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 Beaumaris (Vic.), accounting for 87.1% (12,122 people). This share was higher than Bayside (C) (81.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 12,105 people, while its share fell by 12.9 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Beaumaris (Vic.) - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Beaumaris (Vic.), with comparison markers for Bayside (C).

Beaumaris (Vic.)
Bayside (C)

English

2021 count

12,122

% of total

87.1%

Change from 2016

-12.9pp

Not stated

2021 count

359

% of total

2.6%

Change from 2016

-

Mandarin

2021 count

235

% of total

1.7%

Change from 2016

-

Greek

2021 count

226

% of total

1.6%

Change from 2016

-

German

2021 count

126

% of total

0.9%

Change from 2016

-

Italian

2021 count

87

% of total

0.6%

Change from 2016

-

Russian

2021 count

73

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

-

Spanish

2021 count

68

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

-

French

2021 count

54

% of total

0.4%

Change from 2016

-

Afrikaans

2021 count

42

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

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

Language used at home for Beaumaris (Vic.). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Bayside (C).
Language used at home for Beaumaris (Vic.). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Bayside (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Bayside (C)%Count%Bayside (C)%Countpp
English12,12287.1%81.1%17100.0%80.2%+12,105-12.9pp
Not stated3592.6%3.5%--5.1%--
Mandarin2351.7%2.8%--2.1%--
Greek2261.6%2.0%--2.2%--
German1260.9%0.7%--0.8%--
Italian870.6%1.0%--1.3%--
Russian730.5%1.3%--1.3%--
Spanish680.5%0.7%--0.5%--
French540.4%0.5%--0.6%--
Afrikaans420.3%0.2%--0.2%--
Total13,911100.0%100.0%17100.0%100.0%+13,8940.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.