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 Coen, accounting for 85.5% (265 people). This share was higher than Cook (S) (72.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Wik Mungkan, which decreased by 7 people and 1.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Coen - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Coen in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Cook (S) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Coen, with comparison markers for Cook (S).

Coen
Cook (S)

English

2021 count

265

% of total

85.5%

Change from 2016

+8.7pp

Not stated

2021 count

33

% of total

10.6%

Change from 2016

-5.5pp

Data table

Language used at home for Coen. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cook (S).

Language used at home for Coen. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cook (S).
Language used at home for Coen. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cook (S).
Category20212016Change
Count%Cook (S)%Count%Cook (S)%Countpp
English26585.5%72.5%27176.8%74.9%-6+8.7pp
Not stated3310.6%18.1%5716.1%16.6%-24-5.5pp
Total310100.0%100.0%353100.0%100.0%-430.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.