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 Elizabeth Vale (part), accounting for 61.3% (2,649 people). This share was lower than Playford (C) (78.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 2,606 people, while its share fell by 23 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Elizabeth Vale (part) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Elizabeth Vale (part) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Playford (C) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Elizabeth Vale (part), with comparison markers for Playford (C).

Elizabeth Vale (part)
Playford (C)

English

2021 count

2,649

% of total

61.3%

Change from 2016

-23.0pp

Nepali

2021 count

584

% of total

13.5%

Change from 2016

-

Not stated

2021 count

333

% of total

7.7%

Change from 2016

-8.0pp

Hazaraghi

2021 count

76

% of total

1.8%

Change from 2016

-

Chin Haka

2021 count

64

% of total

1.5%

Change from 2016

-

Swahili

2021 count

62

% of total

1.4%

Change from 2016

-

Arabic

2021 count

53

% of total

1.2%

Change from 2016

-

Persian (excluding Dari)

2021 count

36

% of total

0.8%

Change from 2016

-

Burmese

2021 count

32

% of total

0.7%

Change from 2016

-

Burmese and Related Languages, nec

2021 count

30

% of total

0.7%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Language used at home for Elizabeth Vale (part). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Playford (C).

Language used at home for Elizabeth Vale (part). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Playford (C).
Language used at home for Elizabeth Vale (part). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Playford (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Playford (C)%Count%Playford (C)%Countpp
English2,64961.3%78.9%4384.3%80.9%+2,606-23.0pp
Nepali58413.5%1.4%--0.7%--
Not stated3337.7%5.9%815.7%6.7%+325-8.0pp
Hazaraghi761.8%1.2%--0.6%--
Chin Haka641.5%0.3%--0.1%--
Swahili621.4%0.8%--0.5%--
Arabic531.2%0.6%--0.5%--
Persian (excluding Dari)360.8%0.3%--0.1%--
Burmese320.7%0.1%--0.1%--
Burmese and Related Languages, nec300.7%0.1%--0.0%--
Total4,324100.0%100.0%51100.0%100.0%+4,2730.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.