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 Barnawartha, accounting for 90.7% (896 people). This share was lower than Indigo (S) (91.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 59 people, while its share fell by 2 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Barnawartha - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Barnawartha in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Indigo (S) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Barnawartha, with comparison markers for Indigo (S).

Barnawartha
Indigo (S)

English

2021 count

896

% of total

90.7%

Change from 2016

-2.0pp

Not stated

2021 count

75

% of total

7.6%

Change from 2016

+1.2pp

Data table

Language used at home for Barnawartha. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Indigo (S).

Language used at home for Barnawartha. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Indigo (S).
Language used at home for Barnawartha. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Indigo (S).
Category20212016Change
Count%Indigo (S)%Count%Indigo (S)%Countpp
English89690.7%91.8%83792.7%90.8%+59-2.0pp
Not stated757.6%6.1%586.4%7.0%+17+1.2pp
Total988100.0%100.0%903100.0%100.0%+850.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.