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 Warrandyte, accounting for 84.9% (4,682 people). This share was higher than Manningham (C) (50.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 4,666 people and 4.9 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Warrandyte - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Warrandyte in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Manningham (C) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Warrandyte, with comparison markers for Manningham (C).

Warrandyte
Manningham (C)

English

2021 count

4,682

% of total

84.9%

Change from 2016

+4.9pp

Mandarin

2021 count

162

% of total

2.9%

Change from 2016

-

Not stated

2021 count

132

% of total

2.4%

Change from 2016

-

Greek

2021 count

92

% of total

1.7%

Change from 2016

-

Italian

2021 count

86

% of total

1.6%

Change from 2016

-

Cantonese

2021 count

51

% of total

0.9%

Change from 2016

-

Arabic

2021 count

42

% of total

0.8%

Change from 2016

-

German

2021 count

26

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

-

Afrikaans

2021 count

26

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

-

Persian (excluding Dari)

2021 count

25

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Language used at home for Warrandyte. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Manningham (C).

Language used at home for Warrandyte. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Manningham (C).
Language used at home for Warrandyte. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Manningham (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Manningham (C)%Count%Manningham (C)%Countpp
English4,68284.9%50.7%1680.0%53.6%+4,666+4.9pp
Mandarin1622.9%13.9%--10.7%--
Not stated1322.4%3.1%--3.9%--
Greek921.7%5.5%--6.1%--
Italian861.6%3.1%--4.2%--
Cantonese510.9%8.5%--8.1%--
Arabic420.8%1.9%--1.6%--
German260.5%0.3%--0.3%--
Afrikaans260.5%0.2%--0.2%--
Persian (excluding Dari)250.5%2.7%--1.9%--
Total5,514100.0%100.0%20100.0%100.0%+5,4940.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.