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 Willoughby (NSW), accounting for 69% (4,892 people). This share was higher than Willoughby (C) (55.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 4,845 people, while its share fell by 18 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Willoughby (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Willoughby (NSW) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Willoughby (C) and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Willoughby (NSW), with comparison markers for Willoughby (C).
English
2021 count
4,892
% of total
69.0%
Change from 2016
-18.0pp
4,892
69.0%
-18.0pp
Mandarin
2021 count
423
% of total
6.0%
Change from 2016
-
423
6.0%
-
Cantonese
2021 count
331
% of total
4.7%
Change from 2016
-
331
4.7%
-
Not stated
2021 count
243
% of total
3.4%
Change from 2016
-9.6pp
243
3.4%
-9.6pp
Armenian
2021 count
140
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
-
140
2.0%
-
Japanese
2021 count
129
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
-
129
1.8%
-
Croatian
2021 count
81
% of total
1.1%
Change from 2016
-
81
1.1%
-
Italian
2021 count
76
% of total
1.1%
Change from 2016
-
76
1.1%
-
Greek
2021 count
75
% of total
1.1%
Change from 2016
-
75
1.1%
-
Spanish
2021 count
52
% of total
0.7%
Change from 2016
-
52
0.7%
-
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
+4,845
-18.0pp
Not stated
+236
-9.6pp
Data table
Language used at home for Willoughby (NSW). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Willoughby (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Willoughby (C)% | Count | % | Willoughby (C)% | Count | pp | |
| English | 4,892 | 69.0% | 55.5% | 47 | 87.0% | 55.0% | +4,845 | -18.0pp |
| Mandarin | 423 | 6.0% | 12.9% | - | - | 12.1% | - | - |
| Cantonese | 331 | 4.7% | 7.8% | - | - | 7.4% | - | - |
| Not stated | 243 | 3.4% | 3.4% | 7 | 13.0% | 4.8% | +236 | -9.6pp |
| Armenian | 140 | 2.0% | 1.0% | - | - | 1.1% | - | - |
| Japanese | 129 | 1.8% | 2.4% | - | - | 2.4% | - | - |
| Croatian | 81 | 1.1% | 0.5% | - | - | 0.5% | - | - |
| Italian | 76 | 1.1% | 0.8% | - | - | 1.0% | - | - |
| Greek | 75 | 1.1% | 0.5% | - | - | 0.5% | - | - |
| Spanish | 52 | 0.7% | 0.8% | - | - | 0.7% | - | - |
| Total | 7,089 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 54 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +7,035 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.