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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Theodore has an estimated 3,726 residents, down from 3,798 at the 2021 Census — a change of 72 people, or 1.9%. That puts 1,187 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the population of Theodore stands at roughly 3,726 as of Aug 2026. Relative to the 3,798 people counted during the 2021 Census, this represents a reduction of 72 people (1.9%). Such demographic movement is deduced from ABS estimated resident population figures of 3,726 recorded as of June 2025 alongside 5 validated new addresses established post-Census. At this count, population density reaches 1,186 persons per square kilometer, aligning closely with typical benchmarks recorded across locations evaluated by AreaSearch. Natural growth served as the primary contributor to demographic additions, generating around 63.3% of total population increases over recent timeframes.
Population projections utilized by AreaSearch for every SA2 territory draw upon ABS/Geoscience Australia data published in 2024 using 2022 as baseline. For post-2032 modeling or SA2 districts excluded from that series, cohort growth trajectories from ACT Government SA2 projections (2022 baseline) are applied. Evaluating upcoming demographic shifts through this approach suggests a contracting populace, with total headcount anticipated to fall by 194 persons by 2041. In contrast, specific age brackets will experience expansion, most notably the 65 to 74 demographic, which is slated to expand by 83 people. See the age section for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building approvals in Theodore have tracked at approximately 1 new homes annually, totaling 8 homes approved throughout the preceding 5 financial years (from FY-22 to FY-26). Given the prevailing population decline, incoming construction appears aligned with local demand to provide prospective purchasers with sufficient choice, while approved residences indicate an average construction value of $235,000—sitting below regional averages to highlight more accessible building costs. Concurrently, commercial building consents recorded during this financial year total $481,000, underscoring subdued non-residential development. Development throughput in Theodore is noticeably subdued relative to Australian Capital Territory (trailing the regional per-capita rate by 71.0%).
Such limited supply additions generally bolster demand and pricing across the existing residential stock. Activity is also muted compared to national metrics, reflecting an established urban landscape alongside possible planning or land restrictions. Furthermore, recent development permissions have focused exclusively on detached houses, maintaining the suburban fabric and catering to buyers seeking standalone properties. The presence of roughly 2794 people per dwelling approval confirms the mature status of the local market. Given expectations that resident numbers will contract or remain steady, Theodore is poised for softened housing demand, which may yield advantageous conditions for prospective purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Theodore
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 9 current infrastructure and development projects close to Theodore, worth an estimated $1.48 billion. 1 are already under construction and 2 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and telecommunications. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Regional dynamics are heavily shaped by planning initiatives, major construction works, and infrastructure upgrades. AreaSearch has pinpointed 4 major developments poised to influence the immediate district. Key undertakings comprise Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and EV Fast Charging Infrastructure - Calwell (Calwell Shopping Centre), with the accompanying schedule outlining those holding greatest relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Banks Gateway Estate
New residential subdivision by the Suburban Land Agency delivering approximately 220 new homes in Banks, directly adjacent to northern Gordon and within the same primary school catchment. The project is focused on creating a thriving local community.
Calwell Retirement Living Precinct
A retirement living precinct proposal by KBDC, featuring 30 one-storey townhouses alongside the Calwell shopping strip.
Tuggeranong Multi-Unit Development - Gordon
Multiple 24-unit developments and supportive housing projects including six single storey supportive housing dwellings with carports, and childcare centre construction for 90 places.
EV Fast Charging Infrastructure - Calwell (Calwell Shopping Centre)
Public DC fast EV charging delivered at Calwell Shopping Centre and operated by Evie Networks, supported by ACT Government grants and ARENA funding to expand Canberra's charging network.
Calwell Public Housing Development
30 new public housing townhouses (2 and 3 bedroom) built to Class C Adaptable standards. Features evaporative heating/cooling, 6-star energy rating hot water systems, double-glazed windows, and sustainable design.
Lanyon Marketplace Improvements
Public space improvements completed in late 2023 at Lanyon Marketplace in Conder. The project, led by the ACT Government, included new seating and landscaping, improved pedestrian access (paths, pram ramps, safe crossings), a new raised intersection at Balcombe and Sidney Nolan Streets, and additional parking spaces on Sidney Nolan Street. The original record's mention of new Coles/Aldi/specialty stores appears to refer to an expected private sector expansion/refurbishment or is based on speculation, as the public works completed focused on the community space and access, with the Marketplace being anchored by Woolworths and 18 specialty shops.There is an ALDI store located at 9 Sidney Nolan Street nearby.
