Cultural diversity
Language spoken at home
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.
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 Noarlunga Downs, accounting for 87.3% (3,515 people). This share was lower than Onkaparinga (C) (89%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 182 people and 0.2 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Noarlunga Downs - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language spoken at home for Noarlunga Downs in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Onkaparinga (C) and change since 2016.
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Noarlunga Downs, with comparison markers for Onkaparinga (C).
English
Not stated
Greek
German
Spanish
Polish
Mandarin
Nepali
Vietnamese
Cantonese
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
+182
+0.2pp
Not stated
-15
-0.6pp
Greek
+13
+0.3pp
German
+1
0.0pp
Spanish
-9
-0.2pp
Polish
-8
-0.2pp
Mandarin
0
0.0pp
Vietnamese
+2
0.0pp
Tagalog
-3
-0.1pp
Filipino
0
0.0pp
Data table
Language spoken at home for Noarlunga Downs. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Onkaparinga (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Onkaparinga (C)% | Count | % | Onkaparinga (C)% | Count | pp | |
| English | 3,515 | 87.3% | 89.0% | 3,333 | 87.1% | 88.3% | +182 | +0.2pp |
| Not stated | 189 | 4.7% | 3.9% | 204 | 5.3% | 5.0% | -15 | -0.6pp |
| Greek | 22 | 0.5% | 0.3% | 9 | 0.2% | 0.4% | +13 | +0.3pp |
| German | 19 | 0.5% | 0.4% | 18 | 0.5% | 0.5% | +1 | 0.0pp |
| Spanish | 19 | 0.5% | 0.3% | 28 | 0.7% | 0.3% | -9 | -0.2pp |
| Polish | 19 | 0.5% | 0.4% | 27 | 0.7% | 0.4% | -8 | -0.2pp |
| Mandarin | 15 | 0.4% | 0.5% | 15 | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0 | 0.0pp |
| Nepali | 14 | 0.3% | 0.1% | - | - | 0.0% | - | - |
| Vietnamese | 14 | 0.3% | 0.1% | 12 | 0.3% | 0.1% | +2 | 0.0pp |
| Cantonese | 14 | 0.3% | 0.2% | - | - | 0.1% | - | - |
| Total | 4,027 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 3,826 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +201 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.