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 Redland (C), accounting for 88.9% (141,607 people). This share was higher than Greater Brisbane (77.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 10,858 people.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Redland (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Redland (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Brisbane and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Redland (C), with comparison markers for Greater Brisbane.

Redland (C)
Greater Brisbane

English

2021 count

141,607

% of total

88.9%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Not stated

2021 count

5,775

% of total

3.6%

Change from 2016

-0.8pp

Afrikaans

2021 count

1,031

% of total

0.6%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Mandarin

2021 count

984

% of total

0.6%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Punjabi

2021 count

585

% of total

0.4%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Spanish

2021 count

580

% of total

0.4%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

German

2021 count

531

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Tagalog

2021 count

398

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Italian

2021 count

370

% of total

0.2%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Greek

2021 count

358

% of total

0.2%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Data table

Language used at home for Redland (C). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Brisbane.

Language used at home for Redland (C). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Brisbane.
Language used at home for Redland (C). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Brisbane.
Category20212016Change
Count%Greater Brisbane%Count%Greater Brisbane%Countpp
English141,60788.9%77.3%130,74988.9%78.0%+10,8580.0pp
Not stated5,7753.6%5.0%6,4834.4%5.9%-708-0.8pp
Afrikaans1,0310.6%0.3%7430.5%0.3%+288+0.1pp
Mandarin9840.6%2.5%7220.5%2.4%+262+0.1pp
Punjabi5850.4%0.9%3020.2%0.6%+283+0.2pp
Spanish5800.4%0.8%4150.3%0.7%+165+0.1pp
German5310.3%0.3%5410.4%0.3%-10-0.1pp
Tagalog3980.3%0.5%3110.2%0.4%+87+0.1pp
Italian3700.2%0.4%4540.3%0.4%-84-0.1pp
Greek3580.2%0.3%3350.2%0.3%+230.0pp
Total159,200100.0%100.0%146,998100.0%100.0%+12,2020.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.