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 Hurstville Grove, accounting for 47.1% (1,226 people). This share was higher than Georges River (A) (42.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 1,093 people, while its share fell by 49.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Hurstville Grove - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Hurstville Grove in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Georges River (A) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Hurstville Grove, with comparison markers for Georges River (A).

Hurstville Grove
Georges River (A)

English

2021 count

1,226

% of total

47.1%

Change from 2016

-49.3pp

Mandarin

2021 count

333

% of total

12.8%

Change from 2016

-

Cantonese

2021 count

236

% of total

9.1%

Change from 2016

-

Greek

2021 count

230

% of total

8.8%

Change from 2016

-

Arabic

2021 count

114

% of total

4.4%

Change from 2016

-

Macedonian

2021 count

72

% of total

2.8%

Change from 2016

-

Croatian

2021 count

69

% of total

2.7%

Change from 2016

-

Not stated

2021 count

53

% of total

2.0%

Change from 2016

-1.6pp

Italian

2021 count

47

% of total

1.8%

Change from 2016

-

Spanish

2021 count

31

% of total

1.2%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Language used at home for Hurstville Grove. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Georges River (A).

Language used at home for Hurstville Grove. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Georges River (A).
Language used at home for Hurstville Grove. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Georges River (A).
Category20212016Change
Count%Georges River (A)%Count%Georges River (A)%Countpp
English1,22647.1%42.1%13396.4%42.3%+1,093-49.3pp
Mandarin33312.8%12.8%--14.3%--
Cantonese2369.1%9.4%--9.9%--
Greek2308.8%5.2%--5.4%--
Arabic1144.4%3.7%--3.6%--
Macedonian722.8%2.1%--2.2%--
Croatian692.7%0.8%--0.9%--
Not stated532.0%4.7%53.6%4.1%+48-1.6pp
Italian471.8%1.1%--1.3%--
Spanish311.2%1.2%--1.1%--
Total2,603100.0%100.0%138100.0%100.0%+2,4650.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.