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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.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Thorneside has an estimated 4,020 residents, up from 3,877 at the 2021 Census — a change of 143 people, or 3.7%. That puts 1,506 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 the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Thorneside is approximately 4,020 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 143 individuals (3.7%) from the 3,877 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 4,020 and 5 validated new addresses identified since the Census. With these figures, the population density stands at 1,505 persons per square kilometer, a level higher than the average for the national areas evaluated. Over the last ten years, Thorneside has shown stable growth with a compound annual rate of 0.5%, exceeding the rate of the SA3 region.
Net growth was largely driven by overseas migration, which made up roughly 64.9% of the overall population increases lately. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, issued in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are used for SA2 areas. For any SA2 regions lacking this coverage, and for the years after 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 using 2021 data are utilized instead. Because these state-level figures do not include age group breakdowns, AreaSearch applies weightings for proportional growth based on the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 baseline data) for each age cohort. Looking forward, the population growth is projected to rank in the lower quartile of statistical areas nationally, with the community expected to gain 50 residents by 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a 1.2% total increase over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
57 new dwellings have been approved in Thorneside over the past five years, an average of 11 a year. That is 2.9 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 14, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Development approvals in Thorneside run at approximately 11 dwellings annually, totaling 57 residential units approved during the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 13 during FY-26 so far. The local market displays a healthy equilibrium between supply and demand, with an average of 1.4 residents entering the suburb for every new home built over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), fostering balanced conditions, while new construction projects average a value of $330,000. Thorneside registers 14.0% less new development per resident than Greater Brisbane, placing it in the 28th percentile of locations analyzed nationwide, which curtails options for buyers while bolstering the value of pre-existing homes.
This volume of activity is also lower than the national baseline, indicating a mature market and suggesting potential geographic or planning constraints. Additionally, recent projects have consisted entirely of separate houses, preserving the established low-density suburban aesthetic and catering to families seeking space. Developers are building a higher proportion of detached homes than the historical baseline would suggest (which stood at 64.0% at the Census), pointing to sustained demand for family housing despite broader trends toward density. A highly mature market is indicated by a ratio of roughly 587 residents per dwelling approval. Projections indicate that Thorneside will add 50 citizens by 2041 based on the latest quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. If construction persists at its current pace, the addition of new housing should easily accommodate this growth, offering favorable conditions for purchasers and potentially facilitating expansion beyond current baseline population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Thorneside
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 78 current infrastructure and development projects close to Thorneside, worth an estimated $7.68 billion. 18 are already under construction and 21 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. 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
Changes to infrastructure, planning schemes, and major projects represent significant influences on regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 1 project expected to influence the local area. Notable projects include Eastwood Birkdale, Redland Hospital Expansion, Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy, and Cleveland Line Duplication (Park Road to Cleveland), with the most relevant details provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
358 Manly Road Townhouse Development
30 low-medium density townhouses in 8 building groups. Comprises 25 x 3-bedroom and 5 x 2-bedroom units. Designed by Christian Zambelli with communal spaces and visitor parking.
Birkdale Grove
A private residential neighbourhood of 34 lots in a leafy bayside setting, approximately 17km from Brisbane CBD. Current sales are underway following development approval for reconfiguring a lot and associated works. Easy access to public transport, schools and shopping centres.
Capalaba Town Centre Revitalisation Project
A $183 million to $250 million urban renewal initiative transforming 1.55 hectares into the civic and commercial heart of Capalaba. The masterplan features a new Redland City Council library, customer service centre, arts centre, and community hall. The precinct includes a town square, village green with a large entertainment screen, commercial office space, and boutique residential apartments. Stage 1 construction, focusing on the library and civic facilities, commenced in May 2026 to stimulate a day/night economy and improve transport connectivity.
Daveson Road Social and Affordable Housing
Low-rise development delivering 55 one, two and three bedroom social and affordable homes with onsite communal spaces, car parking and sustainability features (targeting 7+ star NatHERS), led by Brisbane Housing Company with Paladin as builder under Queensland Government Quickstarts funding.
