Whyalla

Whyalla has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Whyalla's population is around 21,869 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 715 people (3.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,154 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,764 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 73 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 535 persons per square kilometer. Whyalla's 3.4% growth since census positions it within 1.9 percentage points of the SA4 region (5.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 90.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 764 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting recording a gain of 3.0% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Whyalla is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Whyalla has seen approximately 24 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 120 homes were approved, with an additional four approved so far in FY-26. The average value of these new homes is $296,000.

This year has also seen $126.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of SA, Whyalla has significantly less development activity, 66.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. The area's level is also under the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations.

New building activity shows 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Whyalla's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies, reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The estimated count of 715 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Whyalla adding 659 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Whyalla has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Sunrise Christian School Expansion, Whyalla Beach Splash & Play Plaza, Whyalla Steelworks Green Steel Transformation, and Whyalla Secondary College. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Whyalla face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Whyalla has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, heavily represented in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate here is 12.0%.

As of September 2025, 9,466 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.7% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of SA at 54.1%. Manufacturing, healthcare & social assistance, and retail trade are the primary employment sectors. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.4% of local workers, lower than Rest of SA's 14.5%. The area seems to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. In the year ending September 2025, Whyalla's labour force increased by 4.2% while employment declined by 2.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 5.6 percentage points. Meanwhile, Rest of SA saw employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with an increase in unemployment rate of 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6%. Over ten years, this expansion is projected at 13.7%. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Whyalla's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Whyalla SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $53,838 and an average of $65,205. These figures are in line with national averages. Rest of SA had a median income of $46,889 and an average of $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Whyalla would be approximately $60,745 (median) and $73,571 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Whyalla fall between the 12th and 17th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that 26.7% of Whyalla's community earns $1,500 - 2,999 (5,839 individuals), similar to the broader area where 27.5% falls within this range. Housing costs are modest in Whyalla, with 87.1% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 16th percentile nationally.

Whyalla displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Whyalla, as per the latest Census evaluation, 56.0% of dwellings were houses while 44.1% consisted of other types such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro SA's figures of 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Whyalla stood at 27.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.9% and rented ones at 40.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,170. The median weekly rent in Whyalla was recorded as $180, compared to Non-Metro SA's $195. Nationally, Whyalla's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Whyalla features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 61.3% of all households, including 21.6% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

Whyalla faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.0%) and certificates (33.3%). Educational participation is high at 27.0%, with 11.6% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Whyalla is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Whyalla, affecting both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 52% (~11,459 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area's 50.1%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.3%) and asthma (9.5%), with 61.2% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 65.6% in Rest of SA. Around 19.8% (~4,336 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 22.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with the overall population's health profile.

Whyalla ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Whyalla's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.2% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (80.8%), speaking English only at home (93.1%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Whyalla, comprising 39.1% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of South Australia, with 0.1% of Whyalla's population identifying as Jewish.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (32.1%), Australian (30.0%), and Scottish (8.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Welsh is overrepresented at 0.8%, German is underrepresented at 5.4% compared to regional levels (6.6%), and Croatian shows no significant difference at 0.7%.

Whyalla's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Whyalla's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Rest of SA's 47 but higher than the national average of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Whyalla at 13.4%, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 10.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 11.1% to 11.7% of Whyalla's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.9% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Whyalla's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand by 656 people (43%), growing from 1,526 to 2,183. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting Whyalla's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 5-14 cohorts.