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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 Norrie has an estimated 6,465 residents, up from 6,288 at the 2021 Census — a change of 177 people, or 2.8%. That puts 889 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 an evaluation of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region alongside new addresses confirmed by AreaSearch post-Census, the suburb of Whyalla Norrie has a population calculated at approximately 6,465 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 177 residents (2.8%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 6,288 residents. The calculation is derived from the resident population of 6,456, which AreaSearch projected by studying the ABS's latest June 2025 ERP release, combined with an extra 34 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 889 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical averages recorded in AreaSearch assessments.
The post-census growth rate of 2.8% in the suburb of Whyalla Norrie is within 1.4 percentage points of the broader SA4 region (4.2%), indicating healthy underlying growth patterns. The expansion of the local population was heavily supported by international migration, which accounted for approximately 91.0% of the overall population increases in recent times. AreaSearch utilizes the 2024 population projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for every SA2 region, which use 2022 as their starting point. Where this data is unavailable, or for periods past 2032, regional and LGA projections by age bracket published by the SA State Government in 2023 (utilizing 2021 baseline data) are applied via a weighted aggregation methodology from the LGA scale down to the SA2 scale. Projecting demographic trends forward for the suburb of Whyalla Norrie, growth is expected to align with the lower quartile of regional Australian areas, with the local population projected to rise by 195 individuals by 2041 based on compiled SA2 data, representing an overall increase of 2.9% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
59 new dwellings have been approved in Whyalla Norrie over the past five years, an average of 11 a year. That is 1.8 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 6, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
An analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch, distributed from statistical boundaries, shows that Whyalla Norrie has averaged approximately 11 approved dwellings per year, resulting in an estimated 59 new homes over the last 5 financial years. In the current financial year of FY-26, 6 approvals have been logged. Against a backdrop of recent population declines, this level of building activity has been relatively sufficient, which benefits buyers, with new residences averaging a construction cost of $363,000, indicating that developers are focusing on upmarket, premium properties. Furthermore, commercial approvals worth $110.4 million have been registered in the current financial year, pointing to strong local business investment.
In comparison to the Rest of SA, Whyalla Norrie generates about 57% of the building activity on a per capita basis, placing it in the 37th percentile of all locations analyzed nationwide, which translates to fewer choices for buyers and stronger demand for existing properties, even though construction has accelerated recently. This level of activity is also lower than the national average, reflecting a mature market and highlighting potential planning or development limits. New residential builds consist of 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% apartments or townhouses, maintaining the low-density profile of the neighborhood with a focus on stand-alone homes that appeal to buyers seeking space. This building pattern favors single-family homes more than the profile recorded at the Census (43.0%), showing that demand for family residences remains high despite rising density pressures. An average of 447 people per dwelling approval reflects a calm, low-volume construction climate. Looking forward, the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch indicate that Whyalla Norrie is set to add 186 residents by 2041. Under current construction trajectories, the supply of housing should comfortably satisfy demand, which creates favorable conditions for home buyers and may pave the way for expansion that outpaces current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Whyalla Norrie
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 7 current infrastructure and development projects inside Whyalla Norrie, worth an estimated $121 million. A further 31 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $322 million. 15 are already under construction and 12 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 projects, major works, and planning updates are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that are expected to impact the local area. Prominent developments include the Sunrise Christian School Expansion, the Whyalla Beach Splash & Play Plaza, Whyalla Secondary College, and works at George Ave, Whyalla Norrie, with the following list detailing those of the greatest significance.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Whyalla Beach Splash & Play Plaza
Destination splash and play plaza on the Whyalla foreshore featuring obstacle play with water, nature play and inclusive accessibility elements, plus new shelter and seating. The project forms a key component of the staged Whyalla Foreshore redevelopment. The Australian Government committed $3.14m in funding, matched by Whyalla City Council, bringing the total budget to $6.3m. The project's final construction designs are preparing for tender in September.