Wellington Point Village Streetscape Revitalisation
Redland City Council is upgrading the Wellington Point Village heart to create a more vibrant and walkable precinct. The project includes widening footpaths, installing new street furniture, and integrated landscaping to support local traders and enhance the public realm. Recent efforts in late 2025 and 2026 have focused on activating the precinct through collaboration between the Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce and local businesses.
Birkdale Community Precinct including Redland Whitewater Centre
A 62-hectare destination transforming Birkdale into a world-class community precinct featuring the Redland Whitewater Centre, an Olympic-standard venue for the Brisbane 2032 Games. The precinct includes 38.8 hectares of conservation area, the heritage-listed Willards Farm, and a WWII Radio Receiving Station. It serves as a swift-water rescue training hub for emergency services and includes a public swimming lagoon, adventure playground, and seven community hubs focused on innovation, entertainment, and recreation.
Mayfair Village Shopping Centre Expansion
The expansion of Mayfair Village involves a 475sqm addition to the existing neighbourhood shopping centre. The development features a two-level extension in the north-east corner, providing new retail tenancies and a drive-thru facility. The project aims to improve streetscape activation and pedestrian connectivity along Burnett Street while maintaining the existing parking capacity of 348 vehicles.
Eastwood Birkdale
Small house-and-land estate opposite the proposed Birkdale Community Precinct, delivering 18 titled lots (all 400m2 or larger) with wide frontages and level blocks. Estate infrastructure complete and lots reported sold out by Sep 2025; individual home construction by purchasers ongoing.
2,323 residents of Thorneside are employed, from a labour force of 2,414. Unemployment sits at 3.8%, with participation at 73.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,058, about 76% 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
Thorneside possesses a qualified workforce with a strong presence in essential services, an unemployment rate of just 3.8%, and estimated job growth of 4.2% over the previous year. As of March 2026, there are 2,323 employed locals, with unemployment sitting 0.6% lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 4.3%, and labor force participation is typical (73.0% compared to 70.4% in Greater Brisbane). Census records indicate that a moderate 17.0% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic restrictions. The primary employment fields for local workers are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.
The suburb exhibits a clear specialization in construction, with its employment share in this sector reaching 1.4 times the regional proportion. On the other hand, accommodation & food service is underrepresented, accounting for 4.6% of jobs compared to the regional average of 6.7%. Given the mismatch between the Census working population and resident population, this residential community appears to provide few local employment options. Based on AreaSearch's study of SALM and ABS statistics, the latest 12-month timeframe saw employment expand by 4.2% and the labor force grow by 4.1%, which reduced the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded a 3.2% rise in employment and a 3.4% rise in the labor force, resulting in a 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide context for future employment demand in Thorneside. These five and ten-year forecasts have been mapped against the local industry profile to estimate employment trends. Nationally, employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by sector. Applying these national industry trends to Thorneside's worker profile suggests local employment could expand by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, noting this is a basic weighted extrapolation for illustrative purposes that excludes local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Thorneside is $1,488 a week (about $77,000 a year), with median personal income at $827 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $58,959 a year against an average of $69,206. 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
According to postcode-level ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the median taxpayer income in the Thorneside SA2 is $58,959, with the average at $69,206. This sits slightly above the national baseline, contrasting with a median of $58,236 and an average of $72,799 in Greater Brisbane. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be around $65,657 (median) and $77,068 (average). The 2021 Census placed local personal incomes in the 54th percentile ($827 weekly), while household incomes fell in the 35th percentile.
In terms of income brackets, the largest cohort consists of 1,210 residents earning between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, representing 30.1% of the population, which is comparable to the Greater Brisbane share of 33.3%. Severe housing affordability pressures exist, with just 82.6% of income left after housing costs, ranking in the 34th percentile, while the SEIFA index for income places the area in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Thorneside had 1,620 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 64% detached houses and 1% apartments. 37% are owned with a mortgage, 29% rented and 34% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $370 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,787 a month. Rent absorbs 24.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 27.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Thorneside was 63.6% separate houses and 36.4% other dwelling types (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 73.5% separate houses and 26.5% other dwellings across the Brisbane metro area. Home ownership rates in Thorneside were higher than the metropolitan average at 34.0%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (36.8%) or renters (29.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,787 was below the metropolitan average of $1,863, and the median weekly rent was $370, compared to $380 in metro Brisbane.
