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 Willoughby (C), accounting for 43% (32,525 people). This share was higher than Greater Sydney (30.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 5,396 people and 6.5 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Willoughby (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Willoughby (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Sydney and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Willoughby (C), with comparison markers for Greater Sydney.
No Religion, so described
2021 count
32,525
% of total
43.0%
Change from 2016
+6.5pp
32,525
43.0%
+6.5pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
15,249
% of total
20.2%
Change from 2016
-1.3pp
15,249
20.2%
-1.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
7,158
% of total
9.5%
Change from 2016
-2.0pp
7,158
9.5%
-2.0pp
Not stated
2021 count
3,807
% of total
5.0%
Change from 2016
-3.4pp
3,807
5.0%
-3.4pp
Buddhism
2021 count
3,396
% of total
4.5%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
3,396
4.5%
+0.2pp
Hinduism
2021 count
2,757
% of total
3.6%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
2,757
3.6%
+0.8pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
1,503
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
1,503
2.0%
+0.2pp
Presbyterian
2021 count
1,454
% of total
1.9%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
1,454
1.9%
-0.6pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
1,200
% of total
1.6%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
1,200
1.6%
-0.5pp
Islam
2021 count
979
% of total
1.3%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
979
1.3%
+0.2pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+5,396
+6.5pp
Western Catholic
-696
-1.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-1,375
-2.0pp
Not stated
-2,398
-3.4pp
Buddhism
+168
+0.2pp
Hinduism
+665
+0.8pp
Christianity, nfd
+136
+0.2pp
Presbyterian
-413
-0.6pp
Uniting Church
-331
-0.5pp
Islam
+127
+0.2pp
Data table
Religion for Willoughby (C). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Sydney.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Sydney% | Count | % | Greater Sydney% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 32,525 | 43.0% | 30.3% | 27,129 | 36.5% | 24.6% | +5,396 | +6.5pp |
| Western Catholic | 15,249 | 20.2% | 22.1% | 15,945 | 21.5% | 24.2% | -696 | -1.3pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 7,158 | 9.5% | 9.2% | 8,533 | 11.5% | 12.0% | -1,375 | -2.0pp |
| Not stated | 3,807 | 5.0% | 6.2% | 6,205 | 8.4% | 8.5% | -2,398 | -3.4pp |
| Buddhism | 3,396 | 4.5% | 3.8% | 3,228 | 4.3% | 3.9% | +168 | +0.2pp |
| Hinduism | 2,757 | 3.6% | 4.8% | 2,092 | 2.8% | 3.5% | +665 | +0.8pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 1,503 | 2.0% | 2.5% | 1,367 | 1.8% | 2.2% | +136 | +0.2pp |
| Presbyterian | 1,454 | 1.9% | 1.5% | 1,867 | 2.5% | 1.9% | -413 | -0.6pp |
| Uniting Church | 1,200 | 1.6% | 1.5% | 1,531 | 2.1% | 2.0% | -331 | -0.5pp |
| Islam | 979 | 1.3% | 6.3% | 852 | 1.1% | 5.3% | +127 | +0.2pp |
| Total | 75,621 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 74,296 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +1,325 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.