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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Whyalla has an estimated 3,692 residents, up from 3,609 at the 2021 Census — a change of 83 people, or 2.3%. That puts 873 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on demographic evaluations from official updates and recent addresses confirmed by AreaSearch post-census, the population of the suburb of Whyalla is estimated to be approximately 3,692 by May 2026. This represents a growth of 83 people (2.3%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 3,609 residents. The estimate builds upon a baseline of 3,687 residents calculated from the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 13 validated new addresses registered since the census date. The resulting density stands at 872 persons per square kilometer, aligning closely with standard regional averages.
The suburb of Whyalla's 2.3% post-census growth rate trails the SA4 region's rate of 4.2% by 1.9 percentage points. Most of the recent population gains were driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 91.0% of the total increase. Projections for each SA2 region rely on 2024 ABS and Geoscience Australia models using 2022 as a starting point. Where this data is unavailable, or for periods after 2032, regional projections by age bracket from the SA State Government's 2023 release (anchored on 2021 data) are applied via a weighted aggregation methodology from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on these outlooks, the suburb of Whyalla is projected to follow lower-quartile growth trajectories typical of regional Australia, expanding by 149 persons by 2041, which translates to a total increase of 3.9% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Property development activity in Whyalla is very limited, averaging 2 dwelling approvals per year, totaling 12 approvals across a five-year period. This low volume reflects the rural setting, where building activity responds to specific local residential needs rather than broader market momentum. Because of the small sample size, individual building projects can disproportionately alter year-on-year statistics and regional comparisons. Building approval volumes in Whyalla are substantially lower than the Rest of SA average and fall below national benchmarks. Recent construction consisted entirely of detached houses, matching rural preferences for personal space and privacy.
This preference for single-family homes is more pronounced in new approvals than in the historical stock, which stood at 76.0% at Census, indicating sustained demand for detached structures despite density considerations. The ratio of 924 people per single dwelling approval highlights the quiet nature of the local construction sector. Projections suggest the population will expand by 144 residents by 2041, measured from the latest quarterly baseline. If building rates do not accelerate, new housing supply may fail to meet the needs of the growing population, which could increase buyer competition and push property prices upward.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Whyalla
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 9 current infrastructure and development projects inside Whyalla, worth an estimated $72 million. A further 25 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $303 million. 12 are already under construction and 10 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, ports, marinas, fisheries & aquaculture and education & training. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure updates, planning decisions, and major works play a major role in regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 10 key projects likely to influence the area, including the Whyalla Steelworks Industrial Transformation, Plant Zero.SA, the Whyalla Foreshore Redevelopment, and the Hotel Bayview - Liquor Legends project.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Whyalla Foreshore Redevelopment
A staged family-friendly redevelopment centered on the Splash and Play Plaza. Key features include a cuttlefish-themed splash park with water curtains and sprays, an adventure play space inspired by the Whyalla Steelworks heritage, a scooter track, and a wave lawn. Later stages involve a new Foreshore Centre building housing a cafe and Surf Life Saving facilities.
Whyalla Foreshore Centre Building
Construction of a new Foreshore Centre building incorporating the Whyalla Surf Life Saving Club, public kiosk, cafe, function space and community facilities as part of the Whyalla Foreshore Master Plan. Following completion of detailed design and development approval, construction tenders opened in July 2026. The project is funded by the South Australian Government together with Whyalla City Council and complements the adjacent Splash and Play Plaza.
Cuttlefish Cove Experience Project
The Cuttlefish Cove Experience Project is a South Australian Government and Whyalla City Council initiative to investigate tourism infrastructure and visitor experiences around the Giant Australian Cuttlefish breeding aggregation at Point Lowly. The project commenced with a government-funded feasibility study examining improved visitor facilities, dive access, boat experiences and interpretation. As of mid-2026, no construction has commenced and the project remains in the planning phase while tourism activity has been affected by unusually low cuttlefish numbers and temporary environmental protection measures.
Plant Zero.SA
Zero Petroleum is investigating Plant Zero.SA, a proposed commercial-scale synthetic fuel production facility in Whyalla. The feasibility study, supported by the South Australian Government and involving Adelaide Airport and Qantas, is assessing production of up to 10 million litres a year of synthetic aviation fuel, gasoline and diesel from renewable hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Official material still indicates a feasibility and planning-stage project rather than a committed construction project.
SA Housing Trust Whyalla Housing Project - 46 New Homes
Construction of 46 new public homes across scattered sites in Whyalla by the SA Housing Trust, including a range of two and four bedroom properties in various layouts. As of mid-2025, 14 homes were completed with the remainder targeted for completion later that year. The project forms part of a broader investment of 170+ new public homes across regional South Australia under the Public Housing Improvement Program, aimed at revitalising housing stock and improving outcomes for tenants in the region.
Hotel Bayview - Liquor Legends
A new Liquor Legends bottle shop with a three-lane drive-through is being built at the Hotel Bayview. The 659 square metre store will offer a wide selection of beverages and create new jobs.
Kloeden Reserve Development
Development of two land parcels totaling 4.2 hectares at Kloeden Reserve in Whyalla to unlock up to 70 new homes, including at least 10 houses to be built immediately and leased back to the government for essential workers, supporting the region's growth in green energy and manufacturing.
Eyre Eye Centre New Building
Completed purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility for the Eyre Eye Centre on Elliott Street, expanding optometry and eye care services including vision correction, contact lenses, children's vision, eye disease management, and outreach clinics in Whyalla.
