Religion in Australia 2025
Australia’s religious landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past five decades, with the 2021 Census revealing unprecedented shifts in how Australians identify spiritually. The latest official data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows a nation moving away from traditional Christian denominations while simultaneously embracing greater religious diversity and secular identities. This comprehensive analysis examines the most recent verified government statistics on religion in Australia, providing insights into a society experiencing one of the most significant spiritual transitions in its modern history.
The 2021 Census captured responses from 93.1% of the Australian population on matters of religious affiliation, marking an increase in participation from 90.9% in 2016. The data reveals three dominant trends shaping contemporary Australian spirituality: a substantial decline in Christianity, particularly among younger generations; explosive growth in non-Christian religions driven by migration from Asia and the Middle East; and the continued rise of Australians identifying with no religion. Understanding these patterns is essential for policymakers, community organizations, religious institutions, and researchers seeking to comprehend the evolving cultural fabric of Australian society in 2021.
Interesting Stats & Facts About Religion in Australia 2025
| Fact Category | Key Finding | Data Point |
|---|---|---|
| Christianity Decline | Christianity decreased by more than 1 million people between 2016-2021 | 11.1 million (43.9%) |
| No Religion Growth | Almost 10 million Australians reported having no religion | 9.9 million (38.9%) |
| Islam Population | Islam grew to 813,400 people, making it Australia’s largest non-Christian religion | 3.2% of population |
| Hinduism Growth | Hindu population increased by 243,700 people in just 5 years | 684,000 (2.7%) |
| Buddhism Followers | 615,800 Australians identified as Buddhist | 2.4% of population |
| Fastest Growing Religion | Yezidi religion experienced growth of 6,444% from 63 to 4,123 people | 2016-2021 |
| Anglican Decline | Anglican affiliation dropped by nearly 1 in 5 Anglicans (19.5%) | 2.5 million (9.8%) |
| Catholic Population | Catholicism remained largest Christian denomination despite decline | 5.1 million (20.0%) |
| Sikhism Growth | Sikh population nearly tripled since 2011 | 210,400 (0.8%) |
| Non-Denominational Christians | Christianity not further defined increased by 76,100 people | 688,400 (2.7%) |
| Judaism Population | 99,900 Australians identified as Jewish | 0.4% of population |
| Tasmania No Religion | Tasmania had highest proportion reporting no religion | 50% of population |
| Median Age Christianity | Average age of Christians | 47 years |
| Median Age Islam | Islam has youngest median age of major religions | 28 years |
| Orthodox Christians | Greek Orthodox remained largest Orthodox denomination | 1.5% of population |
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Religious Affiliation in Australia, 2021 Census
Understanding the Religious Landscape Changes in Australia 2025
The statistics from the 2021 Census reveal a nation undergoing profound spiritual restructuring. The decline of Christianity by more than 1 million people represents not merely statistical change but a fundamental shift in how Australians relate to organized religion. This decrease occurred across nearly all age groups, with young adults aged 18-25 years experiencing the most dramatic departure from Christian identification. The trend suggests that younger Australians are increasingly rejecting the religious affiliations of their parents and grandparents, choosing instead to identify with no religion or exploring alternative spiritual paths outside traditional Christian frameworks.
Simultaneously, the rise of no religion to 38.9% of the population marks a cultural milestone. Nearly 10 million Australians now explicitly state they have no religious affiliation, representing an increase of more than 2.8 million people since 2016. This growth indicates not just passive disengagement from religious institutions but active identification with secular values and non-religious worldviews. The Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows this trend is particularly pronounced in Tasmania, where half the population reports no religion, and among Millennials, where 46.5% identify as non-religious. The phenomenon reflects broader societal changes including increased access to education, urbanization, and exposure to diverse philosophical perspectives that challenge traditional religious narratives.
