Median house price
—
No data available
SA · Whyalla Council
Whyalla Playford, 5600
Est. population · Jun 2025
2,565
Growth (1 yr)
-0.7%
Growth (5 yr)
-1.4%
Median age
44
Median income
$1,429/wk
Employment rate
58.1%
Languages at home
5.9%non-English
Most common: Greek, Croatian, Punjabi
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Excellent transport
- Green suburb
- National parks
- Café precinct
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Whyalla Playford is a regional mid-sized suburb in Whyalla Council, oriented around local life rather than the metro orbit of Adelaide. Long-term locals and family households define much of the community, with plenty of young families in the mix. The town centre holds its own, with enough local flavour to make staying close to home appealing.
There is enough green space nearby for walks, picnics and after-school play. Buses make commuting and cross-suburb trips straightforward. Housing is more affordable than in many parts of the state.
Crime reports are up on the previous period. Renewal is happening in measured doses, with new development complementing what is already there.
The desirability picture is around average, weighed down by softer local dining and lifestyle amenities relative to similar regional towns. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Whyalla Playford snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$350/wk
Houses $425 · Units $275
Population (ERP)
2,565
-0.7% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
13.0%
Census unoccupied dwellings
Livability profile
Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Desirability
#15
among Country & regional · Established
Safety
74th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
2nd
percentile in SA
Advantage (IRSAD)
3/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
9th
percentile among schools with ICSEA
Population growth
Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years
Housing mix
Dwelling types from the 2021 Census
Risks & flags
Quick scan — open a section below for full context
Living here
Desirability
Ranks & confidence
- Desirability score
- 40.4/100 — Average
- National rank
- 3687th in Australia
- State rank
- 394th in SA
- Peer rank
- #15 among Country & regional · Established suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #75 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 85%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Flats / units (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $275
- Houses (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $425
- All types (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $350
- Rental bonds lodged (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- 30
Median weekly rent from SA Housing Authority rental bond data. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.
Median house sale prices cover metropolitan Adelaide and selected fringe councils (19 LGAs, including Adelaide Hills and Gawler), not all of regional South Australia.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- SA rent report & metro median house sales — Government of South Australia · 1 January - 31 March 2026 · Updated · Quarterly; metro-fringe sales only
Population
Estimated resident population
2,565(June 2025)
-0.7% annual · -1.4% over 5 years · 2th percentile in SA
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- -0.7%
- 5-year growth
- -1.4%
- Change in 1 year
- -18
- Change in 5 years
- -36
- Growth rank in SA
- 2th percentile
ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.
Methodology
Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.
The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~2,550), extrapolated at -0.3% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 2,540
- Median age
- 44
- Median household income / week
- $1,429
- Dwelling vacancy
- 13%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 160 of 1,235
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,280
- Employment rate
- 58.1%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 919 / 100 / 47
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries
Community & culture
No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (2024–25)
- 165
- Against the person
- 37
- Against property
- 128
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 64.3
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 69 residents
- State safety percentile
- 73.7th (lower crime is better)
- Family & domestic abuse offences
- 63
- Increase (daily rate)
- +15.7%
Most common offence types
- Other Property Damage And Environmental37
- Other Theft22
- Sct - Non Residence15
- Sct - Residence16
- Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injury21
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- SAPOL reported crime statistics — South Australia Police — OpenData · 2023-24 → 2024-25; 2024-25 · Updated · Financial-year releases
Family & Lifestyle
Schools & preschools
- Median school ICSEA (5 schools)
- 890
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 9th
School list
- Nicolson Avenue Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 885 · 8th percentile · LBOTE 7% · 261 students · Top SEA quarter 2% · 0.9 km awayView on My School →
- Samaritan CollegeCombined · Catholic · ICSEA 979 · 37th percentile · LBOTE 5% · 881 students · Top SEA quarter 8% · 0.9 km awayView on My School →
- Memorial Oval Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 919 · 15th percentile · LBOTE 3% · 206 students · Top SEA quarter 3% · 1.0 km awayView on My School →
- Whyalla Special Education CentreSpecial · Government · ICSEA 890 · 9th percentile · LBOTE 3% · 63 students · Top SEA quarter 5% · 1.0 km awayView on My School →
- Hincks Avenue Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 833 · 4th percentile · LBOTE 29% · 170 students · Top SEA quarter 2% · 1.8 km awayView on My School →
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- School ICSEA (ACARA) — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
Childcare
1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap
- Goodstart Early Learning Whyallakindergarten
