Theodore

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Theodore's population is around 3,726 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 72 people (1.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,798 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,726 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,186 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Theodore experienced a 1.9% decline since the census, the SA3 area achieved 0.1% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 73.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 199 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to grow by 101 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Theodore has recorded around 1 residential property granted approval per year, with 7 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 0 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, a positive for buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $250,000. Additionally, $481,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Theodore shows substantially reduced construction (84.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Theodore should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Theodore has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and EV Fast Charging Infrastructure - Calwell (Calwell Shopping Centre), with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Theodore has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 6.0%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,178 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.2% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (75.4% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 6.7% employment compared to 11.1% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2% and the labour force increased by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Theodore. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Theodore's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Theodore SA2's income level is among the highest in Australia according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Theodore SA2's median income among taxpayers is $74,042 and the average income stands at $80,785, which compares to figures for the Australian Capital Territory's of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $80,898 (median) and $88,266 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Theodore, between the 90th and 92nd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 34.7% of the population (1,292 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the region where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. Higher earners represent 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 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

Dwelling structure within Theodore, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Theodore was in line with that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 26.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (55.7%) or rented (18.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,002, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Theodore's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 79.6% of all households, comprising 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%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (24.8%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (23.0%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 18 active transport stops operating within Theodore, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 47 individual routes, collectively providing 2,850 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 226 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 9.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 407 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 158 weekly trips per individual 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 sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (2,216 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.2% and 9.8% of residents, respectively, while 67.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 15.1% of residents aged 65 and over (562 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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 was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 81.9% of its population born in Australia, 94.2% being citizens, and 86.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Theodore is Christianity, which makes up 46.1% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Theodore are Australian, comprising 28.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 23.0%, English, comprising 26.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 1.9% of Theodore (vs 1.3% regionally), Croatian at 1.0% (vs 0.9%) and Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%).

Theodore's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Theodore's median age is nearly matching the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 while somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Theodore has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (13.9%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (14.0%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 6.9% to 10.7% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.1% to 3.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 10.9% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.2% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Theodore. The 65 to 74 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 15%, adding 61 residents to reach 460. Senior residents (65+) will drive 100% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 cohorts.