Christian Affiliation by Denomination in Australia 2025
| Christian Denomination | Population Count 2021 | Percentage 2021 | Population Count 2016 | Percentage 2016 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 5,075,900 | 20.0% | 5,291,800 | 22.6% | -215,900 |
| Anglican | 2,496,300 | 9.8% | 3,101,200 | 13.3% | -604,900 |
| Uniting Church | 374,800 | 1.5% | 870,200 | 3.7% | -495,400 |
| Presbyterian and Reformed | 357,200 | 1.4% | 526,700 | 2.3% | -169,500 |
| Eastern Orthodox | 595,700 | 2.3% | 563,300 | 2.4% | +32,400 |
| Baptist | 344,500 | 1.4% | 352,500 | 1.5% | -8,000 |
| Pentecostal | 329,400 | 1.3% | 260,600 | 1.1% | +68,800 |
| Lutheran | 174,000 | 0.7% | 174,000 | 0.7% | 0 |
| Christianity nfd | 688,400 | 2.7% | 612,300 | 2.6% | +76,100 |
| Other Christian | 1,076,900 | 4.2% | 1,451,200 | 6.2% | -374,300 |
| Total Christianity | 11,113,100 | 43.9% | 12,203,800 | 52.1% | -1,090,700 |
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021 Census of Population and Housing
Christianity Decline Across Denominations in Australia 2025
The 2021 Census data reveals that the decline in Christianity was not uniform across all denominations, with some experiencing catastrophic losses while others showed modest growth. The Anglican Church suffered the most severe numerical decline, losing nearly 605,000 members between 2016 and 2021, representing a 19.5% decrease. This exodus reduced Anglican affiliation from 13.3% to just 9.8% of the Australian population. The average age of Anglicans reached 56 years in 2021, significantly older than the 47 years average for all Christians, indicating serious challenges for future sustainability as the denomination fails to attract younger members.
The Catholic Church, while remaining Australia’s largest Christian denomination with 5.1 million adherents, also experienced substantial decline, losing 215,900 members. However, this decrease was partially offset by immigration from Catholic-majority regions, particularly Southeast Asia and South America. Of migrants arriving between 2016 and 2021, nearly 191,000 reported Catholic affiliation, with over one-quarter born in the Philippines. The Uniting Church experienced proportionally devastating losses, declining by more than half from 870,200 to 374,800 members. In contrast, Pentecostal churches grew by 68,800 people, and Orthodox denominations increased by 32,400 members, driven largely by migration from Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The Greek Orthodox Church remained the largest Orthodox denomination, accounting for 1.5% of all Australians.
Other Religions Growth in Australia 2025
| Religion | Population Count 2021 | Percentage 2021 | Population Count 2016 | Percentage 2016 | Change (Number) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islam | 813,400 | 3.2% | 604,200 | 2.6% | +209,200 | +34.6% |
| Hinduism | 684,000 | 2.7% | 440,300 | 1.9% | +243,700 | +55.3% |
| Buddhism | 615,800 | 2.4% | 563,700 | 2.4% | +52,100 | +9.2% |
| Sikhism | 210,400 | 0.8% | 125,900 | 0.5% | +84,500 | +67.1% |
| Judaism | 99,900 | 0.4% | 91,000 | 0.4% | +8,900 | +9.8% |
| Other Religions | 177,900 | 0.7% | 160,700 | 0.7% | +17,200 | +10.7% |
| Total Other Religions | 2,601,400 | 10.3% | 1,985,800 | 8.5% | +615,600 | +31.0% |
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Religious Affiliation in Australia, 2021 Census
Non-Christian Religions Experiencing Unprecedented Growth in Australia 2025
The 2021 Census documented explosive growth in non-Christian religions, with over 2.5 million Australians now affiliated with faiths including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Judaism. This represents an increase of more than 615,000 people since 2016, reflecting Australia’s evolving migration patterns from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The data shows that 93.8% of people affiliated with other religions were either born overseas or had at least one parent born overseas, demonstrating the direct link between international migration and religious diversification in Australia.
Hinduism experienced the most dramatic numerical growth, increasing by 243,700 people to reach 684,000 adherents (2.7% of the population). This surge was driven primarily by migration from India and Nepal, with 210,500 recent migrants (arriving 2016-2021) identifying as Hindu. Most of these migrants (91.9%) were born in India and Nepal. Islam grew by 209,150 people to 813,400 (3.2%), making it Australia’s largest non-Christian religion. Nearly 126,000 Muslims arrived between 2016 and 2021, primarily from Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh. With a median age of just 28 years, Islam has the youngest demographic profile of any major religion in Australia. Sikhism nearly tripled since the 2011 Census, reaching 210,400 people (0.8%), with 57,300 recent migrants, almost all (95.9%) from India. Buddhism increased by 52,100 to 615,800 adherents (2.4%), sustained by migration from Southeast Asia, China, and Sri Lanka. Judaism grew modestly by 8,900 to 99,900 people (0.4%).
No Religion Category Expansion in Australia 2025
| Secular Belief Category | Population 2021 | Population 2016 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Religion, so described | 9,767,450 | 6,933,710 | +2,833,740 |
| Atheism | 37,800 | 32,300 | +5,500 |
| Agnosticism | 31,680 | 26,390 | +5,290 |
| Own Spiritual Beliefs | 27,380 | 21,100 | +6,280 |
| Humanism | 2,190 | 2,910 | -720 |
| Rationalism | 750 | 770 | -20 |
| Other Secular/Spiritual | 19,710 | 23,540 | -3,830 |
| Total No Religion | 9,886,960 | 7,040,720 | +2,846,240 |
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Religious Affiliation (RELP), 2021 Census
The Rise of Secular Australia in 2025
The category of no religion experienced remarkable expansion in the 2021 Census, growing from 30.1% in 2016 to 38.9% in 2021, representing an increase of more than 2.8 million Australians. This makes the non-religious cohort the second-largest worldview group in Australia, trailing only Christianity. The vast majority of responses within this category were classified as “No Religion, so described,” accounting for 9,767,450 people. This subcategory includes individuals who explicitly wrote “no religion,” “none,” or similar responses, indicating active rejection of religious identification rather than passive indifference.
Specific secular philosophies showed modest growth within the broader no religion category. Atheism increased by 5,500 to 37,800 people, while Agnosticism grew by 5,290 to 31,680 adherents. Individuals identifying with “Own Spiritual Beliefs” increased by 6,280 to 27,380, suggesting some Australians maintain spiritual perspectives outside organized religion. However, traditional secular philosophies like Humanism declined by 720 people to 2,190, and Rationalism decreased slightly to 750. The data indicates that while Australians are increasingly rejecting institutional religion, they largely do so without formally identifying with specific secular philosophical movements, preferring instead the straightforward declaration of having no religion.
No Religion by Australian State and Territory in 2025
| State/Territory | No Religion Population | Total Population | Percentage No Religion | Change from 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tasmania | 266,700 | 534,300 | 50.0% | +12.6% |
| Australian Capital Territory | 195,700 | 453,300 | 43.2% | +11.1% |
| Victoria | 2,626,800 | 6,613,700 | 39.7% | +8.9% |
| Queensland | 2,049,600 | 5,184,800 | 39.5% | +10.0% |
| South Australia | 669,300 | 1,769,300 | 37.8% | +8.9% |
| Western Australia | 1,007,400 | 2,660,000 | 37.9% | +8.2% |
| Northern Territory | 92,800 | 246,500 | 37.6% | +8.7% |
| New South Wales | 2,700,700 | 8,131,200 | 33.2% | +7.7% |
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Religious Affiliation by State/Territory, 2021 Census
Geographic Distribution of No Religion Across Australia in 2025
The 2021 Census revealed significant geographic variation in rates of non-religious identification across Australian states and territories. Tasmania led the nation with exactly half (50%) of its population reporting no religion, representing 266,700 Tasmanians. This marked an increase of 12.6 percentage points from 2016, making Tasmania the most secular state in Australia. The Australian Capital Territory followed with 43.2% (195,700 people) identifying as non-religious, an increase of 11.1 percentage points. These high rates in Tasmania and the ACT may reflect younger, more educated populations and lower levels of recent immigration from religious communities compared to mainland states.
