Cultural diversity

Proficiency in English

About this topic

Proficiency in English records how well people say they speak English, with the question mainly relevant for people who use a language other than English at home. It is a self-assessed measure of spoken English rather than a formal test.

This topic helps identify where interpreting, translated information, and targeted service communication may be needed. It is most informative when read alongside language used at home, birthplace, and year of arrival.

Interpretation notes

  • ABS treats this as a self-assessed indicator of spoken English, not a formal test, so results should be interpreted with care.
  • The detailed English-proficiency categories mainly relate to people who use another language at home; people who speak English only are included as a separate category.

Key insight

In 2021, English only was the most common English-proficiency response among residents in Peppermint Grove (S), accounting for 86.2% (1,377 people). This share was higher than Greater Perth (74%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in another language and English well or very well, which increased by 26 people and 1.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Proficiency in English

Peppermint Grove (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises proficiency in english for Peppermint Grove (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Perth and change since 2016.

Proficiency in English snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Peppermint Grove (S), with comparison markers for Greater Perth.

Peppermint Grove (S)
Greater Perth

Total Speaks English Only

2021 count

1,377

% of total

86.2%

Change from 2016

+1.7pp

Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well

2021 count

157

% of total

9.8%

Change from 2016

+1.8pp

Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All

2021 count

5

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

-0.9pp

Total Not Stated

2021 count

57

% of total

3.6%

Change from 2016

-2.6pp

Data table

Proficiency in English for Peppermint Grove (S). Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Perth.

Proficiency in English for Peppermint Grove (S). Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Perth.
Proficiency in English for Peppermint Grove (S). Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Perth.
Category20212016Change
Count%Greater Perth%Count%Greater Perth%Countpp
Total Speaks English Only1,37786.2%74.0%1,38384.5%73.5%-6+1.7pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well1579.8%18.6%1318.0%17.3%+26+1.8pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All50.3%2.6%191.2%2.9%-14-0.9pp
Total Not Stated573.6%4.8%1016.2%6.3%-44-2.6pp
Total1,597100.0%100.0%1,636100.0%100.0%-390.0pp