Theodore
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Theodore's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 3,726. This figure represents a decrease of 72 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,798. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: 3,726 in June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 1,186 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Theodore experienced a 1.9% decline since the Census, the SA3 area showed a 0.2% growth, indicating divergent trends. Natural growth contributed approximately 73.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Population projections for each SA2 area are adopted from ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections (base year: 2022) are used. Future trends indicate an overall population decline by 199 persons by 2041, with the 65 to 74 age group projected to grow by 101 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 FY-21 to FY-25, seven homes were approved, with none yet in FY-26. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to demand, benefiting buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $250,000. This year, $481,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Theodore shows significantly reduced construction levels, with 84.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

The area's level of construction is also below national averages, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining Theodore's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Theodore has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that may impact this particular region. Notable projects are Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Group Centre improvements, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, and Calwell Public Housing Development. The following list details those likely to be 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 5.5% as of June 2025. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 1.3%.

As of this date, 2,236 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is 2.0% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Theodore stands at 74.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Notably, construction has a strong presence with an employment share 1.6 times higher than the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have limited representation at 6.7%, compared to the regional average of 11.1%. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data indicates that from June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.3% while the labour force grew by 1.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment growth of 1.9%, labour force growth of 1.6%, and a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Theodore's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Theodore's median income among taxpayers was $70,556 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $78,196 during the same period. Comparing these figures with Australian Capital Territory's median and average incomes of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively shows Theodore's higher income levels. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $80,152 and the average income around $88,831. According to Census 2021 data, Theodore's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 91st and 92nd percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 34.7% of Theodore's population (1,292 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 40.8% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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 evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Theodore was at 26.1%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 55.7% and rented dwellings making up 18.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,002, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $425. Nationally, Theodore's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 make up the remaining 20.4%, consisting of 18.4% lone person households and 2.0% group households. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate stands at 24.8%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.5% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education. Theodore Primary School serves the local area, enrolling 212 students as of a recent date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with ICSEA score of 998, indicating typical Australian school conditions. Secondary options are available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited, with 5.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.9, leading many families to travel for schooling.

Transport servicing is low 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 stops. These stops are served by three distinct routes that together facilitate 356 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is considered good, with residents being an average of 226 meters away from their nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are approximately 50 trips across all routes, which equates to about 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Theodore residents' health data shows relatively positive outcomes, with common health conditions being fairly standard across both young and old age cohorts.

Approximately 59% of Theodore's total population (2190 people) have private health cover, which is exceptionally high. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 10.2% of residents and asthma impacting 9.8%. Notably, 67.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 66.1%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 14.1% (525 people), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 17.6%. Despite this, health outcomes among Theodore's seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 broader regional average, as indicated by the birthplaces of residents: 81.9% born in Australia, 94.2% citizens, and 86.9% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Theodore, comprising 46.1% of the population. Notably, Judaism's representation stands at 0.2%, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 0.1%.

The top three parental ancestry groups in Theodore are Australian (28.2%), English (26.4%), and Irish (8.6%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Dutch residents make up 1.9% compared to the regional 1.4%, Croatian residents comprise 1.0% versus the region's 0.8%, and Hungarian residents account for 0.4% against the regional 0.3%.

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 percentage of residents aged 55-64 (13.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.3%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 65 to 74 has grown from 6.9% to 10.1%, while the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has declined from 13.1% to 11.3%, and the percentage of those aged 55 to 64 has dropped from 15.0% to 13.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Theodore, with the 65 to 74 age group projected to grow by 22%, adding 82 residents to reach a total of 460. This growth will be driven entirely by senior residents aged 65 and above, reflecting broader demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 35-44 and 0-4 years.