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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Theodore (ACT) has an estimated 3,726 residents, down from 3,798 at the 2021 Census — a change of 72 people, or 1.9%. That puts 1,187 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
Based on demographic assessments by AreaSearch utilizing ABS population data releases and validated residential addresses, the suburb of Theodore (ACT) has an estimated population of 3,726 as of May 2026. This indicates a contraction of 72 people (1.9%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented 3,798 residents. This population shift is calculated from the estimated resident figure of 3,726, derived by AreaSearch from the ABS Estimated Resident Population data release of June 2025 alongside 5 validated new addresses added since the Census. With this population level, the local density ratio stands at 1,186 persons per square kilometer, aligned with average densities observed by AreaSearch across similar areas.
Local demographic growth during recent cycles was mostly underpinned by natural increase, which generated approximately 74.0% of all population increases. AreaSearch implements demographic projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 regions, utilizing 2022 as the baseline year as published in 2024. For SA2 territories lacking this coverage, and for all years beyond 2032, growth rates by age bracket from the ACT Government's SA2 projections (2022 baseline) are applied. Future projections for the suburb of Theodore (ACT) indicate a downward trajectory, with the resident count expected to shrink by 190 persons by 2041 under this framework. Despite the overall contraction, specific age segments are set to rise, particularly the 65 to 74 demographic, which is projected to grow by 86 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
AreaSearch research into ABS building consent figures allocated to local levels reveals that Theodore has registered an average of approximately 1 new home approval annually, culminating in 7 residential approvals over the preceding 5 financial years. Thus far during FY-26, 1 approval has been logged. Because local population levels have dropped, housing delivery has remained sufficient to meet demand, supporting an orderly market with ample choices for buyers, while newly constructed dwellings carry an average estimated value of $329,000, which is higher than the regional baseline and points to high-quality projects.
Furthermore, commercial building approvals of $481,000 have been logged during this financial year, suggesting minor commercial construction projects. In comparison to the broader Australian Capital Territory, Theodore exhibits constrained construction volumes, falling 84.0% below the regional per capita benchmark. This limited building pipeline generally underpins demand and supports valuations for established properties. This rate also sits below the national average, reflecting local market maturity and potential physical limits on new construction. Standalone houses accounted for the entirety of new building approvals, maintaining the low-density residential character of the area and appealing to buyers seeking large properties. Recording 3727 people for each dwelling approval, the local property market is highly mature. Given that population forecasts point to steady or shrinking resident numbers, Theodore is likely to see reduced demand for housing, creating advantageous purchasing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Theodore (ACT)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 10 current infrastructure and development projects close to Theodore (ACT), worth an estimated $1.93 billion. 1 are already under construction and 3 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and telecommunications. 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 transport systems, regional planning, and construction initiatives play a central role in shaping local performance. AreaSearch has identified 4 key projects likely to influence the local area. The primary developments include the Banks Gateway Estate, the Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, the Calwell Public Housing Development, and the EV Fast Charging Infrastructure - Calwell situated at the Calwell Shopping Centre, with the details of the most significant projects outlined below.
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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
Banks Gateway Estate
New residential subdivision by the Suburban Land Agency delivering approximately 220 new homes in Banks, directly adjacent to northern Gordon and within the same primary school catchment. The project is focused on creating a thriving local community.
Calwell Retirement Living Precinct
A retirement living precinct proposal by KBDC, featuring 30 one-storey townhouses alongside the Calwell shopping strip.
Tuggeranong Multi-Unit Development - Gordon
Multiple 24-unit developments and supportive housing projects including six single storey supportive housing dwellings with carports, and childcare centre construction for 90 places.
EV Fast Charging Infrastructure - Calwell (Calwell Shopping Centre)
Public DC fast EV charging delivered at Calwell Shopping Centre and operated by Evie Networks, supported by ACT Government grants and ARENA funding to expand Canberra's charging network.
Calwell Public Housing Development
30 new public housing townhouses (2 and 3 bedroom) built to Class C Adaptable standards. Features evaporative heating/cooling, 6-star energy rating hot water systems, double-glazed windows, and sustainable design.
Lanyon Marketplace Improvements
Public space improvements completed in late 2023 at Lanyon Marketplace in Conder. The project, led by the ACT Government, included new seating and landscaping, improved pedestrian access (paths, pram ramps, safe crossings), a new raised intersection at Balcombe and Sidney Nolan Streets, and additional parking spaces on Sidney Nolan Street. The original record's mention of new Coles/Aldi/specialty stores appears to refer to an expected private sector expansion/refurbishment or is based on speculation, as the public works completed focused on the community space and access, with the Marketplace being anchored by Woolworths and 18 specialty shops.There is an ALDI store located at 9 Sidney Nolan Street nearby.
