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 Newcastle Waters, accounting for 56.8% (67 people). This share was higher than Barkly (R) (41.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Mudburra, which increased by 29 people and 10.2 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Newcastle Waters - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Newcastle Waters in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Barkly (R) and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Newcastle Waters, with comparison markers for Barkly (R).
English
2021 count
67
% of total
56.8%
Change from 2016
-14.4pp
67
56.8%
-14.4pp
Mudburra
2021 count
46
% of total
39.0%
Change from 2016
+10.2pp
46
39.0%
+10.2pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
+25
-14.4pp
Mudburra
+29
+10.2pp
Data table
Language used at home for Newcastle Waters. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Barkly (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Barkly (R)% | Count | % | Barkly (R)% | Count | pp | |
| English | 67 | 56.8% | 41.2% | 42 | 71.2% | 40.0% | +25 | -14.4pp |
| Mudburra | 46 | 39.0% | 1.9% | 17 | 28.8% | 1.3% | +29 | +10.2pp |
| Total | 118 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 59 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +59 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.