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
Childcare centre count
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services (SA) — OpenStreetMap + SA Education · current · Updated
Public transport
38 public transport stops in this suburb
- Shiell St / Mills St - West side (Bedford)
- Stop 12 Elliott St / Brealey St - North side
- Stop 13 Bradford St / McConville St - North side
- Stop 14 Lacey St / Arthur St - North East side
- Stop 14 Lacey St / Arthur St - South West side
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Adelaide Metro GTFS stops — Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA) · current · Updated
Amenities
69 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
1 restaurants · 1 cafes · 1 pubs · 1 bakeries · 3 places of worship · 2 playgrounds · 1 petrol stations
Local character & venue list
Local character
- A car helps for daily errands
- Great for outdoor family life — 7 parks mapped in suburb, 2 playgrounds nearby
- Well connected by public transport — 38 public transport stops
- Walkability proxy
- 38/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0.39
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 1.57
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 2.76
Food & drink(4)
- Casa De PanBakery
- Sumthin' TastyCafe
- Eyre HotelPub
- Caffé PrimoRestaurant
Shopping(1)
- Reddy ExpressConvenience store
Community(4)
- Goodstart Early Learning WhyallaKindergarten
- Samaritan CollegeSchool
- School
- Townhall
Health & services(2)
- Playford DentalDentist
- Whyalla Dental CareDentist
Sport & outdoors(10)
- Haynes ParkPark
- Park (3)
- Wetlands Recreation ParkPark
- Wetlands Recreation Park LandsPark
- Whyalla WetlandsPark
- Playground (2)
- Sports field
Transport(18)
18 bus stops
Other(20)
- Bbq (4)
- Mitre 10Doityourself
- Middleback Country Fire ServiceFire station
41 Keith Street
- Whyalla Metropolitan Fire ServiceFire station
89 Nicolson Avenue
- Whyalla Sport fishing SceneFishing
- Fitness Station
- ABC Picture FramersFrame
- Eyre TradingHardware
- New Whyalla HotelHotel
- Alexander MotelMotel
- Parking (5)
- ShellPetrol station
- Catholic Parish of Whyalla St. Teresa's ChurchPlace of worship
- Whyalla Church of ChristPlace of worship
- Whyalla Uniting ChurchPlace of worship
- Public toilets
- Whyalla Dive ServicesScuba Diving
- Shelter (4)
- Speech On EyreSpeech Therapist
- Whyalla VelodromeTrack
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 7
- Parks (OSM)
- 7
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Places of worship
3 places of worship within ~1.5 km
- Catholic Parish of Whyalla St. Teresa's Church
- Whyalla Church of Christ
- Whyalla Uniting Church
From OpenStreetMap within ~1.5 km of the suburb centre.
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Whyalla Hospital and Health Services (1.8 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Public Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & GP Plus clinics (SA) — SA Health · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 96
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 37.4
Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.
For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.
Data sources & freshness
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 30° / 17°
- Rainfall
- 69 mm · ~9 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 24° / 12°
- Rainfall
- 89 mm · ~11 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 16° / 7°
- Rainfall
- 148 mm · ~18 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 11°
- Rainfall
- 136 mm · ~17 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from PlanSA register and EPA licensed activities.
2026· 27 proposals
August 2026
- Carport14 FIELD ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Under Assessment
July 2026
- Wall Removal Between Kitchen and Lounge room to make open space living106 LACEY ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
June 2026
- Carport and internal building alterations including bathroom, laundry and water closet renovation21 FERRY ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Shed32 ANGWIN ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Under Assessment
- Freestanding rear verandah65 GOWRIE AV WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Rear Colorbond flat roof verandah (42sqm x 3.1m high)163 ELLIOTT ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Colorbond gable roof carport with roller door (7m x 9m x 3m high)2 PRATT ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
May 2026
- Colorbond carport50 PETERS ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Single storey rear extension & internal alterations to existing dwelling, including carport, front & rear verandahs169 MCBRYDE TCE WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Outbuilding (shed)30 GOWRIE AV WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Alterations and additions to existing carport to enclose structure and install bathroom (retrospective development)2 RIGNEY ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Under Assessment
April 2026
- Partial change use to single level detached dwelling, internal alterations and additions, rear verandah, deck and two sheds72 DUNCAN ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600;74 DUNCAN ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Under Assessment
- Colorbond flat roof carport including setback facade with roller door and pa door (136sqm x 3.1m h)277 MCBRYDE TCE WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
March 2026
- Colorbond rear flat roof verandah (5.48m x 10.48m x 2.9h) and Colorbond flat roof carport (2.86m x 8.17m x 2.75h)181 MCBRYDE TCE WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Retrospective development application for an existing domestic storage shed constructed on a pre-existing concrete slab within the rear yard. No changes to the existing structure are proposed.91 RUDALL AV WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Domestic skilion roof shed with open bays (21m x 9m x 3.5mh)211 LACEY ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- FirewallsUNIT 1-5 58 NICOLSON AV WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Container dome shed to house CFS Appliance41 KEITH ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Under Assessment
