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 Ridgley, accounting for 95.8% (620 people). This share was higher than Burnie (C) (90.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 516 people and 3.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Ridgley - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Ridgley, with comparison markers for Burnie (C).

Ridgley
Burnie (C)

English

2021 count

620

% of total

95.8%

Change from 2016

+3.8pp

Not stated

2021 count

27

% of total

4.2%

Change from 2016

+1.5pp

Data table

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

Language used at home for Ridgley. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Burnie (C).
Language used at home for Ridgley. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Burnie (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Burnie (C)%Count%Burnie (C)%Countpp
English62095.8%90.2%10492.0%91.6%+516+3.8pp
Not stated274.2%5.1%32.7%5.6%+24+1.5pp
Total647100.0%100.0%113100.0%100.0%+5340.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.