Area profile · Greater Brisbane
Thornlands has an estimated 22,132 residents, up 14.9% since the 2021 Census, with 6 projects tracked in Thornlands.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
The Thornlands Statistical Area (Lv2) is located 26 kilometres east-southeast from Brisbane CBD. AreaSearch estimates its population at around 22,132 as of Aug 2026, an increase of 2,869 people (14.9%) since the 2021 Census count of 19,263 people. The estimate draws on the ABS estimated resident population of 21,863 as of June 2025 and 526 validated new addresses since the Census date. Thornlands has a median age of 36 and is characterised by family households, including a notable share of married families and couples with children. Its population is growing strongly, and the area also has an above-average household size and median household income.
The local profile includes strong representation of mortgage holders, a notable proportion of residents aged 15 to 24yo, and an elevated construction employment base. Residents enjoy high income levels, while the area’s natural beauty, coastal ambience, parks, nature reserves, shopping centres, cafes, restaurants, schools and recreational opportunities contribute to its appeal for families and individuals seeking a relaxed lifestyle.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 7,544 in 2001 and 21,863 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 22,132 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 15 to 24, 14.6%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 36.9%.
Thornlands ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for employment drivers and the 92nd for development activity.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Thornlands is $723 a week, up 5.9% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 15% above Greater Brisbane.
15% above Greater Brisbane on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $473 in 2017, $753 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $192 in 2018, $268 in 2023. A break means no rent was reported that year. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Some rents are estimated from nearby areas.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $723 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +5.9% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, houses | $753 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +5.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Cleveland - Stradbroke | $697 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent, Cleveland - Stradbroke, over 12 months | +6.1% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Brisbane - East | $691 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Brisbane - East, over 12 months | +5.2% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Greater Brisbane | $627 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Brisbane, over 12 months | +7.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, QLD | $632 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, QLD, over 12 months | +7.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 25 tracked applications: 23 approved, 1 under assessment, 1 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
Add retailers, health, schools and development applications around Thornlands, then export the list.
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AreaSearch tracks 6 projects in Thornlands (1 under construction) and 76 more in the surrounding area.
Approval granted following a Planning and Environment Court appeal for a relocatable home park and retirement community.
Ausbuild development comprising 122 townhouses across various layout configurations within the Kinross Road Declared Master Planned Area.
An Olympic-standard whitewater facility located within the 62-hectare Birkdale Community Precinct.
Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads is delivering a $110 million package to upgrade Cleveland-Redland Bay Road.
A completed Coles-anchored neighbourhood shopping centre with 8,000sqm GFA featuring specialty stores, dining options, medical facilities…
Master-planned health precinct centred on Redland Hospital and Mater Private Hospital Redland in Cleveland.
Masterplanned residential estate by Urbex comprising 295 homesites across approximately 25 hectares at Victoria Point.
A multi-stage expansion of Redland Hospital to enhance healthcare capacity on the Redlands Coast.
A luxury five-storey vertical aged care community featuring 186 beds and premium suites.
Woodbury Estate, developed and built by Fiteni Homes, is a master-planned community spanning 80 hectares to the west of Victoria Point.
Expansion and upgrade of the Queensland Government's Redlands Research Facility, including laboratory, controlled-environment glasshouse…
As of April 2026, Walker Corporation has officially withdrawn as the development partner for the Toondah Harbour PDA, ending a decade-long…
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 47 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 4, 2026 12, 2027 9, 2028 10, 2029 1, 2030 6, 2031 0, 2032 2, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 3. 9 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 25 substantial development applications lodged in and around Thornlands over the period covered (about 4.4 years), 4 in the last 12 months; 1 is recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2022 (part year) 10, 2023 6, 2024 3, 2025 3, 2026 (to Oct) 3.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 25 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, period covered (about 4.4 years) | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 4 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 5.3 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 64th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 108 | ABS building approvals | 81st percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 23 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, period covered (about 4.4 years) | |
| Applications under assessment | 1 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, period covered (about 4.4 years) |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Thornlands SA2 include: Retirement Facility - Redland Bay Road (Approved); Paradise Garden Shopping Village (Completed); Redlands Health and Wellness Precinct (Construction); Cleveland-Redland Bay Road Upgrade (Construction); and Wellington Street / Panorama Drive Road Upgrade Program (Completed). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the Thornlands SA2 spans multiple sectors including Transport & Logistics, Health & Medical, and Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, among others.
