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 Glengowrie, accounting for 89.9% (5,180 people). This share was higher than Marion (C) (76%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 533 people and 3.1 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Glengowrie - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Glengowrie, with comparison markers for Marion (C).

Glengowrie
Marion (C)

English

2021 count

5,180

% of total

89.9%

Change from 2016

+3.1pp

Not stated

2021 count

94

% of total

1.6%

Change from 2016

-3.6pp

Greek

2021 count

50

% of total

0.9%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Mandarin

2021 count

38

% of total

0.7%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Spanish

2021 count

34

% of total

0.6%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Italian

2021 count

33

% of total

0.6%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Hindi

2021 count

31

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Cantonese

2021 count

26

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Indonesian

2021 count

20

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Persian (excluding Dari)

2021 count

18

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

-0.3pp

Data table

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

Language used at home for Glengowrie. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Marion (C).
Language used at home for Glengowrie. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Marion (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Marion (C)%Count%Marion (C)%Countpp
English5,18089.9%76.0%4,64786.8%76.9%+533+3.1pp
Not stated941.6%3.1%2775.2%4.3%-183-3.6pp
Greek500.9%1.1%370.7%1.3%+13+0.2pp
Mandarin380.7%3.1%290.5%2.8%+9+0.2pp
Spanish340.6%0.6%170.3%0.4%+17+0.3pp
Italian330.6%0.7%270.5%0.8%+6+0.1pp
Hindi310.5%0.9%220.4%0.7%+9+0.1pp
Cantonese260.5%0.9%160.3%0.9%+10+0.2pp
Indonesian200.3%0.2%40.1%0.1%+16+0.2pp
Persian (excluding Dari)180.3%0.5%310.6%0.6%-13-0.3pp
Total5,762100.0%100.0%5,355100.0%100.0%+4070.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.