Roxby Downs vs Whyalla

Roxby Downs and Whyalla are two distinct South Australian hubs separated by about 243 km. There is a stark contrast in outcomes for First Nations people; in Roxby Downs, the typical First Nations household income is $3,024 and 41.3% finished Year 12, while in Whyalla, the typical household income is $898 and 28.5% finished Year 12. First Nations unemployment is also far higher in Whyalla at 22%, compared to 11% in Roxby Downs. Whyalla is much more walkable, with a score of 6.2 (very walkable), whereas Roxby Downs is 3.0 (mostly car-dependent).

Both areas share a similar landscape with a mean terrain slope of around 3%. While they differ in many ways, First Nations unemployment in Roxby Downs sits around the middle for its level and is only a little below the national figure. Whyalla has a much larger First Nations population, with 1,180 people compared to 198 in Roxby Downs, and a higher share who speak a First Nations language.