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 Lima, accounting for 91.4% (85 people). This share was higher than Benalla (RC) (88.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 12 people, while its share fell by 3.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Lima - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Lima in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Benalla (RC) and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Lima, with comparison markers for Benalla (RC).
English
2021 count
85
% of total
91.4%
Change from 2016
-3.4pp
85
91.4%
-3.4pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
+12
-3.4pp
Data table
Language used at home for Lima. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Benalla (RC).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Benalla (RC)% | Count | % | Benalla (RC)% | Count | pp | |
| English | 85 | 91.4% | 88.3% | 73 | 94.8% | 89.4% | +12 | -3.4pp |
| Total | 93 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 77 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +16 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.