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 Wattle Range, accounting for 85.3% (58 people). This share was lower than Wattle Range (DC) (90.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English only, which decreased by 2,468 people, while its share rose by 24.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Proficiency in English

Wattle Range - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises proficiency in english for Wattle Range in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Wattle Range (DC) and change since 2016.

Proficiency in English change

Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.

2016
2021

Total Speaks English Only

-2,468

+24.3pp

Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well

-1,119

-27.0pp

Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All

-303

-7.3pp

Total Not Stated

-180

+11.6pp

Data table

Proficiency in English for Wattle Range. Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Wattle Range (DC).

Proficiency in English for Wattle Range. Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Wattle Range (DC).
Proficiency in English for Wattle Range. Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Wattle Range (DC).
Category20212016Change
Count%Wattle Range (DC)%Count%Wattle Range (DC)%Countpp
Total Speaks English Only5885.3%90.3%2,52661.0%91.0%-2,468+24.3pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well00.0%2.6%1,11927.0%2.4%-1,119-27.0pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All00.0%0.5%3037.3%0.3%-303-7.3pp
Total Not Stated1116.2%6.6%1914.6%6.3%-180+11.6pp
Total68100.0%100.0%4,141100.0%100.0%-4,0730.0pp