Nationally, Thorneside's mortgage costs are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Thorneside counted 1,620 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 25% are couples with children, against 26% couples without children. 30% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 67.0%, consisting of couples with children (24.8%), couples without children (26.4%), and single parent families (15.2%). Non-family households account for 33.0%, with single person households representing 29.6% and group living situations representing 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
22.4% of adults in Thorneside hold a university qualification, including 16.0% with a bachelor degree and 3.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 29.1% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 31 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,040 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
Qualifications among Thorneside residents are lower than regional averages, as 22.4% of residents aged 15+ hold a university degree compared to 30.5% in Greater Brisbane. This suggests opportunities for training and educational attainment. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.0%, with postgraduate qualifications at 3.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational and technical training are highly represented, with 41.0% of the population aged 15+ holding qualifications including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (29.1%). Enrolment rates in education are high, with 26.3% of residents actively participating in formal study. This comprises 10.0% of the population in primary school, 7.7% in secondary school, and 3.3% in tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Thorneside reaches 26 stops on 26 routes, timetabled for about 1,700 services a week. The typical home sits about 180 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.3 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
Analysis of public transit options indicates 26 active transit stops in Thorneside, consisting of both bus and train infrastructure. These stops are served by 26 distinct routes, which accommodate 1,651 passenger trips each week. Transport access is rated as excellent, with the average resident living 184 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport mode at 87% and trains at 9%. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.3 cars per household. According to the 2021 Census, 17.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by pandemic conditions.
Service frequency across all transit routes averages 235 trips per day, which equates to roughly 63 weekly trips for each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
64.2% of residents in Thorneside report no long-term health condition. 4.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of mortality and chronic illness rates show Thorneside faces notable health issues, with common ailments distributed across both younger and older demographics, while the private health insurance rate is slightly higher than the average SA2 region at roughly 53% of the population (~2,142 people). This compares to a rate of 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. Mental health conditions and arthritis are the most frequently reported medical issues, affecting 10.2 and 8.8% of the population, respectively, while 64.2% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane.
The working-age cohort exhibits elevated rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 22.2% of the population (894 people), which exceeds the 15.1% share in Greater Brisbane. Seniors in the area experience above-average health outcomes, with national rankings that exceed those of the overall local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Thorneside is largely Australian-born, at 78.5% of residents, with 6.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (30.1%) and Australian (27.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Thorneside is below the national average, with 78.5% of the population born in Australia, 89.8% holding citizenship, and 93.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 48.1% of residents, compared to 47.8% in Greater Brisbane. In terms of parent country of birth, the three most common ancestries are English (30.1%), Australian (27.9%), and Irish (9.1%). Certain ethnic backgrounds show different concentrations compared to the wider region: New Zealanders account for 1.2% of Thorneside (compared to 1.0% regionally), Russians account for 0.6% (compared to 0.3%), and Germans account for 5.0% (compared to 4.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Thorneside is 41. 21.8% 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
The median age of 41 in Thorneside is higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and slightly higher than the national median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, there is a higher concentration of residents in the 65 - 74 bracket (11.4%), and a lower share in the 25 - 34 bracket (10.2%). Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 5.2% to 8.1% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group grew from 9.2% to 11.7%. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 age group fell from 12.4% to 10.2% and the 55 to 64 group declined from 13.3% to 11.4%.
Demographic models project significant shifts in Thorneside's age structure by 2041, with the 85+ cohort expected to grow by 182 people (168%) from 108 to 291. The 65+ age cohorts are projected to account for 93% of overall population growth, pointing to an aging demographic, while the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 groups are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Thorneside
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 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) | May 2026 3 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 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 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,877 at the 2021 Census → 4,020 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 May 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 (301011005). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.