Theodore
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Theodore's population was approximately 3,726 as of August 2025. This figure reflects a decrease of 72 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,798 people. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,726 in June 2024 and an additional five validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was approximately 1,186 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Theodore experienced a 1.9% decline since the census, the SA3 area achieved 0.2% growth, indicating divergent population trends. Natural growth contributed approximately 73.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. According to these projections, Theodore's population is expected to decrease by 199 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow during this period, with the 65 to 74 age group projected to increase 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 records approximately one residential approval annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports development approvals on a financial year basis. Between FY20 to FY25, five residential properties were approved each year, totalling 25 over these five years. No residential approvals have been recorded in FY26 as of now.

Despite population decline during this period, new supply appears to be meeting demand, offering buyers ample choice at an average construction cost value of $329,000. In contrast, commercial approvals reached $481,000 this financial year, indicating a primary focus on residential development. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Theodore's construction activity is 84.0% below the regional per capita average. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, Theodore's development levels are also lower, suggesting market maturity and potential development constraints.

Recent development has consisted solely of detached dwellings, maintaining Theodore's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With approximately 0 people per approval, Theodore reflects low-density urban planning. Given expected population stability or decline, Theodore should experience reduced housing pressure, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

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

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure projects and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could potentially impact this area. Key projects include improvements at Calwell Group Centre, development of Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, construction of Calwell Public Housing Development, and installation of EV Fast Charging Infrastructure at Calwell Shopping Centre. The following list provides details on those projects deemed most relevant.

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

Theodore shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Theodore has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 5.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year.

As of this date, 2,236 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.0% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Theodore was 74.6%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. The leading employment industries among Theodore residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction, with a particularly strong specialization in construction at 1.6 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 6.7% of Theodore's workforce compared to ACT's 11.1%.

Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force increased by 1.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, ACT saw employment grow by 1.9% and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 showed ACT employment contracted by 0.33%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections for Theodore suggested local growth of approximately 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

Theodore shows a median taxpayer income of $70,556 and an average of $78,196 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. As of March 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $78,162 and an average of $86,626 based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since the financial year 2022. Census 2021 data shows incomes in Theodore rank highly nationally, with household, family, and personal incomes all between the 91st and 92nd percentiles. Distribution data indicates that 34.7% of locals (1,292 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% occupy this range. The suburb demonstrates affluence with 40.8% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. 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

Theodore's dwelling structure, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Theodore was at 26.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 55.7% and rented ones at 18.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Theodore was $2,002, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. Weekly rent in Theodore was $430, slightly above the Australian Capital Territory figure of $425. Nationally, Theodore's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,002 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $430 against 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% who are 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%. The median household size is 2.8 people, 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 24.8%, substantially below the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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 – advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 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. Theodore Primary School provides local educational services within Theodore, with an enrollment of 212 students as of the latest available data. Theodore demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 998) with balanced educational opportunities. The one school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Limited local school capacity (5.7 places per 100 residents vs 14.9 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas 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 are bus stops. There are three different routes serving these stops.

Together, they provide 356 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport is rated as good. Residents typically live 226 meters from their nearest stop. Each route averages 50 trips per day, which equals 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 positive outcomes with common conditions seen across age groups.

The private health cover rate is high at approximately 59% (2,190 people). Mental health issues and asthma are most common, affecting 10.2 and 9.8% respectively. 67.3% reported no medical ailments compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 66.1%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 14.1% (525 people), lower than the ACT's 17.6%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, outperforming 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's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 81.9% born in Australia, 94.2% being citizens, and 86.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion (46.1%), but Judaism is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally. Ancestry reveals top groups as Australian (28.2%), English (26.4%), and Irish (8.6%).

Notable divergences exist for Dutch (1.9% vs regional 1.4%), Croatian (1.0% vs 0.8%), and Hungarian (0.4% vs 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 the present, the population of residents aged 65-74 has grown from 6.9% to 10.1%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 5-14 has declined from 13.1% to 11.3%, and the percentage of residents aged 55-64 has dropped from 15.0% to 13.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Theodore, with the strongest projected growth in the 65-74 age cohort (22%), adding 82 residents to reach 460. This will be driven entirely by the senior population aged 65 and above, reflecting broader demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts.