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Church attendance in Australia - Data and Analysis (2001-2033)
IBISWorld anticipates church attendance to shrink by 3.4% in 2025-26 to 373,459 people. This contraction is part of a broader trend marked by significant drops in attendance, especially within the Catholic community. Data from the 2021 National Count of Attendance indicated that the average number of people attending mass on a typical weekend in May 2021 was around 417,350, equating to just 8.2% of the Catholic Population. This attendance figure reflects a sharp drop of approximately 206,000 participants (33.0%) compared to 2016, with a 3.6% decline in attendance rate over the same period. Contributing factors include demographic shifts, a retreat in religious affiliation and evolving social dynamics that have led to decreased participation in traditional church gatherings.These trends align with secularisation patterns reported in the 2021 Census, which revealed a drop in those identifying as Christian to 43.9%, while the proportion of individuals with no religious affiliation rose to 38.9%. This shift is especially noticeable among younger demographics, particularly those aged 18-25, who are less inclined to identify as Catholic or attend church services. Despite this, there was a slight expansion in mass attendance among the 18-29 age group, rising by about 4,000 participants from 2016 to 2021, suggesting emerging engagement among younger adults.Overall, the dip in church attendance is driven by societal trends towards secularism, shifting cultural values and reduced participation among younger demographics. The Catholic Church and other traditional Christian groups face challenges and struggle to remain relevant in today's evolving cultural landscape. Many churches have adapted by offering online services, which resulted in a temporary boost in digital mass attendance. Regardless, IBISWorld forecasts the number of people attending church to retreat at a compound annual rate of 2.2% over the five years through 2025-26, as congregations continue to navigate the complexities of engaging a diverse and increasingly secular (non-religious or unaffiliated) population.
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Church attendance
2001-2033
Estimated Value in 2026
XX
2021-26 CAGR XX%
2025-26 Change XX%
Forecast Value in 2033
XX
2026-33 CAGR XX%
2026-27 Change XX%
This report analyses the number of attendees at Catholic masses in Australia. The data is sourced from the National Count of Attendance, conducted every five years by the National Centre for Pastoral Research, with the most recent count being in 2021. The count is the average number of people who attended mass each weekend over four consecutive weekends. IBISWorld has estimated church attendance in the intermediate years. The data includes attendance at masses and Sunday Assemblies in the Absence of a Priest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the church attendance in Australia in 2026?
The church attendance in Australia in 2026 was 373,459 people.
How has the church attendance in Australia changed in 2026?
The church attendance in Australia declined by -2.2% in 2026.
What was the forecast growth rate of church attendance in Australia over the next five years?
IBISWorld’s data and analysis on church attendance in Australia includes forecasted growth rates over the next five years.
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