Whyalla Stuart

Whyalla Stuart 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 Stuart's population is estimated at around 6,668 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 192 people (3.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,476 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,652, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 965 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Whyalla Stuart's 3.0% growth since census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the SA4 region (5.7%), 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, lower quartile growth of Australia's regional areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to increase by 242 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.0% 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

Whyalla Stuart experiences very limited development activity, averaging two approvals per year over the five-year period ending 20XX. This resulted in a total of ten dwellings approved during this time. The low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where housing needs are typically specific to local requirements 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. Compared to Rest of SA and national patterns, Whyalla Stuart has much lower development activity. All new construction in the area during this period comprised detached dwellings, reflecting the rural character where larger properties are typical. This preference for detached housing (36.0% at Census) indicates 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 AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 264 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Sunrise Christian School Expansion, Whyalla Secondary College, George Ave development in Whyalla Norrie, and Reece Plumbing and Bathroom Supply Store expansion in Whyalla. The following list 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 both white and blue collar jobs, predominantly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 16.2% as of September 2025, which is 5.5 percentage points higher than the Rest of South Australia's rate of 10.7%. This indicates room for improvement.

Workforce participation in Whyalla Stuart lags behind the Rest of SA at 51.4%, compared to 58.5%. Census data shows that only 1.5% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors are manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly specialized, employing 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.2%, significantly lower than Rest of SA's 14.5%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the discrepancy between Census working population and resident population figures. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, Whyalla Stuart's labour force increased by 3.5% while employment declined by 4.7%, leading to a 7.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a 1.9 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Whyalla Stuart had a lower than average income level nationally according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $42,163 and the average income stood at $51,065. These figures compared to Rest of SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $45,873 (median) and $55,559 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Whyalla Stuart all fell between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Distribution data showed that the $400 - 799 earnings band captured 30.6% of the community (2,040 individuals), differing from patterns across the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominated with 27.5%. With 46.4% earning under $800 per week, Whyalla Stuart faced considerable income constraints affecting local spending patterns. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining, 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% were houses while 63.8% comprised semi-detached dwellings, apartments, and others. This contrasts with Non-Metro SA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.5% 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 averages of $1,153 for rent and $1,863 nationwide for mortgage repayments. Weekly rents in Whyalla Stuart were recorded at $160, significantly below the national average 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 making up 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 discrepancy 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%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, 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.

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 across Whyalla Stuart, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions significantly impact both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 47% of the total population (around 3,149 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.4%) and mental health issues (10.7%), while 55.9% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the Rest of SA's 62.5%. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. The area has 22.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,466 people), less than the Rest of SA's 27.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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 has a lower-than-average cultural diversity, with 85.4% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home (80.7%, 94.5% respectively). Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 37.8% of residents. The most notable overrepresentation is Judaism, present at 0.1% compared to 0% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (33.1%), Australian (29.9%), and Scottish (8.1%). There are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnicities: Welsh (0.9% vs regional 0.5%), Australian Aboriginal (6.2% vs 3.3%), and Spanish (0.6% vs 0.2%) are notably higher than average.

Whyalla Stuart's median age exceeds the national pattern

Whyalla Stuart has a median age of 41 years, which is lower than the Rest of South Australia's median age of 47 but higher than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of SA average, Whyalla Stuart has an over-representation of the 25-34 age cohort (13.5% locally) and an under-representation of the 65-74 year-olds (11.6%). Between 2021 and the present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.1% to 10.9% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.7% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Whyalla Stuart's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 212 people (41%), from 520 to 733. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 78% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.