Cultural diversity
Language spoken at home
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.
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 Armidale Regional, accounting for 79.7% (23,203 people). This share was lower than Regional NSW (86.8%).
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Armidale Regional - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language spoken at home for Armidale Regional in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional NSW and change since 2016.
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Armidale Regional, with comparison markers for Regional NSW.
English
Not stated
Kurdish
Nepali
Inadequately described
Mandarin
Arabic
Bengali
Punjabi
German
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Data table
Language spoken at home for Armidale Regional. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NSW.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | pp | |
| English | 23,203 | 79.7% | 86.8% | - | - | 87.1% | - | - |
| Not stated | 2,924 | 10.0% | 6.6% | - | - | 7.1% | - | - |
| Kurdish | 269 | 0.9% | 0.1% | - | - | 0.0% | - | - |
| Nepali | 268 | 0.9% | 0.2% | - | - | 0.1% | - | - |
| Inadequately described | 247 | 0.8% | 0.1% | - | - | 0.0% | - | - |
| Mandarin | 198 | 0.7% | 0.4% | - | - | 0.4% | - | - |
| Arabic | 129 | 0.4% | 0.3% | - | - | 0.3% | - | - |
| Bengali | 113 | 0.4% | 0.1% | - | - | 0.1% | - | - |
| Punjabi | 107 | 0.4% | 0.3% | - | - | 0.2% | - | - |
| German | 97 | 0.3% | 0.2% | - | - | 0.3% | - | - |
| Total | 29,120 | 100.0% | 100.0% | - | - | 100.0% | - | - |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.