Whyalla (SA)

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Based on demographic evaluations from official updates and recent addresses confirmed by Districts post-census, the population of the suburb of Whyalla is estimated to be approximately 3,692 by May 2026. This represents a growth of 83 people (2.3%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 3,609 residents. The estimate builds upon a baseline of 3,687 residents calculated from the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 13 validated new addresses registered since the census date. The resulting density stands at 872 persons per square kilometer, aligning closely with standard regional averages. The suburb of Whyalla's 2.3% post-census growth rate trails the SA4 region's rate of 4.2% by 1.9 percentage points. Most of the recent population gains were driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 91.0% of the total increase.

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Whyalla has a workforce characterized by strong representation in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of 11.0% compiled from statistical area data. In March 2026, 1,764 residents were employed. The local unemployment rate sits 5.5% higher than the Regional SA baseline of 5.5%, while the workforce participation rate is healthy at 62.9%, compared to Regional SA's 58.4%. Census records show only 3.0% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic-related lockdown measures.

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According to tax records from financial year 2023, taxpaying residents in the suburb of Whyalla earned a median income of $68,452 and an average of $82,904. These figures are high by national standards, comparing favorably to the Regional SA median of $48,920 and average of $58,933. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $75,414 (median) and $91,335 (average). Census findings from 2021 show overall household, family, and personal incomes sitting in the middle ranges nationally, between the 45th and 52nd percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket accounts for 30.9% of local tax units (1,140 individuals), relative to across the broader region. Discretionary income after housing expenses stands at of earnings, indicating solid household purchasing power, with a SEIFA income score placing the area in the th decile.

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Housing options in Whyalla at the census date consisted of 75.7% detached houses and 24.3% alternative housing types, such as apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to Regional SA's mix of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. The home ownership rate was lower than the regional benchmark, sitting at 33.8%, with mortgaged homes making up 36.9% and rental properties accounting for 29.3%. Local median mortgage payments were higher than the Regional SA average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent was $200, compared to regional figures of $1,153 and $220. Locally, mortgage costs remain lower than the national median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the Australian average of $375.

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Families make up 64.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 24.8%, couples without children at 30.6%, and single-parent households at 8.1%. Non-family households comprise 35.8% of the total, with lone person households representing 33.5% and group households accounting for 2.2%. The median household size of 2.2 individuals is slightly below the Regional SA average of 2.3.

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Educational attainment presents room for growth, with university completion rates at 19.1% compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are held by 13.9% of residents, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 41.7% of residents aged 15 and over holding a vocational qualification, including 9.1% with advanced diplomas and 32.6% holding certificates.

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Health indicators highlight significant challenges based on mortality and chronic illness data, though private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 60% of the population (2,204 people) holding coverage. This exceeds the Regional SA benchmark of 48.9%.

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Cultural diversity measures show lower than average levels, with 79.3% of residents born in Australia, 88.7% holding citizenship, and 92.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 43.7% of the community. Hinduism shows a notable relative concentration, accounting for 1.3% of the population compared to 0.3% across Regional SA.

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The median age of local residents is 46, which is close to the Regional SA average of 47 and higher than the national median of 38. The 45 - 54 age bracket represents 13.5% of the population, whereas the 65 - 74 group is smaller at 11.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group grew from 10.7% to 11.6%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 15.8% to 13.5%. Demographic projections for 2041 indicate significant changes, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow by 110 people (42%), rising from to . Residents aged and over are projected to drive of the total population growth, highlighting the aging trend, while the to and to age groups are expected to contract.

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Whyalla currently has an estimated 151 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 114 children aged 0-2 and 77 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 7% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 3% by 2041 (to approximately 156 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 351. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.