Calwell Group Centre improvements
Public space upgrades at local shops including new seating, playground with nature play elements, accessible parking bays, improved pedestrian access, upgraded lighting, and enhanced landscaping. Features nest swing, trampolines, slide, steppers and new shade sail.
Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong
Proposed southern extension of the Canberra light rail network connecting Woden Town Centre to Tuggeranong Town Centre via the Athllon Drive corridor. Recent 2026 updates indicate the ACT Government is developing a transit-oriented development (ToD) plan for the Athllon Drive corridor, with conceptual integrated bus and light rail network options for Canberra South expected by June 2026. The project remains part of the long-term City-wide Light Rail Network plan to support a population of 500,000.
2,183 residents of Theodore are employed, from a labour force of 2,328. Unemployment sits at 6.2%, with participation at 75.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,659, about 71% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Theodore is characterized by a capable local workforce and robust representation across essential community services, posting an unemployment rate of 6.2% alongside relatively steady employment conditions over the preceding twelve months. As of March 2026, employed locals number 2,183, while joblessness sits 2.2% higher than the Australian Capital Territory benchmark of 4.1%, accompanied by a sound participation rate of 75.3% (versus 70.6% across Australian Capital Territory). Census records show that only 9.4% of employed residents carried out their duties from home, though potential distortion from Covid-19 restrictions should be noted.
Resident workers are primarily concentrated across public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. The community displays notable industry concentration in construction, where its workforce proportion reaches 1.6 times the broader regional benchmark. Conversely, professional & technical roles account for only 6.7% of local employment, underperforming the Australian Capital Territory mark of 11.1%. As demonstrated by Census comparisons between resident and local workplace counts, this predominantly suburban locality provides relatively few jobs within its own borders. Analysis conducted by AreaSearch using SALM and ABS figures indicates that employment grew by 0.1% and the labour force expanded by 1.1% during the 12 months leading up to March 2026, which resulted in the unemployment rate climbing by 1.0 percentage points. This outcome differs from the trend observed in the Australian Capital Territory, where employment increased by 0.3%, the labour force also grew by 1.1%, and the unemployment rate rose by 0.7 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia provides national employment projections starting from Mar-26 that can help clarify anticipated future demand in Theodore. These forecasts span five and ten year horizons and have been overlaid with local employment data to project growth trajectories. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and by 13.7% over ten years, sectoral growth varies considerably. When these industry-level forecasts are applied to Theodore’s employment composition, the expectation is that local employment will rise by 6.2% over five years and by 12.7% over ten years. This estimation relies on a straightforward weighting method for demonstration and does not incorporate localized population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Theodore is $2,588 a week (about $135,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,195 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $74,042 a year against an average of $80,785. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Postcode taxation figures compiled by AreaSearch from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicate that taxpayers in the Theodore SA2 registered a median income of $74,042 alongside an average income of $80,785. These results place the area high on a nationwide basis, comparing with figures of $72,206 and $85,981 throughout Australian Capital Territory. Factoring in Wage Price Index movement of 10.44% recorded since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest average earnings of $89,219 and median earnings of $81,772 as of March 2026. At the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual income metrics in Theodore achieved rankings between the 90th and 92nd percentiles nationally.
Income distribution data highlights that the single largest cohort comprises 34.7% of residents (1,292 people) earning within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly tier, closely tracking the 34.3% regional benchmark. Furthermore, 40.8% secure more than $3,000 per week, pointing to considerable affluence supporting local commerce. Locals retain 87.0% of earnings after meeting housing commitments, confirming healthy discretionary margins, while the district achieves a SEIFA income placement in the 7th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Theodore had 1,320 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 95% detached houses and 0% apartments. 56% are owned with a mortgage, 18% rented and 26% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $430 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,002 a month, a total housing cost higher than 77% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 16.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 17.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Data from the latest Census shows that the housing stock in Theodore is overwhelmingly detached, with 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings (incorporating apartments, semi-detached, and 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Australian Capital Territory where 63.3% are houses and 36.7% represent other dwellings. Outright property ownership stands at 26.1%, matching wider territory patterns, while remaining dwellings are divided between mortgaged properties (55.7%) and rented residences (18.2%). Typical monthly mortgage commitments of $2,002 in Theodore sit below the Australian Capital Territory median of $2,080, and weekly median rent of $430 is under the territory standard of $450.
