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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 Playford has an estimated 2,608 residents, up from 2,540 at the 2021 Census — a change of 68 people, or 2.7%. That puts 803 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
According to investigations of ABS population revisions for the broader region alongside recently confirmed address data from AreaSearch post-Census, the suburb of Whyalla Playford has an estimated population of 2,608 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 68 residents (2.7%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 2,540 individuals. The estimate is derived from a resident baseline of 2,602 established by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, with 14 validated new addresses added since the Census. The suburb's density stands at 802 persons per square kilometer, matching typical averages across locations evaluated by AreaSearch.
The post-census expansion of 2.7% falls within 1.5 percentage points of the wider SA4 region's rate of 4.2%, showing competitive growth trends. Most of this growth was driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 91.0% of the overall population gains recently. Projections utilize ABS and Geoscience Australia figures published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. In instances where specific SA2 areas lack coverage, or for periods past 2032, regional projections by age bracket from the SA State Government issued in 2023 using 2021 data are incorporated, employing a weighted mapping technique from LGA to SA2 divisions. Future demographic forecasts point to an increase slightly under the national regional median, with aggregated SA2 estimates predicting the suburb of Whyalla Playford will add 113 residents by 2041, representing a total gain of 4.1% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
30 new dwellings have been approved in Whyalla Playford over the past five years, an average of 6 a year. That is 2.3 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 4, 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
ABS building approval statistics mapped to local levels indicate Whyalla Playford averages approximately 6 new residential approvals each year, summing to 30 dwellings over the preceding 5 financial years. For the current FY-26 period, 4 approvals have been documented. Since the population has shrunk over the preceding interval, building activity has been relatively sufficient, which benefits buyers, and newly built dwellings carry an average construction value of $363,000, showing a focus by developers on higher-end products. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $7.9 million have been registered during this financial year, highlighting the suburb's residential focus.
Per capita building approvals in Whyalla Playford stand at roughly 75% of the rate seen in the Rest of SA, ranking in the 35th percentile among all locations nationally, which restricts choices for buyers and channels attention toward established properties. This rate also lags behind the national average, indicating a mature market and potential developmental bottlenecks. Furthermore, recent construction consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining a low density landscape with detached residences suited for buyers wanting space. The ratio of 474 people for each building approval underscores a quiet development environment. According to the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch, Whyalla Playford is expected to add 107 residents by 2041. Present construction volume indicates housing supply will satisfy incoming demand, creating favorable buyer dynamics and potentially supporting growth above current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Whyalla Playford
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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 34 current infrastructure and development projects close to Whyalla Playford, worth an estimated $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 performance is heavily shaped by updates to infrastructure, major projects, and planning changes. AreaSearch has identified 9 projects with potential local impacts, including the Whyalla Steelworks Industrial Transformation, Whyalla Beach Splash & Play Plaza, Whyalla Foreshore Redevelopment, and the Cuttlefish Cove Experience Project, as listed below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
George Ave, Whyalla Norrie
Proposed residential development with 83 dwellings.
1,213 residents of Whyalla Playford are employed, from a labour force of 1,367. Unemployment sits at 11.3%, with participation at 62.5%. 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 2,249, about 86% 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
Aggregated statistical area data shows a balanced local workforce of both white and blue collar workers, with strong representation in essential services and an unemployment rate of 11.3%. As of March 2026, 1,213 local residents are employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 5.8% above the Regional SA average of 5.5%, indicating potential for betterment, while participation is typical at 62.5% compared to 58.4% in Regional SA. Census data shows a minor 2.4% of the workforce worked from home, although pandemic lock-down dynamics should be kept in mind. Residents primarily work in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training.
