | 1.5% | 1.6% | 453 | 1.8% | 2.1% | -81 | -0.3pp |
| Total | 25,523 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 24,886 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +637 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.