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 Medway, accounting for 83.3% (120 people). This share was lower than Wingecarribee (A) (88%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 22 people and 0.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Medway - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Medway in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Wingecarribee (A) and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Medway, with comparison markers for Wingecarribee (A).
English
2021 count
120
% of total
83.3%
Change from 2016
+0.9pp
120
83.3%
+0.9pp
Mandarin
2021 count
19
% of total
13.2%
Change from 2016
+10.7pp
19
13.2%
+10.7pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
+22
+0.9pp
Mandarin
+16
+10.7pp
Data table
Language used at home for Medway. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Wingecarribee (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Wingecarribee (A)% | Count | % | Wingecarribee (A)% | Count | pp | |
| English | 120 | 83.3% | 88.0% | 98 | 82.4% | 88.3% | +22 | +0.9pp |
| Mandarin | 19 | 13.2% | 0.4% | 3 | 2.5% | 0.5% | +16 | +10.7pp |
| Total | 144 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 119 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +25 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.