Thorneside
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Thorneside reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Thorneside's population is approximately 4,030 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 153 people, a rise of 3.9% since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 3,877. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates of 4,028 in June 2024 and five additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,509 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Thorneside has shown steady growth with an annual compound growth rate of 0.5%, outperforming its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.7% to overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, using 2021 data, are adopted. Note that these state projections lack age category splits; thus, proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied where utilized. Future population trends suggest lower quartile growth nationally, with Thorneside projected to expand by 89 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 2.2% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Thorneside according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Thorneside has averaged approximately 11 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 57 homes approved during this period and an additional 4 approved in FY26. Each year, around 2 new residents have been gained for each dwelling built on average, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $330,000. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Thorneside has 14.0% less new development per person and ranks at the 28th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options but increased demand for established dwellings. This trend is consistent with the area's established nature and may indicate potential planning limitations. All new construction in Thorneside since FY21 has been detached houses, maintaining its traditional suburban character and appealing to families seeking space.

Developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (64.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 585 people per dwelling approval, Thorneside reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate that Thorneside will gain 87 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand readily, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence performance. One major project identified by AreaSearch impacts the area: Eastwood Birkdale. Key projects include Eastwood Birkdale, Redland Hospital Expansion, Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy, and Cleveland Line Duplication (Park Road to Cleveland). Most relevant are listed below.

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.

Employment performance in Thorneside exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Thorneside's workforce comprises skilled individuals with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stands at 3.8%, lower than the national average.

Over the past year, ending June 2025, employment growth was estimated at 3.9%. As of June 2025, 2,253 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.1% compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.1%, and workforce participation matching Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for Thorneside residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with a significant concentration in construction at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food services employ only 4.6% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 6.7%.

AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data indicates that during the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.9%, while labour force grew by 4.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4% and a fall in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Thorneside's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Thorneside had a median taxpayer income of $55,492 and an average income of $66,152 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is slightly above the national average for that year, which contrasts with Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $63,255 (median) and $75,407 (average). According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 54th percentile ($827 weekly), while household income was at the 35th percentile. The data showed that 30.1% of residents (1,213 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, mirroring regional levels where 33.3% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 34th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Thorneside displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Thorneside, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 63.6% houses and 36.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metropolitan area's figures of 85.0% houses and 15.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Thorneside stood at 34.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (36.8%) or rented (29.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,787, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,950 recorded as of June 2021. Median weekly rent in Thorneside was $370, compared to Brisbane metro's $405 and national figures of $375 for rents. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 as of June 2021.

Thorneside has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.0% of all households, including 24.8% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 15.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 29.6% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.7.

The educational profile of Thorneside exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Thorneside trail's educational qualifications benchmark against regional standards with 22.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Greater Brisbane's 30.5%. This difference indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (29.1%).

Educational participation is high at 26.3%, comprising primary education (10.0%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (3.3%). South East Brisbane Steiner School provides local educational services with 31 students enrolled as of the latest data. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1040) offering balanced educational opportunities. There is one primary school, focusing exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 0.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.2, resulting in many families traveling for schooling.

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

Thorneside has 26 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 23 routes operating in total.

They provide 1,691 weekly passenger trips combined. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 184 meters to the nearest stop. The service frequency is 241 trips per day across all routes. This equates to approximately 65 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Thorneside is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Thorneside faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~2,111 people), compared to 55.1% across Greater Brisbane.

Mental health issues impact 10.2% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.8%. A total of 64.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.8% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 22.4% of residents aged 65 and over (902 people), higher than the 20.0% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Thorneside ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Thorneside, as per the census conducted on 9 August 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. This was reflected in its demographic statistics: 78.5% of its population were born in Australia, 89.8% held Australian citizenship, and 93.3% spoke English only at home. Christianity emerged as the predominant religion in Thorneside, with 48.1% of residents identifying with it, compared to 53.3% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.1%), Australian (27.9%), and Irish (9.1%). Notably, New Zealanders comprised 1.2%, Russians 0.6%, and Maori 1.0%, all higher than their respective regional percentages of 1.2%, 0.3%, and 1.2%.

Thorneside's median age exceeds the national pattern

Thorneside has a median age of 41, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and Australia's figure of 38. The 65-74 cohort is over-represented in Thorneside at 12.3%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average, while the 25-34 cohort is under-represented at 9.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.2% to 7.8%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 9.2% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 9.9%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 13.3% to 11.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Thorneside's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase dramatically, expanding by 199 people (212%) from 94 to 294. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 93% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.