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 Burbank, accounting for 81.8% (850 people). This share was higher than Brisbane (C) (71.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which decreased by 29 people and 1.5 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Burbank - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Burbank, with comparison markers for Brisbane (C).

Burbank
Brisbane (C)

English

2021 count

850

% of total

81.8%

Change from 2016

-1.5pp

Mandarin

2021 count

44

% of total

4.2%

Change from 2016

+1.5pp

Not stated

2021 count

25

% of total

2.4%

Change from 2016

-2.1pp

Cantonese

2021 count

20

% of total

1.9%

Change from 2016

+0.7pp

Vietnamese

2021 count

17

% of total

1.6%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Hebrew

2021 count

16

% of total

1.5%

Change from 2016

+0.6pp

Punjabi

2021 count

11

% of total

1.1%

Change from 2016

-0.3pp

Data table

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

Language used at home for Burbank. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Brisbane (C).
Language used at home for Burbank. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Brisbane (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Brisbane (C)%Count%Brisbane (C)%Countpp
English85081.8%71.6%87983.3%71.8%-29-1.5pp
Mandarin444.2%4.4%292.7%4.1%+15+1.5pp
Not stated252.4%4.4%484.5%5.8%-23-2.1pp
Cantonese201.9%1.5%131.2%1.5%+7+0.7pp
Vietnamese171.6%1.7%151.4%1.6%+2+0.2pp
Hebrew161.5%0.0%90.9%0.0%+7+0.6pp
Punjabi111.1%1.0%151.4%0.9%-4-0.3pp
Total1,039100.0%100.0%1,055100.0%100.0%-160.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.