Cultural diversity

Language used at home

About this topic

Language used at home shows which languages people speak in their home life and whether English or another language is used most often. It is a key indicator of cultural diversity and language retention within communities.

This topic is useful for planning communication, multicultural services, and local engagement. It should be analysed together with proficiency in English and birthplace, because language alone does not show migration history or support needs.

Interpretation notes

  • The Census records the language used most often at home, so it does not capture every language a person can speak.
  • Language used at home is not a measure of English proficiency, literacy, or migration history on its own.

Key insight

In 2021, English was the most common language used at home among residents in Albany, accounting for 84.2% (1,175 people). This share was lower than Albany (C) (87.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 65 people, while its share fell by 1 percentage point.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Albany - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Albany in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Albany (C) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Albany, with comparison markers for Albany (C).

Albany
Albany (C)

English

2021 count

1,175

% of total

84.2%

Change from 2016

-1.0pp

Not stated

2021 count

90

% of total

6.4%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Bislama

2021 count

17

% of total

1.2%

Change from 2016

-

Italian

2021 count

12

% of total

0.9%

Change from 2016

-0.2pp

Tagalog

2021 count

11

% of total

0.8%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Mandarin

2021 count

11

% of total

0.8%

Change from 2016

+0.4pp

German

2021 count

10

% of total

0.7%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Data table

Language used at home for Albany. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Albany (C).

Language used at home for Albany. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Albany (C).
Language used at home for Albany. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Albany (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Albany (C)%Count%Albany (C)%Countpp
English1,17584.2%87.8%1,11085.2%87.1%+65-1.0pp
Not stated906.4%6.0%826.3%7.1%+8+0.1pp
Bislama171.2%0.0%-----
Italian120.9%0.5%141.1%0.6%-2-0.2pp
Tagalog110.8%0.6%90.7%0.6%+2+0.1pp
Mandarin110.8%0.3%50.4%0.2%+6+0.4pp
German100.7%0.3%50.4%0.4%+5+0.3pp
Total1,396100.0%100.0%1,303100.0%100.0%+930.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.