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 Middle Cove, accounting for 43% (571 people). This share was similar to Willoughby (C) (43%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 91 people and 7 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Middle Cove - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Middle Cove in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Willoughby (C) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Middle Cove, with comparison markers for Willoughby (C).

Middle Cove
Willoughby (C)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

571

% of total

43.0%

Change from 2016

+7.0pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

331

% of total

24.9%

Change from 2016

-2.5pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

181

% of total

13.6%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Not stated

2021 count

39

% of total

2.9%

Change from 2016

-6.0pp

Buddhism

2021 count

28

% of total

2.1%

Change from 2016

-0.4pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

28

% of total

2.1%

Change from 2016

-0.5pp

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

27

% of total

2.0%

Change from 2016

+0.7pp

Presbyterian

2021 count

23

% of total

1.7%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Judaism

2021 count

20

% of total

1.5%

Change from 2016

-0.5pp

Armenian Apostolic

2021 count

11

% of total

0.8%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Data table

Religion for Middle Cove. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Willoughby (C).

Religion for Middle Cove. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Willoughby (C).
Religion for Middle Cove. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Willoughby (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Willoughby (C)%Count%Willoughby (C)%Countpp
No Religion, so described57143.0%43.0%48036.0%36.5%+91+7.0pp
Western Catholic33124.9%20.2%36527.4%21.5%-34-2.5pp
Anglican Church of Australia18113.6%9.5%18013.5%11.5%+1+0.1pp
Not stated392.9%5.0%1188.9%8.4%-79-6.0pp
Buddhism282.1%4.5%332.5%4.3%-5-0.4pp
Uniting Church282.1%1.6%342.6%2.1%-6-0.5pp
Christianity, nfd272.0%2.0%171.3%1.8%+10+0.7pp
Presbyterian231.7%1.9%211.6%2.5%+2+0.1pp
Judaism201.5%1.0%272.0%1.0%-7-0.5pp
Armenian Apostolic110.8%0.8%80.6%0.9%+3+0.2pp
Total1,327100.0%100.0%1,333100.0%100.0%-60.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.