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 Netherby (SA), accounting for 82.6% (1,240 people). This share was similar to Mitcham (C) (82.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 74 people and 0.9 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Netherby (SA) - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Netherby (SA), with comparison markers for Mitcham (C).

Netherby (SA)
Mitcham (C)

English

2021 count

1,240

% of total

82.6%

Change from 2016

+0.9pp

Mandarin

2021 count

83

% of total

5.5%

Change from 2016

+2.1pp

Greek

2021 count

21

% of total

1.4%

Change from 2016

-0.8pp

French

2021 count

17

% of total

1.1%

Change from 2016

+0.5pp

Not stated

2021 count

16

% of total

1.1%

Change from 2016

-2.1pp

Italian

2021 count

14

% of total

0.9%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Sinhalese

2021 count

14

% of total

0.9%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Ukrainian

2021 count

11

% of total

0.7%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Afrikaans

2021 count

10

% of total

0.7%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Vietnamese

2021 count

10

% of total

0.7%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Data table

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

Language used at home for Netherby (SA). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mitcham (C).
Language used at home for Netherby (SA). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mitcham (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Mitcham (C)%Count%Mitcham (C)%Countpp
English1,24082.6%82.5%1,16681.7%81.7%+74+0.9pp
Mandarin835.5%2.5%483.4%2.3%+35+2.1pp
Greek211.4%1.9%322.2%2.2%-11-0.8pp
French171.1%0.4%80.6%0.3%+9+0.5pp
Not stated161.1%2.4%463.2%3.6%-30-2.1pp
Italian140.9%0.7%90.6%0.9%+5+0.3pp
Sinhalese140.9%0.3%100.7%0.2%+4+0.2pp
Ukrainian110.7%0.1%50.4%0.1%+6+0.3pp
Afrikaans100.7%0.3%110.8%0.2%-1-0.1pp
Vietnamese100.7%0.4%110.8%0.4%-1-0.1pp
Total1,502100.0%100.0%1,428100.0%100.0%+740.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.