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 Bowraville, accounting for 86.4% (989 people). This share was lower than Nambucca (A) (89%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which decreased by 21 people and 3.9 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Bowraville - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Bowraville in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Nambucca (A) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Bowraville, with comparison markers for Nambucca (A).

Bowraville
Nambucca (A)

English

2021 count

989

% of total

86.4%

Change from 2016

-3.9pp

Not stated

2021 count

123

% of total

10.7%

Change from 2016

+3.1pp

Nepali

2021 count

14

% of total

1.2%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Language used at home for Bowraville. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Nambucca (A).

Language used at home for Bowraville. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Nambucca (A).
Language used at home for Bowraville. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Nambucca (A).
Category20212016Change
Count%Nambucca (A)%Count%Nambucca (A)%Countpp
English98986.4%89.0%1,01090.3%90.0%-21-3.9pp
Not stated12310.7%7.7%857.6%7.7%+38+3.1pp
Nepali141.2%0.2%-----
Total1,145100.0%100.0%1,118100.0%100.0%+270.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.