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 Menzies (S), accounting for 54.8% (278 people). This share was lower than Regional WA (80.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Pitjantjatjara, which decreased by 103 people and 22.2 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Menzies (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Menzies (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional WA and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Menzies (S), with comparison markers for Regional WA.

Menzies (S)
Regional WA

English

2021 count

278

% of total

54.8%

Change from 2016

+5.0pp

Not stated

2021 count

152

% of total

30.0%

Change from 2016

+17.6pp

Pitjantjatjara

2021 count

45

% of total

8.9%

Change from 2016

-22.2pp

Wangkatha

2021 count

21

% of total

4.1%

Change from 2016

+0.7pp

Data table

Language used at home for Menzies (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.

Language used at home for Menzies (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.
Language used at home for Menzies (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional WA%Count%Regional WA%Countpp
English27854.8%80.9%23749.8%81.7%+41+5.0pp
Not stated15230.0%10.5%5912.4%10.0%+93+17.6pp
Pitjantjatjara458.9%0.0%14831.1%0.1%-103-22.2pp
Wangkatha214.1%0.1%163.4%0.0%+5+0.7pp
Total507100.0%100.0%476100.0%100.0%+310.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.