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 Walkerston, accounting for 89.7% (3,220 people). This share was higher than Mackay (R) (85%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 165 people.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Walkerston - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Walkerston 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 Walkerston, with comparison markers for Mackay (R).
English
2021 count
3,220
% of total
89.7%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
3,220
89.7%
0.0pp
Not stated
2021 count
333
% of total
9.3%
Change from 2016
+1.8pp
333
9.3%
+1.8pp
Afrikaans
2021 count
12
% of total
0.3%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
12
0.3%
-0.3pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
+165
0.0pp
Not stated
+77
+1.8pp
Afrikaans
-10
-0.3pp
Data table
Language used at home for Walkerston. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mackay (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Mackay (R)% | Count | % | Mackay (R)% | Count | pp | |
| English | 3,220 | 89.7% | 85.0% | 3,055 | 89.7% | 86.7% | +165 | 0.0pp |
| Not stated | 333 | 9.3% | 9.1% | 256 | 7.5% | 7.9% | +77 | +1.8pp |
| Afrikaans | 12 | 0.3% | 0.5% | 22 | 0.6% | 0.5% | -10 | -0.3pp |
| Total | 3,590 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 3,406 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +184 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.