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 Whyalla Norrie statistical area (Lv2), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Whyalla Norrie's population is estimated at around 6,497 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 209 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,288 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,482, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 893 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Whyalla Norrie's 3.3% growth since census positions it within 2.0 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 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 Whyalla Norrie (SA2) expected to increase by 202 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 2.5% 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 per year. Between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, around 58 homes were approved, with one additional approval in FY-26. Despite population decline during this period, the development activity has been relatively adequate, which is positive for buyers.

The average value of new homes being built is $363,000, indicating a focus on the premium market and high-end developments. In terms of commercial approvals, $110.4 million has been registered in FY-26, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of SA, Whyalla Norrie records around 56% of building activity per person, placing it at the 37th percentile nationally. This means there are somewhat limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established homes.

Recent construction comprises 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 446 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Whyalla Norrie will gain 164 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Whyalla Norrie has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely impacting the area. 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.

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

Whyalla Norrie has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, predominantly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate as of September 2025 is 12.7%.

This is 7.4% higher than the Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation is at par with Rest of SA's 54.1%. The dominant employment sectors are manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing employs 2,098 residents, which is 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.5% of local workers, below Rest of SA's 14.5%. The area offers limited employment opportunities locally, as seen in the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force increased by 4.2%, while employment declined by 2.4%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 5.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment rise by 0.3%, labour force grow by 2.3%, and unemployment rise by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Whyalla Norrie had a median income among taxpayers of $50,058 and an average income of $60,627. These figures are below the national averages of $64,192 (median) and $74,682 (average). In comparison, Rest of SA had median and average incomes of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated current incomes for Whyalla Norrie would be approximately $54,463 (median) and $65,962 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Whyalla Norrie all fall within the 5th to 11th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicates that 27.4% of the population (1,780 individuals) earn between $400 and $799 annually, contrasting with the region where the highest proportion falls within the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket at 27.5%. After accounting for housing costs, 86.1% of income remains, placing Whyalla Norrie at the 9th percentile nationally for disposable income.

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

Dwelling structure in Whyalla Norrie, as per the latest Census, consisted of 43.0% houses and 57.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Whyalla Norrie was at 24.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (31.1%) or rented (44.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $953, below Non-Metro SA's average of $1,170. Median weekly rent in Whyalla Norrie was $180, compared to Non-Metro SA's $195. Nationally, Whyalla Norrie's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially 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, consisting of 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%, with lone person households making up 38.3% and group households comprising 2.6%. 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (6.5%) and certificates (34.0%). Educational participation is high at 27.7%, comprising 12.7% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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 various 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 (~3,312 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.3% and 10.0% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 60.0% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.6% across Rest of SA. As of 2018-2020, the area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,188 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, as per the census, showed lower cultural diversity with 87.4% of its population being Australian citizens and 81.5% born in Australia. English was spoken exclusively at home by 92.6%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 36.2%.

The 'Other' category was slightly overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to Rest of SA's 0.6%. In terms of ancestry, English (32.4%) and Australian (30.4%) were the most common, followed by Scottish (8.0%). Notably, German (5.6% vs regional 6.6%), Filipino (2.7% vs 0.9%), and Spanish (0.6% vs 0.2%) groups were overrepresented in Whyalla Norrie compared to regional averages.

Whyalla Norrie's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Whyalla Norrie has a median age of 39, which is younger 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 make up 13.6%, while those aged 65-74 comprise 9.4%. Between 2021 Census and now, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.2% to 11.8%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Whyalla Norrie's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 44%, reaching 635 people from 441. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 78% of total population growth. Conversely, the 15-24 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.