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 Kowanyama (S), accounting for 86.1% (926 people). This share was higher than Regional Qld (83.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 62 people, while its share fell by 5.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Kowanyama (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Kowanyama (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Qld and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Kowanyama (S), with comparison markers for Regional Qld.
English
2021 count
926
% of total
86.1%
Change from 2016
-5.9pp
926
86.1%
-5.9pp
Not stated
2021 count
115
% of total
10.7%
Change from 2016
+7.8pp
115
10.7%
+7.8pp
Australian Indigenous Languages, nfd
2021 count
13
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
-3.2pp
13
1.2%
-3.2pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
+62
-5.9pp
Not stated
+88
+7.8pp
Australian Indigenous Languages, nfd
-28
-3.2pp
Data table
Language used at home for Kowanyama (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | pp | |
| English | 926 | 86.1% | 83.7% | 864 | 92.0% | 84.3% | +62 | -5.9pp |
| Not stated | 115 | 10.7% | 7.4% | 27 | 2.9% | 7.8% | +88 | +7.8pp |
| Australian Indigenous Languages, nfd | 13 | 1.2% | 0.0% | 41 | 4.4% | 0.1% | -28 | -3.2pp |
| Total | 1,075 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 939 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +136 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.