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 Empire Vale, accounting for 90.7% (166 people). This share was higher than Ballina (A) (89.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 15 people, while its share fell by 1.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Empire Vale - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Empire Vale in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Ballina (A) and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Empire Vale, with comparison markers for Ballina (A).
English
2021 count
166
% of total
90.7%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
166
90.7%
-1.4pp
Not stated
2021 count
17
% of total
9.3%
Change from 2016
+1.4pp
17
9.3%
+1.4pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
+15
-1.4pp
Not stated
+4
+1.4pp
Data table
Language used at home for Empire Vale. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Ballina (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Ballina (A)% | Count | % | Ballina (A)% | Count | pp | |
| English | 166 | 90.7% | 89.8% | 151 | 92.1% | 89.2% | +15 | -1.4pp |
| Not stated | 17 | 9.3% | 5.5% | 13 | 7.9% | 7.2% | +4 | +1.4pp |
| Total | 183 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 164 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +19 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.