Victoria and Queensland both recorded substantial non-religious populations, with 39.7% and 39.5% respectively. Victoria’s 2,626,800 non-religious residents represented the largest absolute number in any state, while Queensland’s 2,049,600 showed the second-highest growth rate (+10.0 percentage points) after Tasmania. New South Wales, despite being Australia’s most populous state, had the lowest proportion reporting no religion at 33.2% (2,700,700 people), likely reflecting higher concentrations of recent migrants from religious communities, particularly in Sydney. South Australia (37.8%), Western Australia (37.9%), and the Northern Territory (37.6%) all clustered around the national average, each showing increases of 8-9 percentage points since 2016. The data demonstrates that secularization is a nationwide phenomenon affecting all Australian jurisdictions, though progressing at different rates based on demographic composition.
Religious Affiliation by Age Group in Australia 2025
| Age Group | Christianity % | Other Religions % | No Religion % | Not Stated % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-14 years | 37.1% | 12.8% | 44.8% | 5.3% |
| 15-24 years | 33.0% | 13.2% | 48.5% | 5.3% |
| 25-34 years | 33.4% | 15.3% | 46.5% | 4.8% |
| 35-44 years | 37.4% | 14.7% | 43.4% | 4.5% |
| 45-54 years | 42.7% | 10.6% | 42.3% | 4.4% |
| 55-64 years | 49.7% | 7.6% | 38.3% | 4.4% |
| 65-74 years | 58.5% | 5.5% | 31.7% | 4.3% |
| 75+ years | 69.4% | 3.9% | 22.4% | 4.3% |
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Religious Affiliation by Age, 2021 Census
Generational Divide in Religious Identification in Australia 2025
The 2021 Census exposed a stark generational divide in religious affiliation, with younger Australians far more likely to identify with no religion compared to older generations. Among 15-24 year olds, 48.5% reported no religion, making non-religious identification the majority position for this age cohort. Even more remarkably, 44.8% of children aged 0-14 years were recorded as having no religion, reflecting the choices of their predominantly Millennial parents who are actively raising children outside religious traditions. The 25-34 age group showed the highest rate of no religion at 46.5%, indicating that young adults are maintaining their secular identities as they age rather than returning to religion.
In dramatic contrast, older Australians remained predominantly Christian. Among those aged 75 years and over, 69.4% identified with Christianity while only 22.4% reported no religion. The 65-74 age group showed 58.5% Christian affiliation versus 31.7% no religion. This generational pattern demonstrates that religious decline in Australia is being driven primarily by cohort replacement, with younger, less religious generations replacing older, more religious ones. The median age of people reporting no religion was 33 years in 2021, compared to 47 years for Christians, 56 years for Anglicans, and just 28 years for Muslims. Younger Australians also showed significantly higher affiliation with other religions (13-15% for those under 45) compared to older age groups (3.9-7.6%), reflecting the children of recent migrants from Asia and the Middle East who maintain their family’s religious traditions.
Religious Affiliation Among Recent Migrants in Australia 2025
| Religious Affiliation | Number of Migrants (2017-2021) | Percentage of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Other Religions | 414,900 | 40.7% |
| No Religion | 290,700 | 28.5% |
| Christianity | 290,200 | 28.4% |
| Not Stated | 20,700 | 2.0% |
| Total Migrants | 1,020,000 | 100.0% |
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Religious Affiliation by Migration Status, 2021 Census
Migration’s Transformative Impact on Religious Diversity in Australia 2025
The 2021 Census documented that over 1 million migrants arrived in Australia between 2017 and August 2021, bringing with them religious affiliations that significantly differ from the historical Australian religious profile. Among these recent arrivals, other religions (including Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, and others) represented 40.7% (414,900 people), making this the largest religious category among new migrants. This contrasts sharply with the broader Australian population where Christianity remained the dominant affiliation at 43.9%, though declining. The data demonstrates that contemporary migration patterns are accelerating religious diversification in Australia.
