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 Abbotsford (Vic.), accounting for 59.8% (5,417 people). This share was higher than Yarra (C) (58.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 1,400 people and 10.7 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Abbotsford (Vic.) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Abbotsford (Vic.) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Yarra (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Abbotsford (Vic.), with comparison markers for Yarra (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
5,417
% of total
59.8%
Change from 2016
+10.7pp
5,417
59.8%
+10.7pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
1,251
% of total
13.8%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
1,251
13.8%
-1.1pp
Not stated
2021 count
595
% of total
6.6%
Change from 2016
-5.0pp
595
6.6%
-5.0pp
Buddhism
2021 count
432
% of total
4.8%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
432
4.8%
-1.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
269
% of total
3.0%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
269
3.0%
-1.7pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
203
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
203
2.2%
-0.8pp
Hinduism
2021 count
130
% of total
1.4%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
130
1.4%
+0.1pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
112
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
112
1.2%
-0.1pp
Islam
2021 count
92
% of total
1.0%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
92
1.0%
-0.3pp
Judaism
2021 count
78
% of total
0.9%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
78
0.9%
+0.4pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+1,400
+10.7pp
Western Catholic
+37
-1.1pp
Not stated
-350
-5.0pp
Buddhism
-51
-1.1pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-112
-1.7pp
Greek Orthodox
-40
-0.8pp
Hinduism
+22
+0.1pp
Christianity, nfd
+4
-0.1pp
Islam
-16
-0.3pp
Judaism
+37
+0.4pp
Data table
Religion for Abbotsford (Vic.). Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Yarra (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Yarra (C)% | Count | % | Yarra (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 5,417 | 59.8% | 58.6% | 4,017 | 49.1% | 48.7% | +1,400 | +10.7pp |
| Western Catholic | 1,251 | 13.8% | 14.2% | 1,214 | 14.9% | 16.2% | +37 | -1.1pp |
| Not stated | 595 | 6.6% | 6.2% | 945 | 11.6% | 11.8% | -350 | -5.0pp |
| Buddhism | 432 | 4.8% | 3.4% | 483 | 5.9% | 4.0% | -51 | -1.1pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 269 | 3.0% | 3.9% | 381 | 4.7% | 5.1% | -112 | -1.7pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 203 | 2.2% | 3.0% | 243 | 3.0% | 3.2% | -40 | -0.8pp |
| Hinduism | 130 | 1.4% | 0.8% | 108 | 1.3% | 0.7% | +22 | +0.1pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 112 | 1.2% | 1.2% | 108 | 1.3% | 1.3% | +4 | -0.1pp |
| Islam | 92 | 1.0% | 2.4% | 108 | 1.3% | 2.3% | -16 | -0.3pp |
| Judaism | 78 | 0.9% | 0.7% | 41 | 0.5% | 0.6% | +37 | +0.4pp |
| Total | 9,052 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 8,173 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +879 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.