On a national scale, however, local mortgage repayments surpass the Australian median of $1,863, and rents sit well above the nationwide mark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Theodore counted 1,320 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.8 people each. 40% are couples with children, more than in 80% of areas nationally, against 26% couples without children. 18% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The domestic landscape is predominantly composed of family households at 79.6%, with couples with children making up 40.4%, couples without children representing 25.5%, and single parent families accounting for 12.9%. The remaining 20.4% are non-family households, divided between lone person households at 18.4% and group households at 2.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory benchmark of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
24.8% of adults in Theodore hold a university qualification, including 16.3% with a bachelor degree and 5.8% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 23.0% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 212 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 998 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment levels for higher education present an area for development, as university degree holders make up 24.8% of residents, trailing the broader SA4 territory average of 46.8%. This gap highlights key potential for focused learning programs. Within tertiary education, Bachelor degrees account for 16.3%, postgraduate awards comprise 5.8%, and graduate diplomas represent 2.7%. Vocational and technical training is widely held, with 36.1% of the population aged 15+ holding practical credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (23.0%). Community involvement in study is substantial, with 28.1% of residents engaged in formal learning.
Broken down by tier, 9.5% attend primary education, 8.0% participate in secondary education, and 4.2% are enrolled in tertiary education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Theodore reaches 16 stops on 43 routes, timetabled for about 2,700 services a week. The typical home sits about 250 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit infrastructure in Theodore includes 16 operational passenger stops served by a network of buses. These transit points accommodate 43 distinct routes that deliver 2,736 weekly passenger trips. Commuter access is favorable, with residents situated an average of 254 meters from the closest stop. Given the district's residential profile, outbound travel is standard, and private car travel dominates commuter movements at 96%. Vehicle ownership sits at an average of 1.8 per dwelling, exceeding regional averages. Meanwhile, 9.4% of workers conducted their roles from home according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions.
Across the full network, service frequency stands at an average of 390 trips per day, translating to roughly 171 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.3% of residents in Theodore report no long-term health condition. 4.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 59.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
General health conditions across Theodore track closely with nationwide norms, according to AreaSearch evaluations of mortality rates and long-term illness data, showing typical rates of common medical conditions across both younger and older cohorts. Meanwhile, private health insurance coverage is notably broad, encompassing around 60% of residents (2,216 people) against the Australian Capital Territory figure of 62.4%. The primary medical diagnoses recorded locally are mental health issues and asthma, which affect 10.2 and 9.8% of the populace, respectively. Meanwhile, 67.3% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, relative to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory.
Working-age locals display a higher incidence of chronic illnesses, presenting specific health considerations. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 14.6% of the population (542 people), and health outcomes in this demographic are particularly favorable, outperforming overall community benchmarks when viewed against national statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Theodore is largely Australian-born, at 81.9% of residents, with 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (28.2%) and English (26.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Theodore generally mirrors wider territorial patterns, with Australian-born residents accounting for 81.9%, Australian citizens making up 94.2%, and 86.9% using English only at home. Christianity stands as the primary religious affiliation, representing 46.1% of the local population. The most distinct relative concentration is seen in Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of locals, aligning with the 0.2% proportion across Australian Capital Territory. Examining parental heritage, the three most widespread ancestries in Theodore are Australian at 28.2% (exceeding the 23.0% territory average), English at 26.4%, and Irish at 8.6%.
Noticeable variations also emerge among other backgrounds: Dutch heritage is well represented at 1.9% (compared to 1.3% across the territory), Croatian accounts for 1.0% (versus 0.9%), and Hungarian stands at 0.4% (versus 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Theodore is 36. 29.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Demographic profiles across Theodore align closely with Australian Capital Territory benchmarks across all broad age categories, with the maximum divergence measuring 5.2 percentage points. The estimated median age is 36, identical to the 2021 Census outcome and 1 year older than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 recorded during that Census. Since then, the retiree and elderly cohorts (65+) have expanded their share of the populace from 9.6% to an estimated 14.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, senior brackets will see the greatest absolute addition, climbing by 138 residents (25%) to 680, whereas cohorts of children, young adults, and young to middle aged adults are expected to experience declines.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Theodore
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 5 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,798 at the 2021 Census → 3,726 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (801071088). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.