Religion in Derby
Derby has a notably diverse religious profile within the East Midlands. In the 2021 Census, Christianity was the largest reported religious affiliation at 40.2% (104,969 residents), followed closely by no religion at 36.6% (95,639 residents) and Islam at 11.1% (29,137 residents). Derby also maintains one of the UK's most prominent Sikh communities outside London and the West Midlands, with 3.7% of residents identifying as Sikh (9,762 residents), alongside established Hindu (1.2%), Buddhist, Jewish and other faith communities.
Religion Percentages in Derby
Census 2011 to 2021 Demographic Trends
Community & Cultural Highlights
- In the 2021 Census, Christianity (40.2%) and No Religion (36.6%) were separated by only 3.6 percentage points, reflecting significant long-term secularisation in the East Midlands.
- Derby is home to one of the UK's most significant Sikh communities outside major metropolitan conurbations, with 3.7% identifying as Sikh (9,762 residents), more than three times the regional average.
- Islam is Derby's largest non-Christian religion at 11.1% (29,137 residents), growing by +3.5 percentage points from 7.6% in 2011.
- Derby Cathedral on Iron Gate houses the oldest working ring of ten bells in the world (cast in 1678) and features the striking memorial tomb of Elizabeth Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury ('Bess of Hardwick').
- St Mary's Catholic Church on Bridge Gate was designed by celebrated architect A.W.N. Pugin and stands as a pioneering monument of the 19th-century Gothic Revival.
- Derby Hindu Temple Geeta Bhawan on Peartree Road is an active cultural center fostering Sanskrit education, yoga, and interfaith engagement across Derbyshire.
- The city's Faith Alliance facilitates ongoing interfaith cooperation among Christian, Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu community leaders to support local charity and cohesion.
Community Geographic Distributions in Derby
Derby's Sikh community is heavily centered in Normanton and Pear Tree, where gurdwaras, Punjabi retail stores, and cultural societies form a vibrant community hub.
The Muslim community, predominantly of Pakistani and Kashmiri heritage alongside newer Middle Eastern and African arrivals, is centered around Normanton and the historic Derby Arboretum.
Hindu residents live across Pear Tree and south-western suburbs, anchored by the Geeta Bhawan Mandir on Peartree Road.
Christian affiliation is highest in outer residential suburbs and historic villages such as Allestree, Darley Abbey, and Chellaston.
Derby Religious Landscape & Demographic Analysis
According to official figures from the ONS Census 2021, Religion, England and Wales, Derby (total population: 261,400 across East Midlands) exhibits a distinct religious profile. Christianity represents 40.2% of the population. A substantial 36.6% of residents report having no religious affiliation. The Muslim community comprises 11.1% of local residents. Hindu residents account for 1.2%. The Sikh population represents 3.7%.
Local Places of Worship & Community Centers
Spiritual and community life in Derby is supported by recognized places of worship across various neighborhoods, including Derby Cathedral (Cathedral Church of All Saints) (Anglican Cathedral located in Iron Gate / Cathedral Quarter), Guru Arjan Dev Gurdwara Sikh Temple (Sikh Gurdwara located in 1 Stanhope Street, Normanton), Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara (Sikh Gurdwara located in Princes Street, Normanton), Derby Jamia Mosque (Mosque and Community Centre located in Rosehill Street / Normanton), Derby Hindu Temple Geeta Bhawan (Hindu Temple located in 96-102 Peartree Road, Pear Tree), and St Mary's Church (Catholic) (Roman Catholic Church located in Bridge Gate).
Neighborhood & Diaspora Insights in Derby
In the 2021 Census, Christianity (40.2%) and No Religion (36.6%) were separated by only 3.6 percentage points, reflecting significant long-term secularisation in the East Midlands. Derby is home to one of the UK's most significant Sikh communities outside major metropolitan conurbations, with 3.7% identifying as Sikh (9,762 residents), more than three times the regional average. Islam is Derby's largest non-Christian religion at 11.1% (29,137 residents), growing by +3.5 percentage points from 7.6% in 2011. Derby Cathedral on Iron Gate houses the oldest working ring of ten bells in the world (cast in 1678) and features the striking memorial tomb of Elizabeth Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury ('Bess of Hardwick'). St Mary's Catholic Church on Bridge Gate was designed by celebrated architect A.W.N. Pugin and stands as a pioneering monument of the 19th-century Gothic Revival. Derby Hindu Temple Geeta Bhawan on Peartree Road is an active cultural center fostering Sanskrit education, yoga, and interfaith engagement across Derbyshire. The city's Faith Alliance facilitates ongoing interfaith cooperation among Christian, Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu community leaders to support local charity and cohesion.
Practical Living & Community Guidance in Derby
- •The 2021 Census recorded 261,364 usual residents in the City of Derby (commonly rounded to 261,400).
- •Data strictly pertains to the Derby unitary authority, excluding neighboring Aberdeenshire-style surrounding Derbyshire council areas (such as Amber Valley, Erewash, and South Derbyshire).
- •Census religion questions record self-reported religious identity rather than active weekly participation or theological orthodoxy.
- •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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