Thornlands
Statistical Area - sa2

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' population was approximately 21,783 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 2,520 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,263. The growth is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 21,476 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,006 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Thornlands' growth rate of 13.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region's 7.6% and the national average, making it a growth leader in the area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 52.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. Future population trends project an above median growth for the area, with an expected increase of 3,792 persons to 2041 based on latest population numbers, representing a total gain of 16.0% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Thornlands was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Thornlands averaged approximately 128 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 644 homes. As of FY-26, 53 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 5.7 new residents arrived per year per dwelling constructed. Commercial approvals in Thornlands totalled $9.6 million in the current financial year.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Thornlands has roughly two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 72nd percentile nationally for areas assessed. New development consists of 68.0% detached houses and 32.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments. This shift marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which are currently 87.0% houses. Thornlands reflects a developing area, with around 180 people per approval.

Population forecasts indicate Thornlands will gain approximately 3,485 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Thornlands has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could impact the region. Notable projects include Cleveland-Redland Bay Road Duplication, Retirement Facility - Redland Bay Road, Paradise Garden Shopping Village, and Wellington Street / Panorama Drive Road Upgrade Program. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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 conditions in Thornlands rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Thornlands has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 1.8% as of June 2025. This rate is below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

The area had an estimated employment growth of 4.3% in the past year. As of June 2025, 12,930 residents are employed, with a workforce participation rate of 70.3%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment levels are at 1.4 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence, with 6.5% employment compared to 8.9% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.3%, and labour force increased by 4.3%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.3%. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 4.4% and unemployment fell to 3.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest a potential local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Thornlands' employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 on Thornlands. The median income among taxpayers was $57,898 with an average of $71,035. This is above the national average and compares to Greater Brisbane's median of $55,645 and average of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $65,998 (median) and $80,973 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Thornlands cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 36.9% of residents (8,037 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket. This is similar to the surrounding region where 33.3% occupy this range. Thornlands demonstrates affluence with 31.3% earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 16.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 78th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Thornlands is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Thornlands' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 87.4% houses and 12.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Brisbane metro had 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Thornlands was 25.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.0% and rented ones at 26.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Brisbane metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent was $470, compared to Brisbane metro's $425. Nationally, Thornlands' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 84.2% of all households, including 43.3% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 15.8%, with lone person households at 13.9% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Educational qualifications in Thornlands lag behind regional benchmarks; 21.9% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Greater Brisbane's 30.5%. This indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 13.8% and certificates for 28.2%.

Educational participation is high at 30.4%, including 10.5% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education. Thornlands' five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,993 students as of the latest data available. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1029) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational mix includes two primary, two secondary, and one K-12 school. Note that where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus information.

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

Transport analysis in Thornlands shows 70 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that collectively facilitate 1,028 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically located 346 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 146 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Thornlands's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Thornlands' health data shows positive results overall.

The prevalence of common health conditions among its residents is relatively low compared to the general population but higher than the national average for older and at-risk groups. Approximately 55% (~11,980 people) have private health cover. Mental health issues affect 8.1% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.0%. About 71.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.6% in Greater Brisbane. Thornlands has 15.7% (3,413 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Brisbane's 25.3%. While health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population, they present some challenges.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Thornlands was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Thornlands, surveyed in June 2016, had 9.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Thornlands, with 52.4%, compared to 52.8% across Greater Brisbane, as per the 2016 Census. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.8%), Australian (25.4%), and Scottish (8.6%).

Notably, New Zealanders made up 1.3%, South Africans 1.2%, and Maori 1.1% of Thornlands' population, higher than the regional averages of 1.2%, 1.0%, and 0.9% respectively.

Thornlands's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Thornlands' median age is 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group comprises 14.4% of Thornlands' population compared to Greater Brisbane. The 25-34 age cohort makes up 10.7%. Between 2021 and the present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.2% to 5.4%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 12.0% to 10.7%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic shifts in Thornlands. The 45-54 age group is projected to increase by 897 people (30%), from 3,016 to 3,914. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will constitute 50% of total population growth, indicating an aging demographic trend. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.