Cultural diversity
Language spoken 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 Southern Mallee (DC), accounting for 83.5% (1,648 people). This share was lower than Regional SA (87.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which decreased by 119 people and 3.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Southern Mallee (DC) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language spoken at home for Southern Mallee (DC) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional SA and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Southern Mallee (DC), with comparison markers for Regional SA.
English
Not stated
Afrikaans
Mandarin
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
-119
-3.8pp
Not stated
+3
+0.4pp
Afrikaans
+46
+2.3pp
Mandarin
-2
0.0pp
Data table
Language spoken at home for Southern Mallee (DC). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | pp | |
| English | 1,648 | 83.5% | 87.7% | 1,767 | 87.3% | 87.9% | -119 | -3.8pp |
| Not stated | 165 | 8.4% | 6.9% | 162 | 8.0% | 7.1% | +3 | +0.4pp |
| Afrikaans | 66 | 3.3% | 0.2% | 20 | 1.0% | 0.1% | +46 | +2.3pp |
| Mandarin | 21 | 1.1% | 0.3% | 23 | 1.1% | 0.3% | -2 | 0.0pp |
| Total | 1,973 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2,023 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -50 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.