Theodore (ACT)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Theodore's population is estimated at around 3726 as of November 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 0.1% 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 2022 as the base year. 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 Theodore (ACT) statistical area (Lv2)'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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Theodore averaged approximately one new dwelling approval per year. Between financial years 2021 (FY-21) and 2025 (FY-25), an estimated seven homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. Despite population decline during this period, new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes was $329,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year (FY-26), there have been $481,000 in commercial approvals, demonstrating Theodore's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Theodore records significantly lower building activity, 84.0% below the regional average per person. 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 Theodore's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The location has approximately 3740 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. With population projections showing stability or decline, housing demand pressures in Theodore are expected to remain reduced, benefiting potential buyers.

Theodore has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects potentially impacting this region. Notable projects are Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and EV Fast Charging Infrastructure - Calwell (Calwell Shopping Centre). The following details those most 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.

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

Theodore has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.0%, showing relative stability over the past year according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, Theodore has 2,176 residents employed while its unemployment rate stands at 2.4% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation is comparable (74.6% vs ACT's 69.6%). Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction, with a notable concentration in construction at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services are under-represented at 6.7%, compared to ACT's 11.1%.

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to September 2025, Theodore's employment remained unchanged while labour force increased by 0.8%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, ACT saw employment grow by 1.4% and a 0.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows ACT's employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Theodore's employment mix suggests local job growth of 6.2% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Theodore has an income level significantly higher than the national average, based on the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch. The median income among taxpayers in Theodore for financial year 2023 was $70,556, with an average income of $78,196. This compares to figures for the Australian Capital Territory of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $77,089 and the average income around $85,437, factoring in a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.26% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census data, incomes in Theodore rank highly nationally, with household, family, and personal incomes all falling between the 90th and 92nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 34.7% of Theodore's population (1,292 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader regional trends at 34.3%. Notably, 40.8% of residents have incomes above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the suburb. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it within 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 others. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's dwelling composition of 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Theodore was at 26.1%, with mortgaged properties making up 55.7% and rented dwellings accounting for 18.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Theodore was $2,002, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Theodore was recorded at $430, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figure of $425. Nationally, Theodore's median monthly mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is 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's university qualification rate is 24.8%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (23.0%). Educational participation is high at 28.1%, with 9.5% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Theodore has 18 operational public transport stops. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 47. They facilitate 2,850 weekly passenger trips combined.

The transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 226 meters from the nearest stop. All routes combined run approximately 407 trips daily, equating to about 158 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's health data shows positive outcomes with common conditions seen across both young and old residents.

Private health cover is high at approximately 58%, covering around 2,164 people. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 10.2% and 9.8% respectively. About 67.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.1% in Australian Capital Territory. The area has 14.1% seniors (525 people), lower than the 17.6% in Australian Capital Territory. Senior health outcomes are strong, outperforming 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 was found to align with the broader regional average. 81.9% of its population were born in Australia, 94.2% held citizenship, and 86.9% spoke English exclusively at home. Christianity dominated Theodore's religious landscape, comprising 46.1%.

However, Judaism stood out as overrepresented, making up 0.2% compared to the region's 0.1%. The top three parental ancestry groups were Australian (28.2%), English (26.4%), and Irish (8.6%). Notable disparities existed in Hungarian (0.4% vs regional 0.3%), Dutch (1.9% vs 1.4%), and Croatian (1.0% vs 0.8%) representation.

Theodore's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Theodore's median age is nearly 36 years, close to the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but younger than Australia's 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 to 74 has grown from 6.9% to 10.1%, while the proportion of those aged 5 to 14 has declined from 13.1% to 11.3%. The percentage of residents aged 55 to 64 has also dropped, from 15.0% to 13.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Theodore. The 65 to 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 (65+) cohort, reflecting broader demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.