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 Waratah/Wynyard (M), accounting for 92.2% (13,160 people). This share was higher than Regional Tas. (88.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 653 people, while its share fell by 0.2 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Waratah/Wynyard (M) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Waratah/Wynyard (M) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Tas. and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Waratah/Wynyard (M), with comparison markers for Regional Tas..

Waratah/Wynyard (M)
Regional Tas.

English

2021 count

13,160

% of total

92.2%

Change from 2016

-0.2pp

Not stated

2021 count

814

% of total

5.7%

Change from 2016

-0.5pp

Nepali

2021 count

30

% of total

0.2%

Change from 2016

-

Auslan

2021 count

27

% of total

0.2%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

German

2021 count

24

% of total

0.2%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Afrikaans

2021 count

20

% of total

0.1%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Thai

2021 count

19

% of total

0.1%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Spanish

2021 count

17

% of total

0.1%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Dutch

2021 count

16

% of total

0.1%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Japanese

2021 count

13

% of total

0.1%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Data table

Language used at home for Waratah/Wynyard (M). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..

Language used at home for Waratah/Wynyard (M). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..
Language used at home for Waratah/Wynyard (M). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional Tas.%Count%Regional Tas.%Countpp
English13,16092.2%88.9%12,50792.4%89.8%+653-0.2pp
Not stated8145.7%5.6%8416.2%6.7%-27-0.5pp
Nepali300.2%0.9%--0.3%--
Auslan270.2%0.1%160.1%0.0%+11+0.1pp
German240.2%0.2%170.1%0.3%+7+0.1pp
Afrikaans200.1%0.1%190.1%0.1%+10.0pp
Thai190.1%0.1%100.1%0.1%+90.0pp
Spanish170.1%0.2%80.1%0.1%+90.0pp
Dutch160.1%0.1%220.2%0.2%-6-0.1pp
Japanese130.1%0.1%50.0%0.1%+8+0.1pp
Total14,281100.0%100.0%13,541100.0%100.0%+7400.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.