Port Augusta vs Whyalla

Port Augusta and Whyalla are two South Australian hubs with distinct layout and demographic profiles. Whyalla is far more walkable, with 81.3% of homes in a 15-minute-city walkshed and a very walkable score of 6.2, compared to Port Augusta's 58.1% and somewhat walkable score of 4.9. This is seen in the gap for essential services; Whyalla has far more homes within a 15-minute walk of groceries (70.2% vs 43.0%) and health services (66.5% vs 39.3%). Port Augusta has a far larger First Nations population, with 2,825 people compared to 1,180 in Whyalla.

Both areas share very similar flat terrain, with mean slopes around 3%. While they both have high rates of First Nations unemployment, the gap in Year 12 completion has widened, with Whyalla now well higher at 28.5% compared to 20.9% in Port Augusta. Port Augusta remains a stronger centre for First Nations language and culture, with a higher share of people speaking a First Nations language (11.7% vs 7.7%) and a typical First Nations resident who is noticeably older at 28.