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 Irvingdale (part), accounting for 83.2% (134 people). This share was lower than Western Downs (R) (86.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which decreased by 40 people and 8.9 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Irvingdale (part) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Irvingdale (part) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Western Downs (R) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Irvingdale (part), with comparison markers for Western Downs (R).

Irvingdale (part)
Western Downs (R)

English

2021 count

134

% of total

83.2%

Change from 2016

-8.9pp

Not stated

2021 count

18

% of total

11.2%

Change from 2016

+4.9pp

Data table

Language used at home for Irvingdale (part). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Western Downs (R).

Language used at home for Irvingdale (part). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Western Downs (R).
Language used at home for Irvingdale (part). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Western Downs (R).
Category20212016Change
Count%Western Downs (R)%Count%Western Downs (R)%Countpp
English13483.2%86.2%17492.1%85.7%-40-8.9pp
Not stated1811.2%9.8%126.3%10.8%+6+4.9pp
Total161100.0%100.0%189100.0%100.0%-280.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.