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 Londonderry (NSW), accounting for 81.7% (3,296 people). This share was higher than Penrith (C) (74.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 71 people, while its share fell by 1 percentage point.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Londonderry (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Londonderry (NSW) 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 Londonderry (NSW), with comparison markers for Penrith (C).

Londonderry (NSW)
Penrith (C)

English

2021 count

3,296

% of total

81.7%

Change from 2016

-1.0pp

Not stated

2021 count

246

% of total

6.1%

Change from 2016

-1.7pp

Maltese

2021 count

157

% of total

3.9%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Mandarin

2021 count

41

% of total

1.0%

Change from 2016

+0.4pp

Arabic

2021 count

37

% of total

0.9%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Punjabi

2021 count

28

% of total

0.7%

Change from 2016

+0.6pp

Italian

2021 count

25

% of total

0.6%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Greek

2021 count

21

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Croatian

2021 count

16

% of total

0.4%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Hindi

2021 count

15

% of total

0.4%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Data table

Language used at home for Londonderry (NSW). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Penrith (C).

Language used at home for Londonderry (NSW). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Penrith (C).
Language used at home for Londonderry (NSW). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Penrith (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Penrith (C)%Count%Penrith (C)%Countpp
English3,29681.7%74.2%3,22582.7%77.2%+71-1.0pp
Not stated2466.1%6.2%3067.8%6.0%-60-1.7pp
Maltese1573.9%0.6%1473.8%0.7%+10+0.1pp
Mandarin411.0%0.8%250.6%0.7%+16+0.4pp
Arabic370.9%1.8%360.9%1.6%+10.0pp
Punjabi280.7%1.4%40.1%0.9%+24+0.6pp
Italian250.6%0.5%210.5%0.7%+4+0.1pp
Greek210.5%0.5%160.4%0.6%+5+0.1pp
Croatian160.4%0.4%150.4%0.5%+10.0pp
Hindi150.4%1.1%30.1%0.9%+12+0.3pp
Total4,036100.0%100.0%3,901100.0%100.0%+1350.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.