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 Wurdong Heights, accounting for 92.2% (428 people). This share was higher than Gladstone (R) (87.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Afrikaans, which increased by 3 people and 0.6 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Wurdong Heights - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Wurdong Heights 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 Wurdong Heights, with comparison markers for Gladstone (R).

Wurdong Heights
Gladstone (R)

English

2021 count

428

% of total

92.2%

Change from 2016

-1.7pp

Not stated

2021 count

30

% of total

6.5%

Change from 2016

+1.0pp

Data table

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

Language used at home for Wurdong Heights. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Gladstone (R).
Language used at home for Wurdong Heights. 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
English42892.2%87.4%43093.9%86.4%-2-1.7pp
Not stated306.5%6.9%255.5%7.3%+5+1.0pp
Total464100.0%100.0%458100.0%100.0%+60.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.