Cultural diversity

Proficiency in English

About this topic

Proficiency in English records how well people say they speak English, with the question mainly relevant for people who use a language other than English at home. It is a self-assessed measure of spoken English rather than a formal test.

This topic helps identify where interpreting, translated information, and targeted service communication may be needed. It is most informative when read alongside language used at home, birthplace, and year of arrival.

Interpretation notes

  • ABS treats this as a self-assessed indicator of spoken English, not a formal test, so results should be interpreted with care.
  • The detailed English-proficiency categories mainly relate to people who use another language at home; people who speak English only are included as a separate category.

Key insight

In 2021, English only was the most common English-proficiency response among residents in Essendon Fields, accounting for 38.5% (5 people). This share was lower than Moonee Valley (C) (67.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English only, which increased by 5 people, while its share fell by NaN percentage points.

Section overview

Proficiency in English

Essendon Fields - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises proficiency in english for Essendon Fields in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Moonee Valley (C) and change since 2016.

Proficiency in English snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Essendon Fields, with comparison markers for Moonee Valley (C).

Essendon Fields
Moonee Valley (C)

Total Speaks English Only

2021 count

5

% of total

38.5%

Change from 2016

-

Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well

2021 count

3

% of total

23.1%

Change from 2016

-

Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All

2021 count

0

% of total

0.0%

Change from 2016

-

Total Not Stated

2021 count

5

% of total

38.5%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Proficiency in English for Essendon Fields. Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Moonee Valley (C).

Proficiency in English for Essendon Fields. Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Moonee Valley (C).
Proficiency in English for Essendon Fields. Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Moonee Valley (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Moonee Valley (C)%Count%Moonee Valley (C)%Countpp
Total Speaks English Only538.5%67.9%0-64.5%+5-
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well323.1%24.4%0-25.0%+3-
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All00.0%4.0%0-4.7%0-
Total Not Stated538.5%3.7%0-5.8%+5-
Total13100.0%100.0%0-100.0%+13-