February 2026
- Swimming pool and safety barrier30 MCINTOSH ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Colorbond flat roof Carport (15m x 4m x 2.8mh)4 RIGNEY ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Freestanding Colorbond Verandah 7.8m x 4m x 2.9mh65 GOWRIE AV WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Rear extension with alfresco area and carport16 BARTER ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Under Assessment
- Colorbond rear flat-roof Verandah (7.5mx 7.4m x 2.7mh)39 NICOLSON AV WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Colorbond flat roof side veranda (9m x 3m x 2.7mh)62 NICOLSON AV WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Installation of fibreglass swimming Pool & associated safety barrier63 PLAYFORD AV WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
January 2026
- Colorbond shed comprising motor vehicle repair and equipment/consumables storage (14.4m x 9.2m x 4.2mh)122 NORRIE AV WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Colorbond gable-roof domestic shed (12m x 7m x 3.3mh)71 RUDALL AV WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
2025· 15 proposals
December 2025
- Relocate fence between garden centre outdoor display and carpark225 MCBRYDE TCE WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600;227 MCBRYDE TCE WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Colorbond Domestic Garage (14m x 6m x 3mh)4 HILL ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
November 2025
- Colorbond gable-roof garage (12.2m x 6.1m x 2.7mh)116 BRADFORD ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Colorbond partially enclosed gable-roof carport (6.2m x 9.15m x 3.3mh)12 BARTER ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Internal alteration to move doorway18 RALPH ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Internal alterations (new bathroom, bedroom with ensuite/WIR) and Rear extension comprising, and comprising family room, kitchen, and laundry with carport, rear verandah, side patio and partially enclose existing carport plus rear shed.44 GOWRIE AV WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Under Assessment
- Ancillary Accommodation (rumpus room) including toilet and verandah299 MCBRYDE TCE WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- replacing rear veranda and side carport with a Stratco Outback5 HALLIDAY ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
October 2025
- Domestic Colorbond gable roof carport (6.3m x 6m x 3.3mh) with attached skillion roof shed (3m x 6m x 2.7mh)16 BARTER ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Colorbond workshop/storage shed and toilet.130A NORRIE AV WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Under Assessment
- Timber deck163 ELLIOTT ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
September 2025
- Colourbond flat-roof carport (11m x 5.5m x 2.8mh)5 RALPH ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Build a free-standing veranda in the rear yard6 MCINTOSH ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- Freestanding gable-roof patio (9.1m x 7.6m x 3mh)30 MCINTOSH ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
- 1x Colorbond flat roof carport (12m x 4.3m x 3.1m high), 1x Colorbond flat roof carport (12m x 4.m x 3.1m high) and 1x Colorbond gable roof shed (9m x 6m x 2.7mh)29 PETERS ST WHYALLA PLAYFORD SA 5600Decision Made
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- PlanSA development applications & EPA licences — Government of South Australia — PlanSA · 2026 · Updated
Roadworks & transport
6 active roadworks / incidents
- Electrical WorkMcbryde Terrace, Peters St16 Apr 2026 – 31 Aug 2026
- Electrical WorkMcbryde Terrace, Peters St27 Apr 2026 – 31 Aug 2026
- Kerbing InstallationMcbryde Terrace, Lincoln Hwy18 Mar 2026 – 31 Aug 2026
- Kerbing InstallationLincoln Highway, Mcbryde Tce18 Mar 2026 – 31 Aug 2026
- Kerbing InstallationLincoln Highway, Mcbryde Tce22 May 2026 – 31 Aug 2026
- Water MainsLincoln Highway, Mcbryde Tce13 Apr 2026 – 31 Aug 2026
Data sources & freshness
- Traffic SA road events — Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA) · current · Updated
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- No overlay at centroid
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid against all current SA Planning risk layers (high, medium, general, urban interface, regional, outback). Safer places from CFS designated locations.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Bushfire & hazard overlays (SA) — Government of South Australia · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Grey
- Member of Parliament
- Tom VENNING (Liberal)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 128,707
- Turnout (2025)
- 89.4%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +5.4 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 54.6%Labor 45.4%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 44.9 km away).
Coalition 32.0%Labor 68.0%
22.6 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +7.8 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Whyalla Norrie EastLabor 65.9% · Coalition 34.1% TPP (2025)0.9 km away
- Whyalla Central WestLabor 68.2% · Coalition 31.8% TPP (2025)1.0 km away
- Whyalla Norrie NorthLabor 73.1% · Coalition 26.9% TPP (2025)1.8 km away
- Whyalla Central EastLabor 66.0% · Coalition 34.0% TPP (2025)2.5 km away
- Whyalla Norrie SouthLabor 72.5% · Coalition 27.5% TPP (2025)2.8 km away
Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.
Data sources & freshness
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 3/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 5/10
ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?
IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.
IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.
A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
More in Whyalla Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of South Australia.