Recent migrants were almost evenly split between no religion (28.5%, 290,700 people) and Christianity (28.4%, 290,200 people), suggesting diverse source countries and migration pathways. The 290,200 Christian migrants included substantial numbers from the Philippines, South America, and African nations, helping to partially offset Christianity’s overall decline among the Australian-born population. Meanwhile, the 414,900 migrants identifying with other religions primarily came from India (bringing Hinduism and Sikhism), Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh (bringing Islam), and China, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka (bringing Buddhism). The Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that 93.8% of all Australians affiliated with other religions were either born overseas or had at least one overseas-born parent, demonstrating the direct correlation between migration and religious transformation. The small proportion stating religion as not stated (2.0%, 20,700) suggests most migrants were comfortable declaring their religious affiliation or lack thereof.
Fastest Growing Religions in Australia 2025
| Religion | Population 2016 | Population 2021 | Numerical Growth | Percentage Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yezidi | 63 | 4,123 | +4,060 | +6,444% |
| Hinduism | 440,300 | 684,000 | +243,700 | +55.3% |
| Sikhism | 125,900 | 210,400 | +84,500 | +67.1% |
| Islam | 604,200 | 813,400 | +209,200 | +34.6% |
| No Religion | 7,040,720 | 9,886,960 | +2,846,240 | +40.4% |
| Christianity nfd | 612,300 | 688,400 | +76,100 | +12.4% |
| Orthodox Christianity | 563,300 | 595,700 | +32,400 | +5.8% |
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Religious Affiliation Growth Rates, 2021 Census
Extraordinary Growth Stories in Australian Religion 2025
The 2021 Census revealed that the Yezidi religion experienced the most dramatic proportional growth of any faith in Australia, increasing by an astonishing 6,444% from just 63 people in 2016 to 4,123 in 2021. The Yezidi (also spelled Yazidi) are an ancient religious minority primarily from Northern Iraq who faced severe persecution and genocide attempts in their homeland during the 2010s. Most Yezidis in Australia arrived in 2017 and 2018 as part of Australia’s Humanitarian Program, which specifically focused on resettling Yezidi women, children, and families fleeing violence in Iraq and Syria. In 2021, Yezidis were concentrated in regional Queensland and New South Wales, designated settlement locations under the Humanitarian Settlement Program.
Beyond this exceptional case, Sikhism recorded the highest percentage growth among established religions at 67.1%, though starting from a larger base of 125,900 in 2016. Hinduism achieved the largest numerical increase with 243,700 additional adherents, representing 55.3% growth. Islam added 209,200 people, growing by 34.6%. Even the no religion category, despite its already substantial size, grew by 40.4% (2.8 million people), demonstrating that secularization remained a powerful force. Interestingly, Christianity not further defined (people who identified simply as “Christian” without specifying a denomination) grew by 12.4% (76,100 people), suggesting some Australians are moving away from traditional denominational identities toward broader Christian identification. Orthodox Christianity increased by 5.8% (32,400 people), driven by migration from Greece, Lebanon, Serbia, and other Eastern European and Middle Eastern nations. These growth patterns demonstrate that while traditional Anglo-Australian Christianity declined sharply, global Christianity and other world religions found fertile ground through migration.
