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Western Australia, a state known for its diverse population, has witnessed significant shifts in language use and religious affiliations in recent decades, according to the latest census data. As of the 2016 census, English remains the dominant language, with 75.2% of Western Australians speaking only English at home. However, the state's multicultural makeup is reflected in the growing number of speakers of other languages. Mandarin is the second most common language, spoken by 1.9% of the population, followed by Italian (1.2%), Vietnamese (0.8%), Cantonese (0.8%), and Tagalog (0.6%).

These figures highlight Western Australia’s increasing cultural diversity, particularly with the growing influence of Asia and the Philippines. The state's rich immigrant history continues to shape its linguistic landscape, with a variety of languages being spoken by smaller communities across the region.

Religiously, Western Australia has also seen notable changes over the years. Christianity, which once dominated the religious landscape, remains the largest faith in the state but has seen a significant decline. In 1971, 85.5% of the population identified as Christian, a number that has since fallen to 41.1% by the 2021 census. The rise of people identifying as having no religious affiliation has been striking, increasing from 8.7% in 1971 to 42.9% in 2021. This shift mirrors broader secular trends observed across much of Australia.

While the majority still identify with Christianity, other religions have a smaller but significant presence. Muslims account for 2.5% of the population, Buddhists make up 2.2%, and Hindus represent 2.0%. These figures reflect Western Australia's growing religious diversity, driven by immigration from various parts of the world.

In summary, Western Australia’s linguistic and religious makeup continues to evolve, with English remaining dominant but a rise in multicultural influences shaping the state's future. The decline in religious affiliation and the increase in secularism are reflective of broader societal trends, as Western Australia becomes increasingly diverse both linguistically and spiritually.