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 Southwood, accounting for 83.3% (50 people). This share was lower than Western Downs (R) (86.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which decreased by 216 people and 7.5 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Southwood - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Southwood 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 Southwood, with comparison markers for Western Downs (R).
English
2021 count
50
% of total
83.3%
Change from 2016
-7.5pp
50
83.3%
-7.5pp
Not stated
2021 count
10
% of total
16.7%
Change from 2016
+7.5pp
10
16.7%
+7.5pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
-216
-7.5pp
Not stated
-17
+7.5pp
Data table
Language used at home for Southwood. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Western Downs (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Western Downs (R)% | Count | % | Western Downs (R)% | Count | pp | |
| English | 50 | 83.3% | 86.2% | 266 | 90.8% | 85.7% | -216 | -7.5pp |
| Not stated | 10 | 16.7% | 9.8% | 27 | 9.2% | 10.8% | -17 | +7.5pp |
| Total | 60 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 293 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -233 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.