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 Walgett, accounting for 60.3% (1,091 people). This share was lower than Walgett (A) (68.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which decreased by 643 people and 28 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Walgett - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Walgett in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Walgett (A) and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Walgett, with comparison markers for Walgett (A).
English
2021 count
1,091
% of total
60.3%
Change from 2016
-28.0pp
1,091
60.3%
-28.0pp
Not stated
2021 count
655
% of total
36.2%
Change from 2016
+25.8pp
655
36.2%
+25.8pp
Gamilaraay
2021 count
14
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
-
14
0.8%
-
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
-643
-28.0pp
Not stated
+451
+25.8pp
Data table
Language used at home for Walgett. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Walgett (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Walgett (A)% | Count | % | Walgett (A)% | Count | pp | |
| English | 1,091 | 60.3% | 68.9% | 1,734 | 88.3% | 83.1% | -643 | -28.0pp |
| Not stated | 655 | 36.2% | 26.4% | 204 | 10.4% | 12.2% | +451 | +25.8pp |
| Gamilaraay | 14 | 0.8% | 0.4% | - | - | - | - | - |
| Total | 1,810 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1,963 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -153 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.