Cultural diversity

Proficiency in English

About this topic

Proficiency in English records how well people say they speak English, with the question mainly relevant for people who use a language other than English at home. It is a self-assessed measure of spoken English rather than a formal test.

This topic helps identify where interpreting, translated information, and targeted service communication may be needed. It is most informative when read alongside language used at home, birthplace, and year of arrival.

Interpretation notes

  • ABS treats this as a self-assessed indicator of spoken English, not a formal test, so results should be interpreted with care.
  • The detailed English-proficiency categories mainly relate to people who use another language at home; people who speak English only are included as a separate category.

Key insight

In 2021, another language and English well or very well was the most common English-proficiency response among residents in Queens Park (WA), accounting for 49.3% (3,580 people). This share was higher than Canning (C) (37.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in another language and English well or very well, which increased by 257 people.

Section overview

Proficiency in English

Queens Park (WA) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises proficiency in english for Queens Park (WA) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Canning (C) and change since 2016.

Proficiency in English snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Queens Park (WA), with comparison markers for Canning (C).

Queens Park (WA)
Canning (C)

Total Speaks English Only

2021 count

2,712

% of total

37.3%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well

2021 count

3,580

% of total

49.3%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All

2021 count

539

% of total

7.4%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Total Not Stated

2021 count

431

% of total

5.9%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Data table

Proficiency in English for Queens Park (WA). Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Canning (C).

Proficiency in English for Queens Park (WA). Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Canning (C).
Proficiency in English for Queens Park (WA). Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Canning (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Canning (C)%Count%Canning (C)%Countpp
Total Speaks English Only2,71237.3%52.9%2,51737.3%55.5%+1950.0pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well3,58049.3%37.5%3,32349.3%33.8%+2570.0pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All5397.4%5.6%4987.4%5.9%+410.0pp
Total Not Stated4315.9%4.0%3955.9%4.7%+360.0pp
Total7,268100.0%100.0%6,741100.0%100.0%+5270.0pp