1,764 residents of Whyalla are employed, from a labour force of 1,982. Unemployment sits at 11.0%, with participation at 62.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,000, about 81% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Whyalla has a workforce characterized by strong representation in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of 11.0% compiled from statistical area data. In March 2026, 1,764 residents were employed. The local unemployment rate sits 5.5% higher than the Regional SA baseline of 5.5%, while the workforce participation rate is healthy at 62.9%, compared to Regional SA's 58.4%. Census records show only 3.0% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic-related lockdown measures. The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training.
Manufacturing jobs are highly concentrated here, registering at 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, agricultural, forestry, and fishing industries are minimally represented, employing only 0.3% of the local workforce compared to 14.5% across Regional SA. The difference between the local working population and resident workforce suggests the area offers relatively few local jobs. Analysis of statistical data indicates that over the 12-month period, the local labor force contracted by 1.4% and total employment fell by 7.5%, driving the unemployment rate up by 5.8 percentage points. This divergence from Regional SA is notable, where employment increased by 1.2%, the labor force expanded by 2.6%, and unemployment rose by 1.4 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25 offer a framework for local expectations. While nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these national sector trends to the local industry mix suggests employment could rise by 5.5% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection that excludes local population shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Whyalla is $1,658 a week (about $86,000 a year), with median personal income at $815 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $68,452 a year against an average of $82,904. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to tax records from financial year 2023, taxpaying residents in the suburb of Whyalla earned a median income of $68,452 and an average of $82,904. These figures are high by national standards, comparing favorably to the Regional SA median of $48,920 and average of $58,933. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $75,414 (median) and $91,335 (average). Census findings from 2021 show overall household, family, and personal incomes sitting in the middle ranges nationally, between the 45th and 52nd percentiles.
The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket accounts for 30.9% of local tax units (1,140 individuals), relative to 27.5% across the broader region. Discretionary income after housing expenses stands at 89.8% of earnings, indicating solid household purchasing power, with a SEIFA income score placing the area in the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Whyalla had 1,482 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 76% detached houses and 6% apartments. 37% are owned with a mortgage, 29% rented and 34% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $200 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 12.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Housing options in Whyalla at the census date consisted of 75.7% detached houses and 24.3% alternative housing types, such as apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to Regional SA's mix of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. The home ownership rate was lower than the regional benchmark, sitting at 33.8%, with mortgaged homes making up 36.9% and rental properties accounting for 29.3%. Local median mortgage payments were higher than the Regional SA average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent was $200, compared to regional figures of $1,153 and $220. Locally, mortgage costs remain lower than the national median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the Australian average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Whyalla counted 1,482 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 25% are couples with children, against 31% couples without children. 34% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 64.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 24.8%, couples without children at 30.6%, and single-parent households at 8.1%. Non-family households comprise 35.8% of the total, with lone person households representing 33.5% and group households accounting for 2.2%. The median household size of 2.2 individuals is slightly below the Regional SA average of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
19.1% of adults in Whyalla hold a university qualification, including 13.9% with a bachelor degree and 3.3% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 32.6% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 574 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 964 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment presents room for growth, with university completion rates at 19.1% compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are held by 13.9% of residents, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 41.7% of residents aged 15 and over holding a vocational qualification, including 9.1% with advanced diplomas and 32.6% holding certificates. Enrolment rates are high, with 25.4% of the population participating in formal education. This group includes 9.4% in primary schools, 8.4% in secondary schools, and 2.3% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Whyalla means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
65.0% of residents in Whyalla report no long-term health condition. 7.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 59.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators highlight significant challenges based on mortality and chronic illness data, though private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 60% of the population (2,204 people) holding coverage. This exceeds the Regional SA benchmark of 48.9%. Arthritis and asthma are the most frequently reported medical conditions, affecting 10.2% and 8.1% of residents. Conversely, 65.0% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, slightly higher than the 62.5% recorded across Regional SA. Chronic conditions are more common than average among the working-age population. Residents aged 65 and over make up 22.4% of the population (827 people), which is lower than the Regional SA proportion of 27.1%.
Senior health outcomes align closely with broader national patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Whyalla is largely Australian-born, at 79.3% of residents, with 7.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.1%) and Australian (28.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures show lower than average levels, with 79.3% of residents born in Australia, 88.7% holding citizenship, and 92.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 43.7% of the community. Hinduism shows a notable relative concentration, accounting for 1.3% of the population compared to 0.3% across Regional SA. The most common parental ancestries are English at 31.1%, Australian at 28.2%, and Scottish at 8.2%. Other notable ethnic ancestries include German at 6.7% (compared to 8.2% regionally), Dutch at 2.0% (compared to 1.3% regionally), and Croatian at 0.9% (compared to 0.3% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Whyalla is 46, older than 82% of areas nationally. 21.5% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of local residents is 46, which is close to the Regional SA average of 47 and higher than the national median of 38. The 45 - 54 age bracket represents 13.5% of the population, whereas the 65 - 74 group is smaller at 11.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group grew from 10.7% to 11.6%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 15.8% to 13.5%. Demographic projections for 2041 indicate significant changes, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow by 110 people (42%), rising from 262 to 373.
Residents aged 65 and over are projected to drive 78% of the total population growth, highlighting the aging trend, while the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Whyalla
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 9 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 13 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,609 at the 2021 Census → 3,692 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL41585). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.