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 Toodyay (S), accounting for 85.9% (3,932 people). This share was higher than Regional WA (80.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 63 people, while its share fell by 1.6 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Toodyay (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Toodyay (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional WA and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Toodyay (S), with comparison markers for Regional WA.

Toodyay (S)
Regional WA

English

2021 count

3,932

% of total

85.9%

Change from 2016

-1.6pp

Not stated

2021 count

515

% of total

11.3%

Change from 2016

+1.9pp

German

2021 count

14

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

-0.3pp

Afrikaans

2021 count

14

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Italian

2021 count

12

% of total

0.3%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

French

2021 count

11

% of total

0.2%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Polish

2021 count

11

% of total

0.2%

Change from 2016

-0.2pp

Data table

Language used at home for Toodyay (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.

Language used at home for Toodyay (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.
Language used at home for Toodyay (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional WA%Count%Regional WA%Countpp
English3,93285.9%80.9%3,86987.5%81.7%+63-1.6pp
Not stated51511.3%10.5%4149.4%10.0%+101+1.9pp
German140.3%0.3%250.6%0.3%-11-0.3pp
Afrikaans140.3%0.5%130.3%0.5%+10.0pp
Italian120.3%0.4%50.1%0.5%+7+0.2pp
French110.2%0.2%70.2%0.2%+40.0pp
Polish110.2%0.1%160.4%0.1%-5-0.2pp
Total4,575100.0%100.0%4,424100.0%100.0%+1510.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.