Suburb / Locality · Area profile
Whyalla
4 km²
A changing population profile defines Whyalla, where the typical resident is now 46, making the area far older than the national figure. It is a high-earning community with a strong presence of professionals and tradespeople, reflecting its industrial and health hubs. While it feels like a traditional hub, nearly half of the residents now claim no religion, which is well above the national average. The area combines this shifting identity with a very walkable layout, where almost every home is within a short stroll of essential services.
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Residents are noticeably older than the state average, with 20.3% aged 65 and over, which is well above the national figure. Children under 15 make up 15.7% of the population, a little below the national rate.
Around 19.8% of people were born overseas, a figure much higher than most similar areas, though it remains well below the state and national averages. English and Australian are the most common ancestries.
English is the main language for 88.5% of residents. While 7% use another language at home—higher than most similar areas—this is still far below the national figure of 22.3%.
A large portion of the community identifies as having no religion at 48.9%, which is well above both the state and national figures.
The area has a high proportion of trade qualifications, with 41.6% holding a Certificate III or IV. However, Year 12 completion at 44.9% is far below the national average of 58.8%.
Typical family incomes are a little above the national figure at $2,307 per week. The area has a high number of top earners, with 14.2% of people earning $2,000 or more weekly.
Health challenges are more common here than in most similar areas, with 32.8% of people living with a long-term health condition and 7.6% needing help with daily activities.
Volunteerism is high at 19.2%, which is well above the national average. Similarly, 14.1% of people provide unpaid care, a rate higher than most similar areas.
The First Nations community is notably educated, with Year 12 completion at 42.9%, well above the national figure. However, the unemployment rate for First Nations people is 15.9%, which is well above the national average.
Living arrangements are unusual for the area, as 33.6% of people live alone—a figure well above the national average. This is consistent with the higher proportion of older residents.
Rent is very affordable, with a typical weekly rent of $200, which is far below the national figure. While 75.7% of homes are separate houses, the area has far fewer large homes with three or more bedrooms than the state average.
The area is well-served by public transport with 53 stops, among the highest for its level. Despite this, only 1.6% of people use it to commute, and very few (2.6%) work from home.
The population is relatively stable, with 31.0% of people moving in the last five years, which is well below the national figure of 40.7%.
Full-time employment is strong at 64.4%, well above the national average. The local workforce is concentrated in health care, manufacturing, and education.
Recorded offences are much higher than in most similar areas, with theft being the most common crime at 37.7% of incidents.
The area is very walkable, with a score of 7.6. Almost every home is within a 15-minute walk of a park, a school, and health services.