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 Darwin Waterfront Precinct, accounting for 72.2% (200 people). This share was higher than Greater Darwin (66.7%).

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Darwin Waterfront Precinct - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Darwin Waterfront Precinct in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Darwin and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Darwin Waterfront Precinct, with comparison markers for Greater Darwin.

Darwin Waterfront Precinct
Greater Darwin

English

2021 count

200

% of total

72.2%

Change from 2016

-

Mandarin

2021 count

18

% of total

6.5%

Change from 2016

-

Not stated

2021 count

16

% of total

5.8%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Language used at home for Darwin Waterfront Precinct. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Darwin.

Language used at home for Darwin Waterfront Precinct. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Darwin.
Language used at home for Darwin Waterfront Precinct. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Darwin.
Category20212016Change
Count%Greater Darwin%Count%Greater Darwin%Countpp
English20072.2%66.7%--67.9%--
Mandarin186.5%1.5%--1.4%--
Not stated165.8%9.8%--11.8%--
Total277100.0%100.0%--100.0%--

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.