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 Narrandera, accounting for 87.1% (3,798 people). This share was higher than Narrandera (A) (86.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 3,742 people, while its share fell by 0.4 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Narrandera - Total persons (Usual residence)

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

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

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

Narrandera
Narrandera (A)

English

2021 count

3,798

% of total

87.1%

Change from 2016

-0.4pp

Not stated

2021 count

412

% of total

9.4%

Change from 2016

-3.1pp

Wiradjuri

2021 count

17

% of total

0.4%

Change from 2016

-

German

2021 count

13

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

-

Malayalam

2021 count

11

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

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

Language used at home for Narrandera. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Narrandera (A).
Language used at home for Narrandera. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Narrandera (A).
Category20212016Change
Count%Narrandera (A)%Count%Narrandera (A)%Countpp
English3,79887.1%86.8%5687.5%87.3%+3,742-0.4pp
Not stated4129.4%9.9%812.5%10.4%+404-3.1pp
Wiradjuri170.4%0.3%--0.1%--
German130.3%0.3%--0.2%--
Malayalam110.3%0.2%--0.2%--
Total4,362100.0%100.0%64100.0%100.0%+4,2980.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.