Christian Affiliation by Generation in Australia 2025
| Generation | Christianity % | Other Religions % | No Religion % | Not Stated % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Z (9-24 years) | 34.5% | 13.0% | 47.3% | 5.2% |
| Millennials (25-40 years) | 35.3% | 14.9% | 46.5% | 3.3% |
| Generation X (41-56 years) | 43.2% | 11.0% | 41.6% | 4.2% |
| Baby Boomers (57-75 years) | 56.3% | 6.3% | 33.3% | 4.1% |
| Interwar (75+ years) | 69.4% | 3.9% | 18.6% | 8.1% |
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Religious Affiliation by Generation, 2021 Census
Generational Religious Patterns Reshaping Australia in 2025
The 2021 Census data analyzed by generation reveals how profoundly age cohorts differ in religious identification, providing insights into Australia’s religious future. Generation Z (ages 9-24) and Millennials (ages 25-40) both showed remarkably similar profiles, with approximately 47% reporting no religion and only 34-35% identifying with Christianity. These two generations together represent roughly 10 million Australians who are predominantly non-religious, ensuring that secularization will accelerate as they age and form an increasing proportion of the adult population. Millennials recorded the highest affiliation with other religions at 14.9%, reflecting this generation’s greater ethnic diversity as the children of immigrants from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Generation X (ages 41-56) represented a transitional cohort, with their religious profile closely mirroring the Australian population overall: 43.2% Christian, 41.6% no religion, and 11.0% other religions. This suggests Generation X experienced the early phases of secularization but retained somewhat stronger Christian ties than younger cohorts. In stark contrast, Baby Boomers (ages 57-75) remained predominantly Christian at 56.3%, with only 33.3% reporting no religion. The Interwar generation (ages 75+) showed the most traditional religious profile, with nearly 70% Christian affiliation and less than one in five (18.6%) reporting no religion. The median age for various religious groups reflected these generational patterns: Hinduism had a median age of 31 years, Sikhism 30 years, Islam 28 years, compared to 47 years for Christians overall and 56 years for Anglicans. These age differences indicate that Australia’s religious landscape will continue transforming dramatically as older, Christian-affiliated generations are replaced by younger, predominantly non-religious cohorts.
Regional Variations in Religious Growth in Australia 2025
| State/Territory | Hinduism Growth | Islam Growth | No Religion Growth | Christianity Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tasmania | +0.5% to 1.7% | +0.5% to 0.9% | +37.4% to 50.0% | 54.0% to 41.6% |
| Victoria | +1.9% to 3.3% | +3.3% to 4.0% | +30.8% to 39.7% | 49.5% to 41.3% |
| New South Wales | +2.1% to 3.0% | +3.2% to 3.9% | +25.5% to 33.2% | 55.2% to 47.9% |
| Queensland | +1.4% to 2.0% | +1.8% to 2.3% | +29.5% to 39.5% | 53.9% to 44.5% |
| South Australia | +1.1% to 1.9% | +1.6% to 2.1% | +29.0% to 37.8% | 55.0% to 47.2% |
| Western Australia | +2.0% to 2.9% | +2.4% to 2.9% | +29.7% to 37.9% | 52.5% to 45.2% |
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, State/Territory Religious Affiliation, 2021 Census
Tasmania Leads Religious Transformation Among Australian States in 2025
The 2021 Census revealed that Tasmania experienced the most dramatic religious transformation of any Australian state, with extraordinary growth rates in both non-Christian religions and secular identification. Hinduism in Tasmania increased from just 0.5% in 2016 to 1.7% in 2021, representing growth from 2,550 to 9,720 people. The vast majority of these new Tasmanian Hindus were recent migrants: 5,088 were born in Nepal, 2,802 in India, and 898 were Australian-born children (under 15 years) of migrant parents. This represents a more than threefold increase in Hindu population within five years, transforming Tasmania’s religious composition more rapidly than any other state.
Islam in Tasmania also nearly doubled, growing from 0.5% to 0.9% of the population (2,498 to 4,947 people). Of these Muslims, 1,385 were born in Pakistan, 534 in Bangladesh, and 661 were Australian-born children of migrants. Most significantly, Tasmania’s no religion category surged from 37.4% to 50.0%, making it the only state where the non-religious constitute an absolute majority. Christianity in Tasmania declined from 54.0% to 41.6%. While Victoria and New South Wales had higher absolute numbers of Hindus and Muslims (reflecting their larger populations and Sydney and Melbourne’s role as major migration destinations), Tasmania’s percentage-point increases far exceeded other states, indicating rapid demographic and cultural change in this historically more religiously conservative state. Queensland showed the second-highest growth in no religion (from 29.5% to 39.5%), while Victoria recorded the highest state proportion of Hindus (3.3%) and shared the highest Muslim population with New South Wales (both near 4.0%).
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