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 Saltwater River, accounting for 94.6% (122 people). This share was higher than Tasman (M) (88.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 11 people, while its share fell by 0.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Saltwater River - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Saltwater River in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Tasman (M) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Saltwater River, with comparison markers for Tasman (M).

Saltwater River
Tasman (M)

English

2021 count

122

% of total

94.6%

Change from 2016

-0.3pp

Data table

Language used at home for Saltwater River. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Tasman (M).

Language used at home for Saltwater River. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Tasman (M).
Language used at home for Saltwater River. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Tasman (M).
Category20212016Change
Count%Tasman (M)%Count%Tasman (M)%Countpp
English12294.6%88.9%11194.9%87.1%+11-0.3pp
Total129100.0%100.0%117100.0%100.0%+120.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.