Sunrise Christian School Whyalla Expansion
Expansion of Sunrise Christian School Whyalla comprising a new office/administration building, additional classrooms, and new middle school facilities. The project follows an earlier 2022 extension that added an administration building and four classrooms with Australian Government support. The latest facilities officially opened in early May 2026, attended by school and community representatives including Senator Karen Grogan and Deputy Mayor Tamy Pond.
Whyalla Secondary College
State-of-the-art $100+ million secondary college accommodating 1500 students in years 7-12. Features contemporary STEM-focused learning spaces, multi-level outdoor learning areas, double court gymnasium, performing arts theatre, and expansive sporting fields. Combines three existing government high schools and includes 48 inclusive places for students with disability.
George Ave, Whyalla Norrie
Proposed residential development with 83 dwellings.
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.
Westland Shopping Centre
Eyre Peninsula's largest shopping centre featuring Coles, Woolworths, food court, fashion retailers, and specialty stores. Provides essential retail services to Whyalla region with free parking including undercover options. Central to Whyalla Norrie commercial district.
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.
Reece Plumbing and Bathroom Supply Store Whyalla
New Reece plumbing and bathroom supply store on Norrie Avenue, providing retail services for plumbing, bathroom, and construction supplies in Whyalla Norrie.
2,620 residents of Whyalla Norrie are employed, from a labour force of 3,059. Unemployment sits at 14.4%, with participation at 57.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,867, about 91% 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 Norrie possesses a diverse labor force spanning both professional and industrial roles, with a notable presence in manufacturing and production fields, alongside an unemployment rate of 14.4% compiled from regional statistical data. As of March 2026, there are 2,620 local residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 8.9% higher than the Regional SA average of 5.5%, indicating room for workforce growth. The participation rate in the local labor force is generally comparable to the Regional SA average of 58.4%. Census figures indicate that a minor 1.9% of local workers operated from home, though this figure reflects the potential influence of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
The primary employment fields for local residents are manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The community is highly specialized in the manufacturing sector, where the employment concentration is 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, agricultural, forestry, and fishing industries are minimally represented, employing only 0.5% of the local workforce compared to 14.5% across Regional SA. This heavily residential district appears to provide few local employment options, as shown by comparing the count of working residents against the locally employed population at the Census. Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics gathered from surrounding statistical areas, the labor force shrank by 1.8% during the 12 months leading to March 2026, while overall employment dropped by 9.4%, causing the unemployment rate to climb by 7.2 percentage points. Conversely, Regional SA registered a 1.2% rise in employment and a 2.6% increase in the labor force, with the unemployment rate rising by 1.4 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 offer additional context on future demand in Whyalla Norrie. These five and ten-year forecasts have been aligned with the local industry breakdown to project employment trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these figures vary widely by sector. Applying these industry-specific projections to the local workforce mix suggests that employment in Whyalla Norrie would grow by 5.4% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though this is a basic weighted projection for comparison and excludes localized population models.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Whyalla Norrie is $1,071 a week (about $56,000 a year), with median personal income at $596 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $50,058 a year against an average of $60,627. 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 AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode-level ATO statistics released for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Whyalla Norrie recorded a median income of $50,058 and an average income of $60,627. This sits below the national average and compares to regional figures of $48,920 for the median and $58,933 for the average across Regional SA. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to approximately $55,149 for the median and $66,793 for the average as of March 2026.
Data from the 2021 Census shows that household, family, and individual incomes in Whyalla Norrie all rank between the 5th and 11th percentiles nationwide. The dominant income bracket is the $400 - 799 range, which includes 27.4% of residents (1,771 people), whereas the wider region is led by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket at 27.5%. After meeting housing costs, residents retain 86.1% of their income, which sits at the 9th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Whyalla Norrie had 2,726 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 43% detached houses and 2% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 45% rented and 24% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $180 a week and the median mortgage repayment $953 a month. Rent absorbs 16.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.5%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The housing profile in Whyalla Norrie at the latest Census consisted of 43.0% stand-alone houses and 57.0% other options such as duplexes, apartments, and alternative dwellings, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings in Regional SA. Home ownership in Whyalla Norrie lagged behind the Regional SA rate, standing at 24.1%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (31.1%) or renters (44.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $953 was considerably lower than the Regional SA average of $1,153, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $180 compared to the Regional SA average of $220.
