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 South Wharf, accounting for 42.6% (29 people). This share was lower than Melbourne (C) (46.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 7 people and 19.2 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
South Wharf - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for South Wharf in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Melbourne (C) and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for South Wharf, with comparison markers for Melbourne (C).
English
2021 count
29
% of total
42.6%
Change from 2016
+19.2pp
29
42.6%
+19.2pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
+7
+19.2pp
Data table
Language used at home for South Wharf. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Melbourne (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Melbourne (C)% | Count | % | Melbourne (C)% | Count | pp | |
| English | 29 | 42.6% | 46.4% | 22 | 23.4% | 40.5% | +7 | +19.2pp |
| Total | 68 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 94 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -26 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.