Whyalla Norrie

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Whyalla Norrie's population is estimated at around 6510 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 222 people (3.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6288 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6477 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 895 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Whyalla Norrie's 3.5% growth since census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA4 region (5.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 91.0% 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to increase by 199 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 2.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Whyalla Norrie, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Whyalla Norrie shows approximately 11 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 56 homes were approved, with one more in FY-26 so far.

Despite population decline, this indicates adequate development activity relative to the past period. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $363,000. Compared to Rest of SA and nationally, Whyalla Norrie has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it in the 37th percentile of areas assessed. This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing dwellings.

However, development activity has increased recently. New building activity comprises 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Whyalla Norrie's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (43.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 462 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Whyalla Norrie adding 148 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Whyalla Norrie has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include Sunrise Christian School Expansion, Whyalla Beach Splash & Play Plaza, Whyalla Secondary College, and Whyalla Steelworks Green Steel Transformation. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Whyalla Norrie faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Whyalla Norrie has a diverse workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 9.9% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9% over the past year.

There are 2,843 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.3%, higher than Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Employment is concentrated in manufacturing (1.9 times regional average), health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.5% of local workers. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data.

Over the past year, employment increased by 2.9%, labour force grew by 5.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 2.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment decline by 1.2% and unemployment rise by 1.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Whyalla Norrie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, assuming no change in population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Whyalla Norrie had a median taxpayer income of $50,058 and an average income of $60,627. These figures are below the national averages of $67,049 (median) and $93,162 (average), as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics' 2021 Census data. In comparison, Rest of SA had median and average incomes of $46,889 and $56,582 respectively during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2022 to September 2025 (a period of approximately three years), current estimates for Whyalla Norrie's median income would be around $56,480 and average income around $68,405. Census data indicates that incomes in Whyalla Norrie fall between the 5th and 11th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $400 - 799 is dominant among residents, with 27.4% (1,783 people) falling into this category, unlike the regional trend where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket predominates at 27.5%. After accounting for housing costs, 86.1% of income remains in Whyalla Norrie, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Whyalla Norrie, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 43.0% houses and 57.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro SA's 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Whyalla Norrie was at 24.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.1%) or rented (44.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $953, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $180. Nationally, Whyalla Norrie's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 59.1% of all households, including 19.6% couples with children, 22.4% couples without children, and 16.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.9%, consisting of 38.3% lone person households and 2.6% group households. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 6.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (6.5%) and certificates (34.0%).

Educational participation is high at 27.7%, including 12.7% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education. Eight schools operate within Whyalla Norrie, educating approximately 2,072 students, with varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 906). The school mix includes four primary, two secondary, and two K-12 schools. The area functions as an education hub with 31.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 15.7, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Whyalla Norrie is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Whyalla Norrie, with a range of health conditions impacting both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~3,318 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.3 and 10.0% of residents respectively. Sixty percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.6% across Rest of SA. Eighteen point three percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,191 people), which is lower than the 22.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Whyalla Norrie had a cultural diversity index below average, with 87.4% citizens, 81.5% born in Australia, and 92.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 36.2%. The 'Other' category showed overrepresentation at 0.7%, compared to 0.6% regionally.

In ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.4%), Australian (30.4%), and Scottish (8.0%). Notably, German (5.6%) was overrepresented compared to regional levels (6.6%), as were Filipino (2.7%, vs 0.9%) and Spanish (0.6%, vs 0.2%).

Whyalla Norrie's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Whyalla Norrie has a median age of 39, which is lower than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and comparable to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 years are particularly prominent at 13.6%, while those aged 65-74 years are comparatively smaller at 9.4% compared to the Rest of SA. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 11.2% to 11.8%. Conversely, the population aged 45-54 has declined from 13.8% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Whyalla Norrie's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 43%, reaching 635 people from the current figure of 442. Notably, the combined population aged 65 and above will account for 79% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the populations aged 15-24 and 5-14 are expected to decline.