Infrastructure development activity impacting the Thornlands SA2 currently ranks below national averages at the 35th percentile.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking places residential development activity in Thornlands higher than 92% of real estate markets across the country.
Dwelling approval activity in the Thornlands SA2 area has seen 228 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Thornlands SA2's current population of 22,132 has been supported by 108 approvals on average over recent years.
The Thornlands SA2 has seen 5.3 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 8.1 approval in Greater Brisbane. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 190 people in the Thornlands SA2, compared to one for every 117 in Greater Brisbane.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Thornlands SA2's approval levels have been below the yearly average of 108, indicating a recent decline in approval activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the Thornlands SA2 has grown by approximately 3,065 people, while 539 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 5.7 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Thornlands lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,132 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +14.9% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Population density | 1,022 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 52nd percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +3.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +4.2% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 19,263 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 2,869 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +2.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +1.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 21.65 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Thornlands SA2 was estimated to be approximately 22,132 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 21,863 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The thornlands sa2 has added approximately 2,869 people and shown a 14.89% increase from the 19,263 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Thornlands SA2 is estimated at 1,022 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Thornlands SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 4.2% per annum.
Population growth in the Thornlands SA2 is driven by: Interstate migration (47.1%), Overseas migration (37.3%), Natural increase (15.6%). The primary driver is Interstate migration, contributing 47.1% of overall population gains.
Thornlands's population is slightly younger than the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 36 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 27th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 15.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 20.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 25.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 50.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 36 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 5.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 14.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 14.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 10.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 14.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 13.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 11.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 8.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 5.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 1.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Thornlands SA2 at 36 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 36 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 36 years as at August 2026, Thornlands is equal to the Greater Brisbane 2021 Census average and 2 years younger than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Thornlands SA2 compared to the Greater Brisbane region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 14.4% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Thornlands SA2 compared to the Greater Brisbane region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 10.9% of the population.
No, the age distribution in the Thornlands SA2 is broadly in line with Greater Brisbane.
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 20.0% of the population in the Thornlands SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 15.3% of the population in the Thornlands SA2 as at August 2026.
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 80% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $65,739 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 74th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $79,226 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $2,218 | 2021 Census, weekly | 79th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $920 | 2021 Census, weekly | 70th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 31.3% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,378 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 14.2% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Thornlands SA2 is approximately $70,413. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $65,739.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Thornlands SA2 is approximately $84,859. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $79,226.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Thornlands SA2 is approximately $70,413 compared to $66,053 in Greater Brisbane. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $65,739 and $61,668 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Thornlands SA2 is approximately $84,859 compared to $82,596 in Greater Brisbane. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $79,226 and $77,113 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Thornlands SA2's households (~36.8% / 2,360 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Thornlands SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 36.8% of households. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 33.3% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Thornlands SA2 is $2,218/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Thornlands SA2 is $2,378/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Thornlands SA2 is $920/wk.
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-24 reveals that income in the Thornlands SA2 is well above average nationally, with the median assessed at $65,739 while the average income stands at $79,226. This contrasts to Greater Brisbane's figures of a median income of $61,668 and an average income of $77,113. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 7.11% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $70,413 (median) and $84,859 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Thornlands SA2 is $8,030 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The thornlands sa2's disposable income is $8,030 compared to $6,725 for Greater Brisbane, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Employment conditions in Thornlands rank among the top 5% of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 78.1% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 13,526 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 16,825 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 13,822 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Thornlands SA2 has approximately 13,526 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 2.1%. This very low unemployment rate indicates a tight labour market with strong demand for workers. The area ranks in the top 25% nationally for employment performance, indicating a robust job market.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Thornlands SA2 stands at 2.1%, which is 2.3 percentage points below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.5%. This lower unemployment rate suggests stronger local employment conditions. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Thornlands SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (16.0% of employment), construction (13.0%), and retail trade (10.5%). Other significant employers include education & training and manufacturing.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Thornlands SA2 has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the Thornlands SA2 is 78.1%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This high participation rate indicates strong workforce engagement and economic vitality. The local rate leading the Greater Brisbane average of 70.1%, indicating stronger workforce attachment in the local area.
