Religion in Brighton and Hove
Brighton & Hove recorded the highest proportion of residents reporting no religion among all English local authorities in the 2021 Census at 55.2% (152,966 residents). Christianity was the largest religious affiliation at 30.9% (85,629 residents), while 3.1% identified as Muslim (8,500 residents). The city also maintains comparatively notable Buddhist (0.9%), Jewish (0.9%), and other-faith communities for the South East.
Religion Percentages in Brighton and Hove
Census 2011 to 2021 Demographic Trends
Community & Cultural Highlights
- Brighton & Hove has the highest proportion of non-religious residents of any local authority in England (55.2%, or 152,966 people).
- No religion rose by +12.8 percentage points between 2011 (42.4%) and 2021 (55.2%), while Christian affiliation dropped by -12.0 percentage points (42.9% to 30.9%).
- Despite its strong secular majority, Brighton & Hove has a higher proportion of Buddhists (0.9%) and Jewish residents (0.9%) than both the South East and England national benchmarks (0.5%).
- Muslim affiliation grew by 39% in absolute population, rising from 6,095 in 2011 to 8,500 in 2021 (3.1%).
- Middle Street Synagogue in The Lanes (built 1875) is one of the most architecturally celebrated Victorian synagogues in Europe.
- The city exhibits dramatic intra-urban variations: Hanover & Elm Grove recorded 68.4% No Religion, whereas coastal Rottingdean recorded 42.9% Christian affiliation.
- Brighton Buddhist Centre in North Laine has served as an influential regional hub for Buddhist teaching and meditation since the 1970s.
Community Geographic Distributions in Brighton and Hove
Non-religious affiliation is strongest in the dense central, bohemian, and student-heavy neighbourhoods of central Brighton and North Laine.
Christian affiliation remains highest in coastal village suburbs like Rottingdean and more suburban residential wards across northern and eastern Brighton.
Brighton and Hove's Jewish population is historically and residentially concentrated in Hove and along the western coastal strip.
Muslim families and international university students live across central Brighton, Hove, and suburban districts like Hangleton.
Buddhism has a visible cultural presence in central creative quarters, centered around the North Laine Buddhist Centre.
Brighton and Hove Religious Landscape & Demographic Analysis
According to official figures from the ONS Census 2021, Religion, England and Wales, Brighton and Hove (total population: 277,103 across South East) exhibits a distinct religious profile. Christianity represents 30.9% of the population. A substantial 55.2% of residents report having no religious affiliation. The Muslim community comprises 3.1% of local residents. Buddhist residents represent 0.9%.
Local Places of Worship & Community Centers
Spiritual and community life in Brighton and Hove is supported by recognized places of worship across various neighborhoods, including St Nicholas Church (Anglican Parish Church located in Church Street / Brighton Centre), St Peter's Church (Anglican Church located in York Place / Central Brighton), Brighton Hebrew Congregation (Middle Street Synagogue) (Orthodox Jewish Synagogue located in Middle Street, The Lanes), Hove Hebrew Congregation (Orthodox Jewish Synagogue located in New Church Road, Hove), Brighton Mosque and Muslim Community Centre (Mosque and Community Centre located in Bedford Place / Clifton Hill), Al-Medinah Mosque (Mosque located in Bedford Place), and Brighton Buddhist Centre (Buddhist Centre located in Tichborne Street, North Laine).
Neighborhood & Diaspora Insights in Brighton and Hove
Brighton & Hove has the highest proportion of non-religious residents of any local authority in England (55.2%, or 152,966 people). No religion rose by +12.8 percentage points between 2011 (42.4%) and 2021 (55.2%), while Christian affiliation dropped by -12.0 percentage points (42.9% to 30.9%). Despite its strong secular majority, Brighton & Hove has a higher proportion of Buddhists (0.9%) and Jewish residents (0.9%) than both the South East and England national benchmarks (0.5%). Muslim affiliation grew by 39% in absolute population, rising from 6,095 in 2011 to 8,500 in 2021 (3.1%). Middle Street Synagogue in The Lanes (built 1875) is one of the most architecturally celebrated Victorian synagogues in Europe. The city exhibits dramatic intra-urban variations: Hanover & Elm Grove recorded 68.4% No Religion, whereas coastal Rottingdean recorded 42.9% Christian affiliation. Brighton Buddhist Centre in North Laine has served as an influential regional hub for Buddhist teaching and meditation since the 1970s.
Practical Living & Community Guidance in Brighton and Hove
- •The 2021 Census recorded 277,103 usual residents in Brighton & Hove.
- •Brighton & Hove had the highest proportion of residents reporting no religion among local authorities in England in 2021 (55.2%). Welsh authorities such as Caerphilly (56.7%) were higher, so the 'highest' ranking is specific to England.
- •Census religion statistics measure affiliation rather than active practice or intensity of philosophical beliefs.
- •Census religion figures measure self-identified affiliation or cultural belonging rather than active worship attendance or religious observance.
- •The religion question in the UK Census is voluntary; respondents who chose not to answer are recorded separately under 'not answered' and are distinct from 'no religion'.
- •Halal, Kosher, and vegetarian food products are widely accessible in major supermarkets and independent community grocery stores across the city.
- •Under the UK Equality Act 2010, religious belief and practice are protected characteristics against discrimination in workplaces, education, and housing.
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