Religion in Swansea
Swansea is the second-largest city in Wales and a major regional centre for South West Wales. Its 2021 Census religious profile was led by no religion at 47.3% (112,687 residents), making it the most common response, though not an absolute majority. Christianity remained the largest named religious affiliation at 41.3% (98,492 residents), while Islam was the largest non-Christian religion at 3.2% (7,694 residents). The city also maintains established Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish and other faith communities alongside a large student population across two universities.
Religion Percentages in Swansea
Census 2011 to 2021 Demographic Trends
Community & Cultural Highlights
- In the 2021 Census, No Religion became the leading individual category in Swansea at 47.3% (112,687 residents), rising by +13.3 percentage points from 34.0% in 2011.
- Christian affiliation fell from 55.0% in 2011 to 41.3% in 2021 (-13.7 percentage points), although Christianity remains the largest named faith group.
- Swansea should not be described as having a 'secular majority' because at 47.3%, no religion does not exceed 50% of the overall population.
- Islam is Swansea's largest non-Christian religion at 3.2% (7,694 residents), expanding from 2.3% in 2011 and exceeding the Wales average of 2.2%.
- Swansea possesses one of the oldest documented Jewish communities in Wales, with Jewish cemetery records in the city dating back to the 1740s.
- St Helen's Road is the vibrant commercial and cultural spine of Swansea's Islamic and South Asian communities, home to Swansea Central Mosque.
- St Joseph's Cathedral in Greenhill is the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Menevia, serving Catholic congregations across the region.
Community Geographic Distributions in Swansea
Non-religious affiliation is highest in youthful, student, and seafront apartment districts around the university campuses and marina.
Christian affiliation remains strongest in suburban Gower communities, Mumbles, and traditional northern industrial districts like Morriston.
Swansea's Muslim population is concentrated along the international commercial corridor of St Helen's Road and neighbourhoods adjacent to Swansea University.
The Jewish community is historically associated with the residential Uplands, Ffynone, and Sketty areas.
Swansea Religious Landscape & Demographic Analysis
According to official figures from the ONS Census 2021, Religion, England and Wales, Swansea (total population: 238,491 across Wales) exhibits a distinct religious profile. Christianity represents 41.3% of the population. A substantial 47.3% of residents report having no religious affiliation. The Muslim community comprises 3.2% of local residents.
Local Places of Worship & Community Centers
Spiritual and community life in Swansea is supported by recognized places of worship across various neighborhoods, including St Mary's Church (Church in Wales Civic Parish Church located in St Mary's Square / City Centre), St Joseph's Cathedral (Roman Catholic Cathedral located in Convent Street, Greenhill), Swansea Central Mosque & Islamic Community Centre (Mosque and Community Centre located in St Helen's Road), Swansea Mosque (Mosque located in 159A St Helen's Road), Swansea University Mosque (University Mosque located in Singleton Park Campus), Swansea Hebrew Congregation (Orthodox Jewish Community located in Ffynone / Uplands), and Swansea Buddhist Community (Swansea Buddhism) (Buddhist Group located in Uplands / Brynmill).
Neighborhood & Diaspora Insights in Swansea
In the 2021 Census, No Religion became the leading individual category in Swansea at 47.3% (112,687 residents), rising by +13.3 percentage points from 34.0% in 2011. Christian affiliation fell from 55.0% in 2011 to 41.3% in 2021 (-13.7 percentage points), although Christianity remains the largest named faith group. Swansea should not be described as having a 'secular majority' because at 47.3%, no religion does not exceed 50% of the overall population. Islam is Swansea's largest non-Christian religion at 3.2% (7,694 residents), expanding from 2.3% in 2011 and exceeding the Wales average of 2.2%. Swansea possesses one of the oldest documented Jewish communities in Wales, with Jewish cemetery records in the city dating back to the 1740s. St Helen's Road is the vibrant commercial and cultural spine of Swansea's Islamic and South Asian communities, home to Swansea Central Mosque. St Joseph's Cathedral in Greenhill is the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Menevia, serving Catholic congregations across the region.
Practical Living & Community Guidance in Swansea
- •The 2021 Census recorded 238,491 usual residents in the City and County of Swansea.
- •Use 'leading response' or 'plurality' rather than 'majority' since 47.3% is below half of the total population.
- •Applies to the unitary authority of the City and County of Swansea, including both the urban center and the rural Gower Peninsula.
- •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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