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 Wombat, accounting for 81.7% (227 people). This share was lower than Hilltops (A) (87.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which decreased by 128 people and 11.5 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Wombat - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Wombat in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Hilltops (A) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Wombat, with comparison markers for Hilltops (A).

Wombat
Hilltops (A)

English

2021 count

227

% of total

81.7%

Change from 2016

-11.5pp

Not stated

2021 count

23

% of total

8.3%

Change from 2016

+2.5pp

Arabic

2021 count

21

% of total

7.6%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

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

Language used at home for Wombat. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Hilltops (A).
Language used at home for Wombat. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Hilltops (A).
Category20212016Change
Count%Hilltops (A)%Count%Hilltops (A)%Countpp
English22781.7%87.6%35593.2%89.9%-128-11.5pp
Not stated238.3%7.3%225.8%6.7%+1+2.5pp
Arabic217.6%1.7%--1.1%--
Total278100.0%100.0%381100.0%100.0%-1030.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.