The suburb exhibits a clear concentration in manufacturing jobs, with a employment share 1.6 times the Regional SA average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is underrepresented, employing only 1.2% of the local workforce compared to 14.5% across Regional SA. The mismatch between the census working population and resident population suggests limited job availability within this residential zone. Aggregated data from broader statistical areas analyzed by AreaSearch, SALM, and ABS indicate that the 12-month period witnessed a 1.2% decline in the labour force alongside a 7.4% drop in employment, which led to the unemployment rate rising by 6.0 percentage points. Conversely, the Regional SA area recorded a 1.2% increase in employment together with a 2.6% expansion in the labour force, accompanied by a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. For additional perspective on future demand in Whyalla Playford, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide valuable insight. These projections, which span five and ten-year periods, have been overlaid onto the local employment profile to estimate growth trajectories. Although the national workforce is anticipated to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, expansion varies considerably across different industry sectors. By applying these sector-specific growth rates to Whyalla Playford's current employment mix, local employment is projected to rise by 5.5% over five years and by 12.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Whyalla Playford is $1,429 a week (about $74,000 a year), with median personal income at $771 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $64,756 a year against an average of $78,429. 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
Postcode-level ATO statistics from financial year 2023 show taxpayers in Whyalla Playford recorded a median income of $64,756 and an average income of $78,429. This is very high nationally and compares to $48,920 (median) and $58,933 (average) across Regional SA. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index rise of 10.17% since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of $71,342 for the median and $86,405 for the average as of March 2026. However, the 2021 Census placed household, family, and personal incomes in a modest range between the 31st and 43rd percentiles.
Income brackets show 29.5% of the population (769 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, which aligns with the 27.5% regional rate. Residents retain 89.1% of income after housing costs, though disposable income sits below average in the 37th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Whyalla Playford had 1,070 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 86% detached houses and 4% apartments. 38% are owned with a mortgage, 23% rented and 40% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $200 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,280 a month. Rent absorbs 14.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, residential dwellings comprised 86.2% houses and 13.8% other formats like semi-detached homes, apartments, or alternative properties, compared to Regional SA averages of 88.5% and 11.5% respectively. Home ownership stands at 39.7%, matching the regional average, with the remaining tenure split between homes under mortgage (37.5%) and rentals (22.8%). The median mortgage payment of $1,280 monthly is higher than the Regional SA average of $1,153, while the median weekly rent is $200, compared to $220 regionally. Nationally, local mortgage costs sit well below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Whyalla Playford counted 1,070 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 25% are couples with children, against 33% couples without children. 32% 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 66.4% of local households, consisting of 24.9% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family arrangements make up the remaining 33.6%, with single-person households at 31.9% and group households at 1.4%. The median household size of 2.2 individuals is slightly smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
15.0% of adults in Whyalla Playford hold a university qualification, including 10.3% with a bachelor degree and 2.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 35.1% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 782 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 981 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 suburb faces lower university qualification rates at 15.0% compared to the national average of 30.4%, highlighting opportunities for educational outreach. Bachelor degrees represent 10.3% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate study at 2.5% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational skills are well represented, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 7.4% and certificates at 35.1%. A total of 24.5% of the local population is enrolled in formal education. This proportion includes 10.3% attending primary school, 6.1% in secondary education, and 2.4% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Whyalla Playford 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
64.3% of residents in Whyalla Playford report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 75% of areas nationally. 6.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 58.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Local health assessments indicate notable challenges based on mortality and chronic illness rates across different age cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 58% of the population (~1,511 people) holding policies, compared to 48.9% in Regional SA. Arthritis and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 9.8% and 9.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 64.3% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Chronic illness rates are elevated among the working-age cohort. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 22.6% of the population (589 people), which is lower than the Regional SA share of 27.1%, though national comparisons for this group are elevated.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Whyalla Playford is largely Australian-born, at 83.5% of residents, with 5.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.7%) and Australian (31.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures are low, with 83.5% of residents born in Australia, 89.8% holding citizenship, and 94.1% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 44.2% of the population. The most prominent overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.7% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional SA. The leading ancestries are English at 31.7%, Australian at 31.0%, and Scottish at 9.2%. Notable variations from regional averages include Welsh ancestry at 0.9% (compared to 0.5% regionally), German at 6.0% (compared to 8.2%), and Croatian at 1.1% (compared to 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Whyalla Playford is 44, older than 76% of areas nationally. 22.0% 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 44 years is slightly younger than the Regional SA median of 47 but higher than the national median of 38. The 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented at 13.4%, while the 65 - 74 bracket is smaller at 11.8% compared to the region. Post-2021 Census estimates show the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 11.2% to 12.3%, whereas the 45 to 54 group decreased from 13.7% to 11.6%. Projections indicate the age profile will change by 2041, with the 75 to 84 cohort growing by 81 people (42%) from 195 to 277.
Seniors aged 65+ will account for 78% of the area's growth, while the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 demographics will shrink.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Whyalla Playford
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, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 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 May 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 — 14 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,540 at the 2021 Census → 2,608 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 (SAL41589). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.