On a national level, mortgage payments in Whyalla Norrie are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are far below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Whyalla Norrie counted 2,726 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 20% are couples with children, fewer than in 88% of areas nationally, against 22% couples without children. 38% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 59.1%, which is comprised of couples with children at 19.6%, couples without children at 22.4%, and single-parent homes at 16.0%. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.9%, with single-person households representing 38.3% and group housing making up 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 persons is smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
9.0% of adults in Whyalla Norrie hold a university qualification, including 6.7% with a bachelor degree and 1.4% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 95% of areas nationally. A further 34.0% hold a vocational qualification. 8 schools serve the area, with 2,072 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 906 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
The local community experiences lower rates of higher education, with university graduation rates at 9.0%, which is well below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 6.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.4% and graduate diplomas at 0.9%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 6.5% and certificate-level qualifications at 34.0%. A significant portion of the population is engaged in learning, with 27.7% of local residents enrolled in formal study.
This student population includes 12.7% in primary school, 7.2% in secondary school, and 1.9% enrolled in higher education courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Whyalla Norrie means driving: households keep an average of 1.1 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
60.0% of residents in Whyalla Norrie report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 94% of areas nationally. 7.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 51.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Significant health concerns are present in Whyalla Norrie based on AreaSearch's evaluation of local mortality figures and chronic illness rates, which affect both younger and older cohorts, alongside a relatively low rate of private health insurance coverage at approximately 51% of the population (~3,295 people). This compares to a coverage level of 48.9% across Regional SA. The most frequent health issues reported by residents were arthritis and asthma, affecting 10.3 and 10.0% of the population respectively, while 60.0% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions compared to 62.5% in Regional SA.
The working-age population faces notable health difficulties, marked by higher rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 18.9% of the local population (1,221 people), which is lower than the Regional SA level of 27.1%. Senior health metrics present some challenges, with national standings generally matching the trends of the broader community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Whyalla Norrie is largely Australian-born, at 81.5% of residents, with 7.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.4%) and Australian (30.4%). 4.3% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Whyalla Norrie displays lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens representing 87.4% of the population, Australian-born individuals representing 81.5%, and English-only speakers at home representing 92.6%. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 36.2% of the local population. However, the most notable variance is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.7% of residents compared to 0.8% in Regional SA. Regarding ancestral background based on parents' place of birth, the three most common ancestries in Whyalla Norrie are English at 32.4%, Australian at 30.4%, and Scottish at 8.0%.
There are also distinct variations in other backgrounds: German ancestry represents 5.6% of the population (compared to 8.2% across the region), Filipino ancestry is at 2.7% (compared to 0.7% regionally), and Spanish ancestry accounts for 0.6% (compared to 0.2% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Whyalla Norrie is 39. 25.7% 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
With a median age of 39, Whyalla Norrie has a younger population than Regional SA, where the median is 47, and is close to the national average of 38. The local age distribution shows a high proportion of 25 - 34 year-olds (13.4%), while the 65 - 74 age bracket (9.7%) is smaller than that of Regional SA. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 11.2% to 12.2% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.8% to 11.7%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic models point to marked changes in the age profile.
The 75 to 84 bracket is projected to expand by 44% (195 people), rising from 439 to 635. Significantly, cohorts aged 65+ will represent 76% of total population growth, pointing to an aging demographic trend. In contrast, the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Whyalla Norrie
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 | Jul 2026 last month all 7 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 Jul 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 — 34 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (6,288 at the 2021 Census → 6,465 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 (SAL41588). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.