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 Girrawheen, accounting for 56.3% (5,008 people). This share was lower than Wanneroo (C) (74.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 207 people and 1.6 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Girrawheen - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Girrawheen in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Wanneroo (C) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Girrawheen, with comparison markers for Wanneroo (C).

Girrawheen
Wanneroo (C)

English

2021 count

5,008

% of total

56.3%

Change from 2016

+1.6pp

Vietnamese

2021 count

766

% of total

8.6%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Not stated

2021 count

551

% of total

6.2%

Change from 2016

+0.5pp

Karen

2021 count

218

% of total

2.4%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Burmese

2021 count

199

% of total

2.2%

Change from 2016

-0.4pp

Arabic

2021 count

181

% of total

2.0%

Change from 2016

-1.0pp

Macedonian

2021 count

139

% of total

1.6%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Tagalog

2021 count

123

% of total

1.4%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Malay

2021 count

100

% of total

1.1%

Change from 2016

+0.4pp

Chin Haka

2021 count

81

% of total

0.9%

Change from 2016

+0.3pp

Data table

Language used at home for Girrawheen. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Wanneroo (C).

Language used at home for Girrawheen. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Wanneroo (C).
Language used at home for Girrawheen. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Wanneroo (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Wanneroo (C)%Count%Wanneroo (C)%Countpp
English5,00856.3%74.8%4,80154.7%74.0%+207+1.6pp
Vietnamese7668.6%2.6%7658.7%2.7%+1-0.1pp
Not stated5516.2%4.6%5035.7%5.7%+48+0.5pp
Karen2182.4%0.3%2012.3%0.3%+17+0.1pp
Burmese1992.2%0.3%2242.6%0.4%-25-0.4pp
Arabic1812.0%1.0%2603.0%1.0%-79-1.0pp
Macedonian1391.6%0.8%1251.4%0.8%+14+0.2pp
Tagalog1231.4%0.6%1231.4%0.6%00.0pp
Malay1001.1%0.3%620.7%0.3%+38+0.4pp
Chin Haka810.9%0.1%530.6%0.1%+28+0.3pp
Total8,900100.0%100.0%8,776100.0%100.0%+1240.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.