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 Smiths Lake, accounting for 89.8% (1,189 people). This share was similar to Mid-Coast (A) (89.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which decreased by 2,657 people, while its share rose by 19.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Smiths Lake - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Smiths Lake in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mid-Coast (A) and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Smiths Lake, with comparison markers for Mid-Coast (A).
English
2021 count
1,189
% of total
89.8%
Change from 2016
+19.6pp
1,189
89.8%
+19.6pp
Not stated
2021 count
97
% of total
7.3%
Change from 2016
+1.2pp
97
7.3%
+1.2pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
-2,657
+19.6pp
Not stated
-238
+1.2pp
Data table
Language used at home for Smiths Lake. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mid-Coast (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Mid-Coast (A)% | Count | % | Mid-Coast (A)% | Count | pp | |
| English | 1,189 | 89.8% | 89.9% | 3,846 | 70.2% | 90.4% | -2,657 | +19.6pp |
| Not stated | 97 | 7.3% | 6.9% | 335 | 6.1% | 7.0% | -238 | +1.2pp |
| Total | 1,324 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 5,481 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -4,157 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.