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 Portsmith, accounting for 45.9% (136 people). This share was lower than Cairns (R) (76.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which decreased by 9 people and 11.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Portsmith - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Portsmith in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Cairns (R) and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Portsmith, with comparison markers for Cairns (R).
Not stated
2021 count
139
% of total
47.0%
Change from 2016
+6.5pp
139
47.0%
+6.5pp
English
2021 count
136
% of total
45.9%
Change from 2016
-11.6pp
136
45.9%
-11.6pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Not stated
+37
+6.5pp
English
-9
-11.6pp
Data table
Language used at home for Portsmith. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cairns (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Cairns (R)% | Count | % | Cairns (R)% | Count | pp | |
| Not stated | 139 | 47.0% | 9.2% | 102 | 40.5% | 9.1% | +37 | +6.5pp |
| English | 136 | 45.9% | 76.8% | 145 | 57.5% | 77.7% | -9 | -11.6pp |
| Total | 296 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 252 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +44 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.