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 Burnley, accounting for 59.1% (466 people). This share was higher than Yarra (C) (58.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 81 people and 8.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Burnley - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Burnley in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Yarra (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Burnley, with comparison markers for Yarra (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
466
% of total
59.1%
Change from 2016
+8.6pp
466
59.1%
+8.6pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
116
% of total
14.7%
Change from 2016
-3.7pp
116
14.7%
-3.7pp
Not stated
2021 count
65
% of total
8.2%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
65
8.2%
-0.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
45
% of total
5.7%
Change from 2016
-2.2pp
45
5.7%
-2.2pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
33
% of total
4.2%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
33
4.2%
+0.4pp
Hinduism
2021 count
13
% of total
1.6%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
13
1.6%
+0.6pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+81
+8.6pp
Western Catholic
-24
-3.7pp
Not stated
0
-0.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia
-15
-2.2pp
Greek Orthodox
+4
+0.4pp
Hinduism
+5
+0.6pp
Data table
Religion for Burnley. 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 | 466 | 59.1% | 58.6% | 385 | 50.5% | 48.7% | +81 | +8.6pp |
| Western Catholic | 116 | 14.7% | 14.2% | 140 | 18.4% | 16.2% | -24 | -3.7pp |
| Not stated | 65 | 8.2% | 6.2% | 65 | 8.5% | 11.8% | 0 | -0.3pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 45 | 5.7% | 3.9% | 60 | 7.9% | 5.1% | -15 | -2.2pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 33 | 4.2% | 3.0% | 29 | 3.8% | 3.2% | +4 | +0.4pp |
| Hinduism | 13 | 1.6% | 0.8% | 8 | 1.0% | 0.7% | +5 | +0.6pp |
| Total | 788 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 762 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +26 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.