LEXIGO Plans Update to Language Map Australia with 2026 Census Data

LEXIGO, an Australian translation and multicultural communications agency, has announced plans to update its free Language Map Australia platform with 2026 Census data following its release by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in June 2027. The update will provide local language profiles across all 551 Australian local government areas, helping businesses, government agencies, and community organizations understand the languages used within their communities.

According to Mark Saba, Founder and CEO of LEXIGO, the 2026 Census data will offer organizations another opportunity to examine the evolving language landscape in Australia.

The 2021 Australian Census recorded more than 5.66 million people using a language other than English at home, an increase of almost 800,000 people compared to 2016. Mandarin was the most commonly reported language other than English used at home, with 685,274 people, followed by Arabic with 367,159, Vietnamese with 320,758, Cantonese with 295,281, and Punjabi with 239,033. Punjabi recorded particularly strong growth between the 2016 and 2021 Census periods, increasing by more than 80 percent.

These figures have practical implications for organizations deciding how to communicate information related to healthcare, finance, government services, education, professional services, and other areas where clarity can influence understanding and participation.

LEXIGO developed Language Map Australia to make Australian Census language information easier to explore at a local level. The free online platform covers 551 local government areas, 4,288 suburbs, and more than 300 languages. Users can explore the languages represented in different local government areas and compare linguistic diversity across locations. The current version of the platform draws on 2021 Australian Census information, but it will incorporate relevant 2026 Census figures following their public release by the ABS, giving organizations an updated resource for understanding language use across Australian communities.

The ABS has confirmed that the first major release of 2026 Census data is scheduled for June 2027. Most Census topics will be available during that first phase across nearly all geographic areas, with additional releases scheduled for October 2027 and early to mid-2028. Organizations do not need to wait for the 2026 results before reviewing whether their communications reflect the communities they currently serve. Existing Census information can already help identify prominent and emerging language communities within particular suburbs, municipalities, and service areas. Organizations can then assess whether important customer information, digital content, public information, or community communications should be made available in additional languages.

"The suburb you trade in already tells you. The question is whether your organization is using that information effectively." LEXIGO works with government, healthcare, education, and enterprise organizations across 171 languages, providing language and multicultural communication services throughout Australia.