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 (NSW), accounting for 39.9% (2,834 people). This share was lower than Willoughby (C) (43%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 2,820 people and 13 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Willoughby (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Willoughby (NSW) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Willoughby (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Willoughby (NSW), with comparison markers for Willoughby (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
2,834
% of total
39.9%
Change from 2016
+13.0pp
2,834
39.9%
+13.0pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,814
% of total
25.5%
Change from 2016
-9.1pp
1,814
25.5%
-9.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
812
% of total
11.4%
Change from 2016
-9.8pp
812
11.4%
-9.8pp
Not stated
2021 count
336
% of total
4.7%
Change from 2016
-
336
4.7%
-
Buddhism
2021 count
178
% of total
2.5%
Change from 2016
-
178
2.5%
-
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
152
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
-
152
2.1%
-
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
130
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
-4.0pp
130
1.8%
-4.0pp
Hinduism
2021 count
119
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
-
119
1.7%
-
Presbyterian
2021 count
110
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
-
110
1.5%
-
Armenian Apostolic
2021 count
107
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
-
107
1.5%
-
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+2,820
+13.0pp
Western Catholic
+1,796
-9.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+801
-9.8pp
Christianity, nfd
+127
-4.0pp
Uniting Church
+89
-4.5pp
Pentecostal, nfd
+44
-5.1pp
Data table
Religion for Willoughby (NSW). 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 | 2,834 | 39.9% | 43.0% | 14 | 26.9% | 36.5% | +2,820 | +13.0pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,814 | 25.5% | 20.2% | 18 | 34.6% | 21.5% | +1,796 | -9.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 812 | 11.4% | 9.5% | 11 | 21.2% | 11.5% | +801 | -9.8pp |
| Not stated | 336 | 4.7% | 5.0% | - | - | 8.4% | - | - |
| Buddhism | 178 | 2.5% | 4.5% | - | - | 4.3% | - | - |
| Greek Orthodox | 152 | 2.1% | 1.0% | - | - | 1.1% | - | - |
| Christianity, nfd | 130 | 1.8% | 2.0% | 3 | 5.8% | 1.8% | +127 | -4.0pp |
| Hinduism | 119 | 1.7% | 3.6% | - | - | 2.8% | - | - |
| Presbyterian | 110 | 1.5% | 1.9% | - | - | 2.5% | - | - |
| Armenian Apostolic | 107 | 1.5% | 0.8% | - | - | 0.9% | - | - |
| Total | 7,108 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 52 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +7,056 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.