Theodore (ACT)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Theodore, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Theodore's population is estimated at around 3726 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 72 people (1.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3798 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3726, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1186 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Theodore experienced a 1.9% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 0.2% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb of Theodore's population expected to contract by 199 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to expand by 101 people.

The level of residential development activity in Theodore is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Theodore has averaged around one new dwelling approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, an estimated seven homes were approved, with no approvals so far in FY26. The population decline over this period suggests that new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $329,000. This financial year, there have also been commercial approvals valued at $481,000, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Theodore records markedly lower building activity, 84.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

Theodore has approximately 3740 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. With population projections showing stability or decline, Theodore should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Theodore has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to impact the region. Notable projects include Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and EV Fast Charging Infrastructure - Calwell (Calwell Shopping Centre). The following details these key projects:.

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.

Theodore has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Theodore has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, Theodore has 2,236 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 7.9% compared to Australian Capital Territory's 3.4%. Workforce participation is 74.6%, slightly higher than Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction, with the latter being particularly notable at 1.6 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented, comprising only 6.7% of Theodore's workforce compared to Australian Capital Territory's 11.1%.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 1.9% and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth in Theodore at 6.2% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Theodore's current employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Theodore's median income among taxpayers was $70,556 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $78,196 during the same period. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had a median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Theodore would be approximately $80,152 (median) and $88,831 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Theodore rank highly nationally, between the 90th and 92nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 34.7% of Theodore's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, with a substantial proportion of high earners (40.8%) above $3,000 per week. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Theodore is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Theodore's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.1% houses and 4.9% other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Theodore was at 26.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 55.7% and rented ones at 18.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,002, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $425. Nationally, Theodore's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 79.6% of all households, including 40.4% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 20.4%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Theodore aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 24.8%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (23.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education. Theodore Primary School serves the local educational needs within Theodore, with an enrollment of 212 students as of a recent report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with ICSEA score of 998, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. Secondary options are available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited, with 5.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.9, resulting in many families traveling to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Theodore has 18 operational public transport stops, serving a variety of bus routes. These stops are covered by three distinct routes, offering a total of 356 passenger trips weekly. The accessibility of these services is deemed good, with residents generally residing around 226 meters from the closest stop.

On average, each route provides about 50 daily trips, translating to roughly 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Theodore's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Theodore residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with common conditions evenly distributed across age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 58%, covering 2,164 people. Mental health issues and asthma are most prevalent, affecting 10.2% and 9.8% respectively. 67.3% report no medical ailments, compared to the ACT average of 66.1%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65+, at 14.1% (525 people), versus the ACT's 17.6%. Despite this, Theodore's senior health outcomes are strong and outperform general population metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Theodore records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Theodore's cultural diversity aligns with the broader regional average. 81.9% of its residents were born in Australia, 94.2% are citizens, and 86.9% speak English exclusively at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 46.1% of Theodore's population.

While Judaism represents only 0.2%, this figure is double that of the Australian Capital Territory average (0.1%). The top three ancestry groups in Theodore are Australian (28.2%), English (26.4%), and Irish (8.6%). Notable disparities exist for Hungarian, Dutch, and Croatian ethnicities: Hungarians comprise 0.4% compared to the regional 0.3%, Dutch make up 1.9% versus 1.4%, and Croatians represent 1.0% against the regional 0.8%.

Theodore's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Theodore's median age is nearly 36 years, closely matching the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Theodore has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (13.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 65-74 has grown from 6.9% to 10.1%, while the proportion of residents aged 5-14 has declined from 13.1% to 11.3%. The percentage of residents aged 55-64 has also decreased, from 15.0% to 13.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Theodore. The 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 22%, adding 83 residents to reach a total of 460. This growth will be driven entirely by the senior resident population aged 65 and above, highlighting trends towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 age group and the 0-4 age cohort.