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 Peakhurst, accounting for 55% (6,644 people). This share was higher than Georges River (A) (42.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 6,558 people, while its share fell by 45 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Peakhurst - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Peakhurst 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 Peakhurst, with comparison markers for Georges River (A).

Peakhurst
Georges River (A)

English

2021 count

6,644

% of total

55.0%

Change from 2016

-45.0pp

Mandarin

2021 count

824

% of total

6.8%

Change from 2016

-

Not stated

2021 count

748

% of total

6.2%

Change from 2016

-

Arabic

2021 count

711

% of total

5.9%

Change from 2016

-

Cantonese

2021 count

697

% of total

5.8%

Change from 2016

-

Greek

2021 count

610

% of total

5.1%

Change from 2016

-

Macedonian

2021 count

331

% of total

2.7%

Change from 2016

-

Spanish

2021 count

121

% of total

1.0%

Change from 2016

-

Nepali

2021 count

104

% of total

0.9%

Change from 2016

-

Italian

2021 count

103

% of total

0.9%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

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

Language used at home for Peakhurst. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Georges River (A).
Language used at home for Peakhurst. 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
English6,64455.0%42.1%86100.0%42.3%+6,558-45.0pp
Mandarin8246.8%12.8%--14.3%--
Not stated7486.2%4.7%--4.1%--
Arabic7115.9%3.7%--3.6%--
Cantonese6975.8%9.4%--9.9%--
Greek6105.1%5.2%--5.4%--
Macedonian3312.7%2.1%--2.2%--
Spanish1211.0%1.2%--1.1%--
Nepali1040.9%5.7%--3.4%--
Italian1030.9%1.1%--1.3%--
Total12,079100.0%100.0%86100.0%100.0%+11,9930.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.