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, Cape York Peninsula Languages, nec was the most common language used at home among residents in Lockhart River (S), accounting for 62.3% (398 people). This share was higher than Regional Qld (0.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which decreased by 206 people and 27 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Lockhart River (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Lockhart River (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 Lockhart River (S), with comparison markers for Regional Qld.

Lockhart River (S)
Regional Qld

Cape York Peninsula Languages, nec

2021 count

398

% of total

62.3%

Change from 2016

-

English

2021 count

148

% of total

23.2%

Change from 2016

-27.0pp

Not stated

2021 count

75

% of total

11.7%

Change from 2016

-1.6pp

Data table

Language used at home for Lockhart River (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.

Language used at home for Lockhart River (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.
Language used at home for Lockhart River (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional Qld%Count%Regional Qld%Countpp
Cape York Peninsula Languages, nec39862.3%0.1%--0.0%--
English14823.2%83.7%35450.2%84.3%-206-27.0pp
Not stated7511.7%7.4%9413.3%7.8%-19-1.6pp
Total639100.0%100.0%705100.0%100.0%-660.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.