Whyalla Stuart

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

The population of the Whyalla Stuart statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 6,668 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 192 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,476 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6,652 residents following examination of the ABS ERP data release in Jun 2024 and one validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 965 persons per square kilometer. Whyalla Stuart's growth rate of 3% since census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of its SA4 region (5.3%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 91% 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 and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Demographic trends anticipate lower quartile growth for Australia's regional areas, with Whyalla Stuart expected to increase by 247 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 3.9% 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

Whyalla Stuart experienced limited development activity, averaging two approvals per year over a five-year period ending in 20XX. This resulted in ten dwellings being approved during that time. The low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where housing needs typically drive development rather than broad market demand.

It is important to note that due to the small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics. Whyalla Stuart's development activity was much lower compared to the Rest of SA and below national patterns. All new construction consisted of detached dwellings, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties are typical. This preference for detached housing (36.0% at Census) demonstrates ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures.

With approximately 2227 people per dwelling approval, Whyalla Stuart reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Whyalla Stuart is projected to add 262 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Whyalla Stuart 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 four projects likely to impact the area. Key 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 relevant.

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

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

Whyalla Stuart has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, predominantly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 16.2%.

This is higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation is also lower at 45.7% compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. The dominant employment sectors are manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing employs a significant share of the workforce, at 1.7 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.2%, below Rest of SA's 14.5%.

Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force increased by 3.6% but employment declined by 4.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 7.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a smaller increase in unemployment rate at 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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.

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

The suburb of Whyalla Stuart had a median income among taxpayers of $42,163 and an average income of $51,065 in financial year 2023, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are lower than those for Rest of SA, which were $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest that Whyalla Stuart's median income would have increased to approximately $45,873 and the average to $55,559, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census figures indicate that household, family, and personal incomes in Whyalla Stuart all fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 30.6% (2,040 individuals) of Whyalla Stuart's community earns between $400 and $799 per week, differing from surrounding regions where earnings primarily fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 band at 27.5%. With 46.4% earning under $800 per week, Whyalla Stuart faces significant income constraints impacting local spending patterns. 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 evaluation, 36.1% of dwellings were houses while 63.8% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is in contrast to Non-Metro SA's figures which stood at 75.9% for houses and 24.1% for other dwellings. Home ownership in Whyalla Stuart was recorded at 23.9%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 25.5% and rented ones making up the remaining 50.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $967, significantly lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $160, which is substantially below Non-Metro SA's figure of $195 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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, which is smaller than the Rest of South Africa average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 7.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 5.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.0%) and graduate diplomas (0.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (5.7%) and certificates (33.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (12.5%), secondary education (8.0%), and tertiary education (2.0%).

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Whyalla Stuart, where a range of health conditions significantly impacts both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,149 people), compared to 51.5% across Rest of SA and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.4% and 10.7% of residents respectively.

Meanwhile, 55.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.6% across Rest of SA. The area has 21.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,440 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health 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 index below the 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 people in Whyalla Stuart. Judaism, however, was notably overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to 0.0% across Rest of SA.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.1%), Australian (29.9%), and Scottish (8.1%). There were also notable differences in the representation of Welsh (0.9% vs regional 0.5%), Australian Aboriginal (6.2% vs 4.8%), and Spanish (0.6% vs 0.2%) groups.

Whyalla Stuart's median age exceeds the national pattern

Whyalla Stuart has a median age of 41 years, which is lower than Rest of SA's median age of 47 but higher than Australia's national norm of 38 years. The 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented in Whyalla Stuart at 13.4%, compared to the Rest of SA average, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 11.4%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of people aged 35-44 has increased from 10.1% to 10.8%, whereas the proportion of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 12.7% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Whyalla Stuart's age profile will significantly change. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 220 people (43%), from 513 to 734. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 5-14 age cohorts.