The thornlands sa2 shows notable specialisation in construction, which employs 13.0% of the local workforce compared to 9.0% across Greater Brisbane. This moderate specialisation indicates some local strength in the sector.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The thornlands sa2's employment market shows strong performance nationally, ranking in the top 25% of areas assessed by AreaSearch. This indicates robust employment conditions and economic vitality compared to other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 2.9% decline, ranking 29th out of 37 regions nationally.
The educational profile of Thornlands ranks above average relative to locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and academic performance metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 15.5% | 2021 Census | 44th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 4.0% | 2021 Census | 41st percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 21.9% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 28.2% | 2021 Census | 61st percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 2.4% | 2021 Census | 49th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 13.8% | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 36.3% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 30.4% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 4.6% | 2021 Census | 51st percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 10.5% | 2021 Census | 56th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 9.8% | 2021 Census | 86th percentile nationally |
21.9% of people aged 15 and over in the Thornlands SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 30.5% in Greater Brisbane.
36.3% of people aged 15 and over in the Thornlands SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.8% in Greater Brisbane.
The thornlands sa2 ranks in the 62th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Thornlands SA2 are: Certificate (28.2%), Bachelor Degree (15.5%), Advanced Diploma (13.8%).
30.4% of the population in the Thornlands SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 10.5% in primary school, 9.8% in secondary school, 4.6% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Thornlands SA2 is 1029, indicating average socio-educational advantage (national average is 1000).
There are 5 schools within the Thornlands SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 2,993 students.
The thornlands sa2 includes 2 primary schools, 2 secondary schools, 1 combined school.
Thornlands features high concentrations of family households and couples with children but relatively few lone person households, with a larger average household size than Greater Brisbane.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.9 people | 2021 Census | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 13.9% | 2021 Census | 9th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 43.3% | 2021 Census | 86th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 28.0% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 12.0% | 2021 Census | 66th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 1.9% | 2021 Census | 21st percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 6,408 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 7,362 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 84.2% | 2021 Census | 91st percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.7 per family | 2021 Census | 53rd percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Thornlands SA2 had 6,408 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 14.9% to an estimated 7,362 households today.
The average household size in the Thornlands SA2 is 2.9 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Brisbane and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 84.2% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (13.9%), group households (1.9%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 5,396 family households, couples with children account for 43.3% of all households, couples without children at home 28.0%, and single parent families 12.0%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Brisbane, the Thornlands SA2 shows distinct household patterns. Family households are notably over-represented at 84.2% (versus 71.7% in Greater Brisbane). Conversely, lone person households are under-represented at 13.9% compared to 23.6% in Greater Brisbane. This family-oriented profile influences local demand for family homes, schools, and children's services.
Families in the Thornlands SA2 have an average of 1.7 children, slightly above the Greater Brisbane average of 1.5. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 52.7% of the adult population are currently married, while 32.5% have never married. This compares to 45.0% married and 38.4% never married across Greater Brisbane.
Single-person households represent 13.9% of all households in the Thornlands SA2, notably lower than the average for Greater Brisbane of 23.6%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 1.9% of households, below the Greater Brisbane average of 4.7%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
In terms of cultural diversity, Thornlands records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 26.3% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 9.2% | 2021 Census | 40th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 90.8% | 2021 Census | 60th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 88.5% | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 73.7% | 2021 Census | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 1.7% | 2021 Census | 55th percentile nationally |
Thornlands was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 9.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.3% born overseas.
The main religion in Thornlands was found to be Christianity, which makes up 52.4% of people in Thornlands. This compares to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Thornlands are English, comprising 31.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than Greater Brisbane's 26.8%, Australian, comprising 25.4% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.3% of Thornlands (vs 1.0% across Greater Brisbane), South African at 1.2% (vs 0.6%) and Maori at 1.1% (vs 1.1%).
