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 Melrose (SA), accounting for 89.9% (310 people). This share was similar to Mount Remarkable (DC) (89.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which its share fell by 1 percentage point.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Melrose (SA) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Melrose (SA) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mount Remarkable (DC) and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Melrose (SA), with comparison markers for Mount Remarkable (DC).
English
2021 count
310
% of total
89.9%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
310
89.9%
-1.0pp
Not stated
2021 count
27
% of total
7.8%
Change from 2016
+1.1pp
27
7.8%
+1.1pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
0
-1.0pp
Not stated
+4
+1.1pp
Data table
Language used at home for Melrose (SA). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mount Remarkable (DC).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Mount Remarkable (DC)% | Count | % | Mount Remarkable (DC)% | Count | pp | |
| English | 310 | 89.9% | 89.9% | 310 | 90.9% | 91.7% | 0 | -1.0pp |
| Not stated | 27 | 7.8% | 8.6% | 23 | 6.7% | 6.7% | +4 | +1.1pp |
| Total | 345 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 341 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +4 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.