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 Marian, accounting for 91.4% (3,839 people). This share was higher than Mackay (R) (85%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 325 people and 1.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Marian - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Marian 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 Marian, with comparison markers for Mackay (R).

Marian
Mackay (R)

English

2021 count

3,839

% of total

91.4%

Change from 2016

+1.3pp

Not stated

2021 count

321

% of total

7.6%

Change from 2016

-0.4pp

Maltese

2021 count

11

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Data table

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

Language used at home for Marian. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mackay (R).
Language used at home for Marian. 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
English3,83991.4%85.0%3,51490.1%86.7%+325+1.3pp
Not stated3217.6%9.1%3138.0%7.9%+8-0.4pp
Maltese110.3%0.2%130.3%0.3%-20.0pp
Total4,202100.0%100.0%3,898100.0%100.0%+3040.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.