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 Blacks Beach, accounting for 83.9% (3,458 people). This share was lower than Mackay (R) (85%).

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Blacks Beach - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Blacks Beach in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mackay (R) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Blacks Beach, with comparison markers for Mackay (R).

Blacks Beach
Mackay (R)

English

2021 count

3,458

% of total

83.9%

Change from 2016

-

Not stated

2021 count

430

% of total

10.4%

Change from 2016

-

Afrikaans

2021 count

85

% of total

2.1%

Change from 2016

-

Shona

2021 count

13

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

-

Auslan

2021 count

13

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

-

German

2021 count

11

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

-

Italian

2021 count

10

% of total

0.2%

Change from 2016

-

Tagalog

2021 count

10

% of total

0.2%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Language used at home for Blacks Beach. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mackay (R).

Language used at home for Blacks Beach. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mackay (R).
Language used at home for Blacks Beach. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mackay (R).
Category20212016Change
Count%Mackay (R)%Count%Mackay (R)%Countpp
English3,45883.9%85.0%--86.7%--
Not stated43010.4%9.1%--7.9%--
Afrikaans852.1%0.5%--0.5%--
Shona130.3%0.1%--0.1%--
Auslan130.3%0.1%--0.1%--
German110.3%0.2%--0.2%--
Italian100.2%0.2%--0.2%--
Tagalog100.2%0.8%--0.7%--
Total4,120100.0%100.0%--100.0%--

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.