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 Deepwater (Qld), accounting for 78.7% (229 people). This share was lower than Gladstone (R) (87.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 190 people, while its share fell by 21.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Deepwater (Qld) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Deepwater (Qld) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Gladstone (R) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Deepwater (Qld), with comparison markers for Gladstone (R).

Deepwater (Qld)
Gladstone (R)

English

2021 count

229

% of total

78.7%

Change from 2016

-21.3pp

Not stated

2021 count

51

% of total

17.5%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Language used at home for Deepwater (Qld). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Gladstone (R).

Language used at home for Deepwater (Qld). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Gladstone (R).
Language used at home for Deepwater (Qld). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Gladstone (R).
Category20212016Change
Count%Gladstone (R)%Count%Gladstone (R)%Countpp
English22978.7%87.4%39100.0%86.4%+190-21.3pp
Not stated5117.5%6.9%--7.3%--
Total291100.0%100.0%39100.0%100.0%+2520.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.