Urban Area · Area profile
Whyalla
41 km²
Weekly household incomes in Whyalla are typically $1,188, which is much lower than the national figure. This regional hub has seen its population shrink by 3.8% since 2011, and the community is now noticeably older than the Australian average. It is a place where a high proportion of residents rent their homes and many more people report long-term health conditions than in other areas. Despite these challenges, the town is very walkable, with most homes located close to shops, parks and schools.
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The typical resident is 41, making the population noticeably older than the national average. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 5.5% of the community, a figure that is well above the South Australian average and has risen since 2011.
English and Australian ancestries are the most common, though 17.9% of people were born overseas. This proportion of overseas-born residents is much higher than in similar areas, but well below the state and national figures.
English is the primary language here, with only 6.4% of people using another language at home. This is far below the national average of 22.3%, and very few people speak little or no English.
A majority of residents—53.4%—report having no religion, which is far above the national figure. This is one of the highest proportions for this level, and the number has risen by 20 points since 2011.
Education levels are among the lowest for similar areas, with only 9.9% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. While Year 12 completion is far below the national average, the figure has risen by 6.3 points since 2011.
Typical personal weekly income is $641, which is well below the national figure. While typical incomes remain low, the proportion of households earning $3,000 or more a week has risen since 2011.
Health challenges are more common here, with 35.3% of people living with a long-term health condition—well above the national average. About 7.8% of residents need help with daily activities, which is higher than in most areas.
Unpaid care is common, with 13.3% of people providing support, a rate a little above the national figure. However, volunteering has fallen by 5.0 points since 2011 and is now lower than in most similar areas.
Living arrangements are distinct, with a very high 36.4% of people living alone. One-parent families are also much more common here than in most other areas.
Renters are common, making up 39.6% of households, while the typical weekly rent of $180 is far below the national average. Most homes are large, with 80.9% having three or more bedrooms, though separate houses are much less common than in the rest of the state.
Cars are the main way to get around, but 12.4% of homes have no motor vehicle, which is well above the national figure. Very few people work from home, at just 1.9%.
The population is relatively stable, as 30.2% of people moved in the last five years, which is far below the national average. Recent arrivals from overseas have also fallen since 2011.
Full-time employment is higher here than in most similar areas, though the unemployment rate of 7.6% is a little above the national figure. Many people work in manufacturing, health care, or as technicians and tradespeople.
The town is very walkable, with a score of 6.8. Nearly 97% of homes are within a 10-minute walk of public transport, and most residents can reach groceries, health services and schools within 15 minutes.