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 Murrindindi (S), accounting for 87.7% (13,328 people). This share was higher than Regional Vic. (86.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 1,171 people, while its share fell by 0.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Murrindindi (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Language used at home - Ranked by size change

Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.

2016
2021

English

+1,171

-0.8pp

Not stated

+164

+0.3pp

Italian

+1

0.0pp

German

+3

0.0pp

Greek

-15

-0.2pp

Mandarin

+4

0.0pp

Punjabi

+20

+0.1pp

Malayalam

+6

0.0pp

French

+10

0.0pp

Afrikaans

+12

0.0pp

Data table

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

Language used at home for Murrindindi (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Vic..
Language used at home for Murrindindi (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Vic..
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional Vic.%Count%Regional Vic.%Countpp
English13,32887.7%86.4%12,15788.5%86.6%+1,171-0.8pp
Not stated1,3058.6%6.5%1,1418.3%7.4%+164+0.3pp
Italian490.3%0.5%480.3%0.7%+10.0pp
German390.3%0.2%360.3%0.2%+30.0pp
Greek350.2%0.2%500.4%0.2%-15-0.2pp
Mandarin290.2%0.6%250.2%0.5%+40.0pp
Punjabi280.2%0.5%80.1%0.2%+20+0.1pp
Malayalam220.1%0.2%160.1%0.1%+60.0pp
French210.1%0.1%110.1%0.1%+100.0pp
Afrikaans200.1%0.1%80.1%0.1%+120.0pp
Total15,202100.0%100.0%13,738100.0%100.0%+1,4640.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.