Whyalla Jenkins (SA)

Detail

According to ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region combined with new address validations performed by Districts after the Census, the suburb of Whyalla Jenkins has an estimated population of 2,017 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 56 people (2.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the population stood at 1,961 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population baseline of 2,014 estimated by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP data release, supplemented by 11 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 657 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density living conditions and scope for future expansion. Over the last ten years, the suburb of Whyalla Jenkins has shown stable development trends with a 0.5% compound annual growth rate, exceeding that of the SA3 area. The population expansion was driven predominantly by overseas arrivals, who accounted for approximately 91.0% of the total demographic gains during the recent timeframe.

Detail

The local workforce is characterized by solid skill levels and strong representation in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of 9.1% based on Districts statistical compilations. As of March 2026, 1,056 residents are employed, which places the local unemployment rate 3.7% higher than the Regional SA average of 5.5%, indicating potential for labor market improvements. Workforce participation is exceptionally high, standing at 73.8% compared to Regional SA's 58.4%. According to Census responses, only 3.0% of the local workforce performed their jobs from home, though this figure may have been affected by Covid-19 health restrictions.

Detail

The latest postcode-level ATO statistics compiled by Districts for the financial year 2023 show that taxpayer earnings in the suburb of Whyalla Jenkins place it in the highest national brackets, with a median recorded income of $84,242 and an average of $102,029. This is significantly higher than Regional SA, which recorded a median of $48,920 and an average of $58,933. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.17% since the financial year 2023, current earnings are estimated to be approximately $92,809 for the median and $112,405 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and individual incomes in the area cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The most common bracket is the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which accounts for 35.5% of the population ( people), comparable to the broader metropolitan region where fall into this bracket. Once housing expenses are paid, residents retain of their earnings, indicating strong disposable income, and the SEIFA index ranks the local area in the th decile.

Detail

Residential structures in Whyalla Jenkins at the time of the latest Census consisted of 91.9% houses and 8.1% alternative dwellings such as semi-detached homes, units, or other housing formats, compared to Regional SA where houses made up 88.5% and alternative dwellings comprised 11.5%. Home ownership in Whyalla Jenkins was lower than the regional rate, standing at 20.0%, with the remaining properties being held under a mortgage (38.7%) or occupied by tenants (41.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Regional SA average at $1,580, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $265, compared to Regional SA figures of $1,153 and $220. By national standards, monthly mortgage outlays in Whyalla Jenkins are much lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are also well below the national median of $375.

Detail

Families represent the vast majority of households at 75.4%, which includes 35.6% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 10.5% single parents. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.6% of the local area, consisting of single-person households at 23.7% and group housing arrangements at 1.5%. The median size of local households is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

Detail

Local education trends show lower levels of tertiary attainment, with university graduation rates at 19.2%, which is considerably below the national rate of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted educational support. Among those with university qualifications, Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.6%. Vocational and practical skills are highly represented, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.2% and certificates at 33.2%.

Detail

General health metrics point to below-average health profiles in Whyalla Jenkins, based on Districts assessments of mortality levels and the occurrence of long-term medical conditions. The frequency of typical health conditions across the community is generally standard, though it runs higher than the national baseline among older age brackets. The rate of private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, with approximately 67% of the population (1,355 people) having cover, compared to 48.9% in Regional SA and a national average of 55.7%.

Detail

Cultural diversity in Whyalla Jenkins closely matches regional averages, with 78.3% of the population born in Australia, 88.0% holding citizenship, and 90.2% using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 38.3% of the community. The most notable divergence from regional averages is in the Other religious category, which represents 1.0% of the population compared to 0.8% across Regional SA.

Detail

The median age of 33 years in Whyalla Jenkins is much younger than the Regional SA average of 47 and also sits below the national median of 38. The age distribution reveals a high concentration of individuals aged 25 to 34 (16.9%), while the 65 to 74 cohort is relatively small (6.7%) compared to Regional SA. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age cohort has expanded from 14.2% to 15.1% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort has shrunk from 13.6% to 11.4%. Demographic forecasts for 2041 point to significant changes in the age profile of Whyalla Jenkins. The 75 to 84 bracket is expected to grow steadily, increasing by people () from to . Crucially, residents aged and over will make up of the total population growth, showing a clear aging trend. Conversely, the number of residents in the to and to age brackets is projected to decline.

Detail

Whyalla Jenkins currently has an estimated 157 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 62 children aged 0-2 and 41 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 2% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 0% by 2041 (to approximately 157 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 192. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.