Cultural diversity
Proficiency in English
About this topic
Proficiency in English records how well people say they speak English, with the question mainly relevant for people who use a language other than English at home. It is a self-assessed measure of spoken English rather than a formal test.
This topic helps identify where interpreting, translated information, and targeted service communication may be needed. It is most informative when read alongside language used at home, birthplace, and year of arrival.
Interpretation notes
- ABS treats this as a self-assessed indicator of spoken English, not a formal test, so results should be interpreted with care.
- The detailed English-proficiency categories mainly relate to people who use another language at home; people who speak English only are included as a separate category.
Key insight
In 2021, English only was the most common English-proficiency response among residents in Unincorp. Other Territories, accounting for 53.8% (1,341 people). This share was higher than Other Territories (40.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in another language and English well or very well, which decreased by 903 people and 6 percentage points.
Section overview
Proficiency in English
Unincorp. Other Territories - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises proficiency in english for Unincorp. Other Territories in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Other Territories and change since 2016.
Proficiency in English snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Unincorp. Other Territories, with comparison markers for Other Territories.
Total Speaks English Only
2021 count
1,341
% of total
53.8%
Change from 2016
+16.5pp
1,341
53.8%
+16.5pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well
2021 count
778
% of total
31.2%
Change from 2016
-6.0pp
778
31.2%
-6.0pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All
2021 count
27
% of total
1.1%
Change from 2016
-8.5pp
27
1.1%
-8.5pp
Total Not Stated
2021 count
348
% of total
14.0%
Change from 2016
-1.9pp
348
14.0%
-1.9pp
Chart view
Proficiency in English change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Total Speaks English Only
-347
+16.5pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well
-903
-6.0pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All
-405
-8.5pp
Total Not Stated
-370
-1.9pp
Data table
Proficiency in English for Unincorp. Other Territories. Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Other Territories.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Other Territories% | Count | % | Other Territories% | Count | pp | |
| Total Speaks English Only | 1,341 | 53.8% | 40.8% | 1,688 | 37.3% | 37.3% | -347 | +16.5pp |
| Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well | 778 | 31.2% | 33.0% | 1,681 | 37.2% | 37.2% | -903 | -6.0pp |
| Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All | 27 | 1.1% | 7.5% | 432 | 9.6% | 9.6% | -405 | -8.5pp |
| Total Not Stated | 348 | 14.0% | 18.6% | 718 | 15.9% | 15.9% | -370 | -1.9pp |
| Total | 2,494 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 4,523 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -2,029 | 0.0pp |