🔍

Whyalla

SA 5600 • Rest of SA

3,609
Population (2021)
$86,216
Median Household Income
4.23 km²
Area
$200/wk
Median Rent
IndustrialAffordableCoastalEstablishedSuburban

About Whyalla

Whyalla is the central suburb of the regional city of the same name, located on the western shore of Spencer Gulf in South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, approximately 390 kilometres north-west of Adelaide. With a population of 3,609 and a median age of 46, the suburb reflects the character of an established industrial city historically built around steelmaking and shipbuilding. The City of Whyalla has long been one of South Australia's largest provincial cities, and this central area contains its main commercial strip, community services, and a mix of residential housing.

The suburb is home to both Coles and Woolworths supermarkets along Nicolson Avenue, as well as schools, health services, and local retail. Whyalla's position on Spencer Gulf provides opportunities for recreational fishing, boating, and the area is renowned for the annual aggregation of Australian Giant Cuttlefish — one of the country's most spectacular marine wildlife events. While the city is car-dependent and geographically isolated from Adelaide, it offers very affordable housing and a strong community spirit that defines life in regional South Australia.

Whyalla falls under postcode 5600 and is governed by Whyalla Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Giles electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5600
Urban Area
Whyalla
LGA / Council
Whyalla
Federal Electorate
Grey
State Electorate
Giles
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-33.04°, 137.58°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
4.23 km²
Elevation
32m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$200
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
46 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
7.1%

105 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Statelink Coach Service — Adelaide CBD (Central Bus Station) 4-5 hours

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
390 km
By Train
No rail service to Adelaide
By Car (Peak)
approx. 4 hours via Lincoln Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
approx. 4 hours via Lincoln Highway

🛣️ Whyalla Airport offers regional flights to Adelaide; car is the primary mode of local transport

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

The central suburb has major supermarkets and key services within walking distance, though most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cnr McDowell & Nicolson Ave Whyalla 5600 SA
  • Woolworths
    Nicolson Avenue Whyalla 5600 SA

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,635
Census 2021
3,609
▼ 0.7% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$34,112
Personal Income 2021
$42,380
▲ 24.2% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$42,380 / yr
$815/wk
Household
$86,216 / yr
$1658/wk
Family
$119,964 / yr
$2307/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,734
Born Overseas 715

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 236
  • 2. Scotland 83
  • 3. South Africa 58
  • 4. India 49
  • 5. New Zealand 30
  • 6. Germany 21
  • 7. Netherlands 20
  • 8. Philippines 20
  • 9. Greece 15
  • 10. Bangladesh 11

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,491
Australian 1,355
Scottish 394
Irish 345
German 322
Italian 107
Dutch 96
Australian Aboriginal 91
Greek 75
Indian 49

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,975
Both parents born in Australia
974
Both parents born overseas
434
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.9%
Christianity
40.0%
Hinduism
1.2%
Buddhism
0.6%
Islam
0.5%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
161 (4.5%)
5-14 years
399 (11.1%)
15-19 years
204 (5.7%)
20-24 years
172 (4.8%)
25-34 years
376 (10.4%)
35-44 years
412 (11.4%)
45-54 years
571 (15.8%)
55-64 years
571 (15.8%)
65-74 years
387 (10.7%)
75-84 years
235 (6.5%)
85+ years
116 (3.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Whyalla known for? +

Whyalla is the central suburb of the regional city of the same name, located on the western shore of Spencer Gulf in South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, approximately 390 kilometres north-west of Adelaide. The suburb is home to both Coles and Woolworths supermarkets along Nicolson Avenue, as well as schools, health services, and local retail.

How far is Whyalla from Adelaide CBD? +

Whyalla is approximately 390 kilometres from Adelaide CBD, with a typical drive taking around 468-702 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Whyalla have public transport? +

Whyalla has limited public transport options. The area is best accessed by private vehicle, with connections to larger regional centres for broader services.

What is the population of Whyalla? +

According to the 2021 Census, Whyalla has a population of approximately 3,609 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Whyalla (City) local government area.

Is Whyalla a good place to live? +

Whyalla is highly appealing to those seeking a coastal lifestyle, with easy access to beaches, waterways, and outdoor recreation. It suits families, retirees, and sea-changers looking for a relaxed pace of life close to nature.

What is the postcode for Whyalla? +

The postcode for Whyalla, SA is 5600. This postcode covers Whyalla and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Whyalla? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Whyalla is about $815 per week (around $42,400 per year). The median household income is $1,658 per week and the median family income is $2,307 per week.

What is the age profile of Whyalla? +

The median age in Whyalla is 46. The largest age group is 45–54 (571 residents, around 16%). Around 21% of residents are under 20 and about 20% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Whyalla? +

In Whyalla, the median weekly rent is $200, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,300 (2021 Census).