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 Wongan-Ballidu (S), accounting for 89.2% (1,150 people). This share was higher than Regional WA (80.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which decreased by 79 people and 3.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Wongan-Ballidu (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Wongan-Ballidu (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional WA and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Wongan-Ballidu (S), with comparison markers for Regional WA.

Wongan-Ballidu (S)
Regional WA

English

2021 count

1,150

% of total

89.2%

Change from 2016

-3.8pp

Not stated

2021 count

97

% of total

7.5%

Change from 2016

+3.6pp

Afrikaans

2021 count

12

% of total

0.9%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Filipino

2021 count

10

% of total

0.8%

Change from 2016

-0.4pp

Data table

Language used at home for Wongan-Ballidu (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.

Language used at home for Wongan-Ballidu (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.
Language used at home for Wongan-Ballidu (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional WA%Count%Regional WA%Countpp
English1,15089.2%80.9%1,22993.0%81.7%-79-3.8pp
Not stated977.5%10.5%513.9%10.0%+46+3.6pp
Afrikaans120.9%0.5%100.8%0.5%+2+0.1pp
Filipino100.8%0.4%161.2%0.4%-6-0.4pp
Total1,289100.0%100.0%1,321100.0%100.0%-320.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.