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 Port Noarlunga South, accounting for 92.2% (2,812 people). This share was higher than Onkaparinga (C) (89%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 347 people and 1.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Port Noarlunga South - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Port Noarlunga South in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Onkaparinga (C) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Port Noarlunga South, with comparison markers for Onkaparinga (C).

Port Noarlunga South
Onkaparinga (C)

English

2021 count

2,812

% of total

92.2%

Change from 2016

+1.8pp

Not stated

2021 count

107

% of total

3.5%

Change from 2016

-2.4pp

Italian

2021 count

19

% of total

0.6%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

German

2021 count

14

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Persian (excluding Dari)

2021 count

11

% of total

0.4%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Language used at home for Port Noarlunga South. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Onkaparinga (C).

Language used at home for Port Noarlunga South. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Onkaparinga (C).
Language used at home for Port Noarlunga South. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Onkaparinga (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Onkaparinga (C)%Count%Onkaparinga (C)%Countpp
English2,81292.2%89.0%2,46590.4%88.3%+347+1.8pp
Not stated1073.5%3.9%1625.9%5.0%-55-2.4pp
Italian190.6%0.3%130.5%0.4%+6+0.1pp
German140.5%0.4%150.6%0.5%-1-0.1pp
Persian (excluding Dari)110.4%0.2%--0.2%--
Total3,050100.0%100.0%2,727100.0%100.0%+3230.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.