Theodore

Theodore has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Theodore's population was 3,798 according to the 2021 Census. By May 2026, it decreased to around 3,726, a reduction of 72 people (1.9%). This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data for June 2025 and five additional validated addresses since the Census date. The population density in Theodore as of May 2026 was approximately 1,186 persons per square kilometer. Population growth during recent periods was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing about 63.3% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. By 2041, Theodore's population is projected to decrease by 190 persons according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts like the 65-74 age group are expected to grow, with a projected increase of 84 people.

The level of residential development activity in Theodore is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Theodore has recorded approximately one residential property approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, seven homes were approved, with one more approved in FY26 so far. Despite a declining population in recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which is beneficial for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $250,000. This financial year, $481,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to the Australian Capital Territory, where Theodore shows 84.0% less construction per person than the regional average. The limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining Theodore's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Theodore has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely impacting the area: Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and EV Fast Charging Infrastructure - Calwell (Calwell Shopping Centre). The following details projects considered most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Theodore recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Theodore has an unemployment rate of 6.0% and stable employment conditions over the past year. As of December 2025, Theodore's unemployment rate is 2.2% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. The workforce participation rate in Theodore is 75.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%.

According to Census responses, 9.4% of Theodore residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 6.7%, compared to the regional average of 11.1%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2% while labour force grew by 1.0%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, and a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Theodore's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The Theodore SA2's median income among taxpayers was $74,042 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $80,785 during the same period. These figures are higher than those of the Australian Capital Territory, which had a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Theodore SA2 would be approximately $81,772 (median) and $89,219 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Theodore all rank highly nationally, between the 90th and 92nd percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 34.7% of the population (1,292 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 40.8% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Theodore is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Theodore, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Theodore was 26.1%, similar to the Australian Capital Territory's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (55.7%) or rented (18.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Theodore was $2,002, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure for Theodore was $430, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Theodore's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Theodore features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 79.6% of all households, including 40.4% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 20.4%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Theodore aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 24.8%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 23.0%. Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.5% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Theodore has 18 active public transport stops, all of which are bus services. These stops are served by 47 different routes that together facilitate 2,850 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living just 226 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential region, most inhabitants commute outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 96% of residents. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

Only 9.4% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census). The service frequency averages 407 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 158 weekly trips per stop.

Theodore's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Theodore's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts in the area.

Private health cover is exceptionally high, with approximately 60% of the total population (2,216 people) having it, compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 10.2% and 9.8% of residents respectively. 67.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 14.8% of residents aged 65 and over (551 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

In terms of cultural diversity, Theodore records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Theodore's cultural diversity aligns with its regional average, with 81.9% born in Australia, 94.2% being citizens, and 86.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, at 46.1%. Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 0.2%.

The top three ancestral groups are Australian (28.2%), English (26.4%), and Irish (8.6%). Notably, Dutch ancestry is overrepresented at 1.9% in Theodore versus 1.3% regionally, as are Croatian (1.0%) and Hungarian (0.4%) ancestries.

Theodore's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Theodore's median age is nearly 36 years, close to the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Theodore has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (14.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.2%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 6.9% to 10.5%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.1% to 3.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.1% to 10.9% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.2% to 12.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Theodore, with the 65 to 74 cohort projected to grow by 16%, adding 63 residents to reach 456. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all of Theodore's population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.