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, accounting for 91.4% (2,959 people). This share was higher than Onkaparinga (C) (89%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which decreased by 6,091 people, while its share rose by 23.1 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Port Noarlunga - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Port Noarlunga 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, with comparison markers for Onkaparinga (C).

Port Noarlunga
Onkaparinga (C)

English

2021 count

2,959

% of total

91.4%

Change from 2016

+23.1pp

Not stated

2021 count

93

% of total

2.9%

Change from 2016

-1.6pp

German

2021 count

14

% of total

0.4%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Gujarati

2021 count

12

% of total

0.4%

Change from 2016

-1.2pp

Dutch

2021 count

11

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Afrikaans

2021 count

11

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Greek

2021 count

10

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

-4.7pp

Italian

2021 count

10

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

-3.3pp

Polish

2021 count

10

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Vietnamese

2021 count

10

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

-2.0pp

Data table

Language used at home for Port Noarlunga. 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. 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. 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
English2,95991.4%89.0%9,05068.3%88.3%-6,091+23.1pp
Not stated932.9%3.9%6004.5%5.0%-507-1.6pp
German140.4%0.4%530.4%0.5%-390.0pp
Gujarati120.4%0.0%2131.6%0.0%-201-1.2pp
Dutch110.3%0.1%150.1%0.3%-4+0.2pp
Afrikaans110.3%0.2%60.0%0.2%+5+0.3pp
Greek100.3%0.3%6615.0%0.4%-651-4.7pp
Italian100.3%0.3%4743.6%0.4%-464-3.3pp
Polish100.3%0.4%500.4%0.4%-40-0.1pp
Vietnamese100.3%0.1%3102.3%0.1%-300-2.0pp
Total3,236100.0%100.0%13,242100.0%100.0%-10,0060.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.