Whyalla Playford

Whyalla Playford 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 Playford's population is estimated at around 2,616 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 76 people (3.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,540 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,606, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 804 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Whyalla Playford's 3.0% growth since census positions it within 2.3 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected, with the suburb expected to grow by 118 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 4.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Whyalla Playford has experienced around 6 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 33 homes. So far in the financial year starting July 2021 and ending June 2022 (FY-22), 2 approvals have been recorded. Given population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, positively impacting buyer options while new properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $363,000.

There have also been $126.2 million in commercial approvals in FY-22, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of SA, Whyalla Playford shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 32nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is lower than national averages, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 86.0% houses), indicating diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated population density is 524 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Whyalla Playford will gain 118 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Whyalla Playford has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified nine projects potentially affecting the area. Key projects are Whyalla Steelworks Green Steel Transformation, Whyalla Beach Splash & Play Plaza, Whyalla Foreshore Redevelopment, and Whyalla Hydrogen Power Plant and Electrolyser Facility. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Whyalla Playford recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Whyalla Playford has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 6.5% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.3% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 1,298 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.9% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was at 61.1%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training. Manufacturing had a particularly strong share of employment at 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented with only 1.2% of Whyalla Playford's workforce compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.3%, while labour force grew by 6.1%, causing a rise in unemployment rate by 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA had an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force growth of 0.1%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Whyalla Playford. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Whyalla Playford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Whyalla Playford had a median income among taxpayers of $64,756 and an average of $78,429. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Rest of SA's median of $46,889 and average of $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $73,064 (median) and $88,491 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Whyalla Playford rank modestly between the 31st and 43rd percentiles. Income distribution shows 29.5% of the population (771 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to regional levels at 27.5%. Housing costs are manageable with 89.1% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 37th percentile.

Whyalla Playford is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census found that in Whyalla Playford, 86.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 13.8% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This differs from Non-Metro SA's dwelling structure, which had 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Whyalla Playford stood at 39.7%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 37.5% and rented ones 22.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,280, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,170 but lower than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Whyalla Playford was $200, compared to Non-Metro SA's $195 and Australia's $375.

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

Family households account for 66.4% of all households, including 24.9% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.6%, with lone person households at 31.9% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Whyalla Playford fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has lower university qualification rates (15.0%) compared to Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificates (35.1%). A significant number, 24.5%, actively pursue formal education, including 10.3% in primary, 6.1% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

Samaritan College - St John's Campus serves the area with an enrollment of 782 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 981) with balanced educational opportunities. All schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. It functions as an education hub with 29.9 school places per 100 residents, above the regional average of 15.7, attracting students from surrounding communities.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Whyalla Playford is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant challenges faced by Whyalla Playford, with a high prevalence of common health conditions observed among both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is notably high at approximately 58% of the total population (1,516 people), compared to 50.1% across the rest of South Australia.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.8% and 9.0% of residents respectively. However, 64.3% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly lower than the 65.6% reported across the rest of South Australia. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 21.9%, with 572 people falling into this age group.

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

Whyalla Playford, as per the census conducted on Tuesday 28 June 2016, showed below average cultural diversity. It had 83.5% of its population born in Australia, with 89.8% being Australian citizens and 94.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 44.2% of Whyalla Playford's population.

However, the 'Other' category was slightly overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to the Rest of SA's 0.6%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.7%), Australian (31.0%), and Scottish (9.2%). Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and German (6.0%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 6.6%, respectively, while Croatian (1.1%) was also slightly higher than the regional average of 0.7%.

Whyalla Playford hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Whyalla Playford's median age is 44 years, which is slightly younger than Rest of SA's 47 but significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows that 25-34 year-olds are particularly prominent at 13.8%, while the 65-74 group is comparatively smaller at 11.3% than in Rest of SA. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 85+ age group has grown from 2.5% to 3.2% of the population, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 12.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Whyalla Playford's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 85 people (44%) from 193 to 279. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 80% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.