Whyalla Stuart

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

The population of Whyalla Stuart, as estimated based on ABS updates and validated addresses by AreaSearch, is around 6,693 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 217 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,476. The increase is inferred from the resident population of 6,665 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional validated new address since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 968 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 3.4% growth since the Census positions it within 1.9 percentage points of the SA4 region (5.3%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward with demographic trends, lower quartile growth of Australia's regional areas is anticipated. The suburb is expected to increase by 246 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 3.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Whyalla Stuart averaged around 4 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years to June 2021, totalling an estimated 20 homes. As of FY-26, no approvals have been recorded yet. The population has declined recently, but development activity has been adequate relative to this decline, benefiting buyers.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $363,000. Compared to the Rest of SA, Whyalla Stuart records markedly lower building activity, 81.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although construction activity has intensified recently. Nationally, development is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (36.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. The location has approximately 954 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Whyalla Stuart is expected to grow by 236 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to impact the region. Notable projects include Sunrise Christian School Expansion, Whyalla Secondary College, George Ave, Whyalla Norrie, and Reece Plumbing and Bathroom Supply Store Whyalla. The following details those most likely to be 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 Stuart face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Whyalla Stuart has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, predominantly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 13.3% as of June 2025.

Employment grew by an estimated 1.2% over the past year. The area's unemployment rate is 8.7% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags at 45.7% compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Dominant employment sectors include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Manufacturing is particularly notable with levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 14.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2%, labour force by 5.0%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 3.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA experienced employment decline of 1.2% and labour force growth of 0.1%, with a 1.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Whyalla Stuart's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that Whyalla Stuart had a median income of $42,163 and an average income of $51,065. This is lower than the Rest of SA's figures, which were $46,889 (median) and $56,582 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year ending June 2022, current estimates for Whyalla Stuart would be approximately $47,573 (median) and $57,617 (average) by September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Whyalla Stuart fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 30.6% of the population earns between $400 - $799 weekly, unlike metropolitan regions where 27.5% earn between $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. This indicates a higher prevalence of lower-income residents in Whyalla Stuart, with 46.4% earning less than $800 per week. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

In Whyalla Stuart, as per the latest Census, 36.1% of dwellings were houses while 63.8% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differs from Non-Metro SA where 75.9% of dwellings are houses and 24.1% are other dwellings. Home ownership in Whyalla Stuart stood at 23.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.5% and rented ones at 50.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $967, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,863, and the median weekly rent was $160 compared to Non-Metro SA's $195. Nationally, Whyalla Stuart's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $967 against Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 55.6% of all households, including 16.7% couples with children, 21.8% couples without children, and 16.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 44.4%, with lone person households at 41.5% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 7.2%, 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 5.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.0%) and graduate diplomas (0.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (5.7%) and certificates (33.0%).

Educational participation is high at 27.8%, including 12.5% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education. As of 2021, Whyalla Stuart has three schools with a combined enrollment of 85 students, serving an area with varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 790). The educational mix includes one primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 1.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.7, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note that where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Health challenges are prominent in Whyalla Stuart, affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 47% (~3,161 people) have private health cover, compared to 50.1% across Rest of SA and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (11.4%) and mental health issues (10.7%).

Conversely, 55.9% report no medical ailments, lower than the Rest of SA's 65.6%. The area has 21.6% residents aged 65 and over (1,445 people). Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Whyalla Stuart had a cultural diversity level below average, with 85.4% of its population being citizens, 80.7% born in Australia, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 37.8% of Whyalla Stuart's population. Notably, Judaism had a higher representation in Whyalla Stuart at 0.1%, compared to 0% across the rest of South Australia.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.1%), Australian (29.9%), and Scottish (8.1%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Welsh was overrepresented at 0.9% in Whyalla Stuart versus 0.5% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 6.2% versus 4.8%, and Spanish at 0.6% versus 0.2%.

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

Whyalla Stuart has a median age of 41 years, which is lower than Rest of SA's 47 but higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Whyalla Stuart at 13.4%, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 11.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.1% to 10.8% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Whyalla Stuart's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand by 217 people (42%), from 515 to 733. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 82% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 cohorts.