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 Berkshire Park, accounting for 37.1% (795 people). This share was lower than Penrith (C) (74.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which decreased by 82 people and 4 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Berkshire Park - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Berkshire Park in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Penrith (C) and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Berkshire Park, with comparison markers for Penrith (C).
Not stated
2021 count
1,166
% of total
54.4%
Change from 2016
+4.3pp
1,166
54.4%
+4.3pp
English
2021 count
795
% of total
37.1%
Change from 2016
-4.0pp
795
37.1%
-4.0pp
Maltese
2021 count
73
% of total
3.4%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
73
3.4%
-1.0pp
Arabic
2021 count
34
% of total
1.6%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
34
1.6%
+0.4pp
Cantonese
2021 count
20
% of total
0.9%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
20
0.9%
-0.3pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Not stated
+96
+4.3pp
English
-82
-4.0pp
Maltese
-20
-1.0pp
Arabic
+9
+0.4pp
Cantonese
-6
-0.3pp
Data table
Language used at home for Berkshire Park. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Penrith (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Penrith (C)% | Count | % | Penrith (C)% | Count | pp | |
| Not stated | 1,166 | 54.4% | 6.2% | 1,070 | 50.1% | 6.0% | +96 | +4.3pp |
| English | 795 | 37.1% | 74.2% | 877 | 41.1% | 77.2% | -82 | -4.0pp |
| Maltese | 73 | 3.4% | 0.6% | 93 | 4.4% | 0.7% | -20 | -1.0pp |
| Arabic | 34 | 1.6% | 1.8% | 25 | 1.2% | 1.6% | +9 | +0.4pp |
| Cantonese | 20 | 0.9% | 0.3% | 26 | 1.2% | 0.3% | -6 | -0.3pp |
| Total | 2,145 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2,135 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +10 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.