26.3% of the Thornlands SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 28.5% across Greater Brisbane.
9.2% of the population in the Thornlands SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 18.7% in Greater Brisbane.
1.7% of the Thornlands SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 2.1% in Greater Brisbane.
88.5% of the Thornlands SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 83.6% in Greater Brisbane.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Thornlands is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to Greater Brisbane.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 26.6% | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 25.3% | 2021 Census | 25th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 87.4% | 2021 Census | 55th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $2,167 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 76th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 48.0% | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 11.6% | 2021 Census | 62nd percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $470 | 2021 Census, weekly | 85th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 21.2% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 55th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 22.5% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 35th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.7 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 12th percentile nationally |
In the Thornlands SA2, 25.3% of homes are owned outright, 48.0% are owned with a mortgage, and 26.6% are rented.
According to the latest data, 87.4% of dwellings in the Thornlands SA2 are houses.
In the Thornlands SA2, 1.0% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 11.6% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Thornlands SA2 stands at 25.3%, compared to 26.7% in Greater Brisbane.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Thornlands SA2 is $2,167, compared to $1,863 in Greater Brisbane.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Thornlands SA2 is $1,581, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Thornlands SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 22.5% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 21.2% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Thornlands SA2 is 0.7, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Thornlands SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 22.5% of income on repayments (vs 23.3% in Greater Brisbane), while renters spend 21.2% of income on rent (vs 20.6% in Greater Brisbane).
The dwelling mix in the Thornlands SA2 consists of 87.4% detached houses, 11.6% semi-detached dwellings, 1.0% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Thornlands consumes approximately 16.5% of median household income ($9,604 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Thornlands show attached dwellings contributing 51% of approvals compared to 13% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 49% of applications versus 87% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. Housing density growth is around the national average.
Health in Thornlands: private health cover 56.5%, no long-term health condition 71.1%.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 56.5% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 66th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 71.1% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 5.1% | 2021 Census | 45th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 77.2% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 1.0% | 2021 Census | 38th percentile nationally |
Around 56.5% of people in the Thornlands SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 56.1% in Greater Brisbane.
In the Thornlands SA2, 5.1% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 5.7% of people in Greater Brisbane require similar assistance.
8.0% of people in the Thornlands SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.0% of the population across Greater Brisbane is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 3.3% of the Thornlands SA2 population, while in Greater Brisbane, 4.0% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.2% of people in the Thornlands SA2 have heart disease. Across Greater Brisbane,3.5% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Thornlands SA2, 56.5% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Brisbane sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 56.1%.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 702 m away and the nearest school 869 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 26 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 26th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 702 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 869 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 994 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest pharmacy | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 1.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 2.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 2.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 3.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 3.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 3.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 5 long day care centres with 462 places in Thornlands, about 2.7 children aged 0-4 per place.
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05Reports and tools
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06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking places residential development activity in Thornlands higher than 92% of real estate markets across the country.
Thornlands has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35th percentile nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in Thornlands is $723 a week, +5.9% over 12 months to Jun 2026.
Thornlands lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
Thornlands's population is slightly younger than the national pattern.
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 80% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
Employment conditions in Thornlands rank among the top 5% of areas assessed nationally.
The educational profile of Thornlands ranks above average relative to locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and academic performance metrics.
Thornlands features high concentrations of family households and couples with children but relatively few lone person households, with a larger average household size than Greater Brisbane.
In terms of cultural diversity, Thornlands records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
Thornlands is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to Greater Brisbane.
Health in Thornlands: private health cover 56.5%, no long-term health condition 71.1%.
Transport in Thornlands: transport access 10/100.
Amenity provision was found to be below the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Thornlands has an estimated 22,132 residents, up 14.9% since the 2021 Census, with 6 projects tracked in Thornlands.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Thornlands.
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Sep 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (301021012). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Sep 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Thornlands from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Thornlands with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 10 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 10th percentile nationally |
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.9 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 17.2% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.