Calwell Group Centre improvements
Public space upgrades at local shops including new seating, playground with nature play elements, accessible parking bays, improved pedestrian access, upgraded lighting, and enhanced landscaping. Features nest swing, trampolines, slide, steppers and new shade sail.
Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong
Proposed southern extension of the Canberra light rail network connecting Woden Town Centre to Tuggeranong Town Centre via the Athllon Drive corridor. Recent 2026 updates indicate the ACT Government is developing a transit-oriented development (ToD) plan for the Athllon Drive corridor, with conceptual integrated bus and light rail network options for Canberra South expected by June 2026. The project remains part of the long-term City-wide Light Rail Network plan to support a population of 500,000.
2,183 residents of Theodore (ACT) are employed, from a labour force of 2,328. Unemployment sits at 6.2%, with participation at 75.8%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,659, about 71% 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
The local workforce contains a high proportion of skilled professionals alongside robust employment in essential services, with an unemployment rate of 6.2% and consistent employment levels over the prior year, based on AreaSearch aggregations of local statistical boundaries. As of March 2026, there are 2,183 employed residents, which places the local unemployment rate 2.2% above the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, while the participation rate is high at 75.8% compared to the territory average of 70.8%. According to Census records, a minor 9.4% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic lockdowns.
The primary sectors employing local residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. The community displays a pronounced concentration of workers in construction, with representation levels reaching 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical roles are underrepresented, accounting for 6.7% of local workers compared to 11.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. The heavily residential nature of the suburb appears to support few local jobs, judging by the comparison of resident workers against the local workplace population. According to AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS statistics for broader areas, the year leading to March 2026 saw employment expand by 0.1% and the total labor force increase by 1.1%, leading to a rise in the unemployment rate of 1.0 percentage points. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment growth of 0.3%, labor force growth of 1.1%, and an increase in the unemployment rate of 0.7 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia issued in May-25 offer additional perspective on potential future labor demand in the area. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, employment is anticipated to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though actual growth rates vary considerably by sector. Applying these industry-specific trends to the local employment structure suggests that local employment will grow by 6.2% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, based on a basic weighted projection that does not factor in local population adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Theodore (ACT) is $2,588 a week (about $135,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,195 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $70,556 a year against an average of $78,196. 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 tax data from the ATO compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, local incomes are positioned exceptionally high on a national scale. The median taxpayer income is $70,556 and the average income is $78,196, compared to Australian Capital Territory averages of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index expansion of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current income estimates for March 2026 are approximately $77,922 for the median and $86,360 for the average. Census records show household, family, and individual incomes are all highly ranked, placing in the 90th to 92nd percentiles nationally.
The largest income bracket contains 34.7% of residents (1,292 people) earning weekly incomes between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the regional trend of 34.3%. High-income earners constitute a large portion of the population, with 40.8% bringing in more than $3,000 weekly, highlighting strong local purchasing power. Residents retain 87.0% of their earnings after servicing housing costs, and the local SEIFA income score falls into the 7th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Theodore (ACT) had 1,320 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 95% detached houses and 0% apartments. 56% are owned with a mortgage, 18% rented and 26% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $430 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,002 a month, a total housing cost higher than 78% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 16.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 17.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The residential structure of the local market, as recorded in the last Census, consisted of 95.1% standalone houses and 4.9% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling types, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory profile of 63.3% houses and 36.7% alternative dwellings. The home ownership rate was equivalent to the territory benchmark at 26.1%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (55.7%) or occupied by tenants (18.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,002 sat below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080, while the median weekly rent was $430 compared to the territory average of $450.
On a national level, local mortgage costs exceed the Australian median of $1,863, and typical rents are well above the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Theodore (ACT) counted 1,320 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.8 people each. 40% are couples with children, more than in 80% of areas nationally, against 26% couples without children. 18% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of households at 79.6%, consisting of couples with children at 40.4%, couples without children at 25.5%, and single parent households at 12.9%. Non-family households account for the remaining 20.4%, with single-person households at 18.4% and group living situations at 2.0%. The median household occupancy of 2.8 persons is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
24.8% of adults in Theodore (ACT) hold a university qualification, including 16.3% with a bachelor degree and 5.8% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 23.0% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 212 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 998 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
The local area presents educational differences compared to the wider region, with university degree completion rates of 24.8% falling well below the SA4 regional average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%. Vocational qualifications are prominent, with 36.1% of residents aged 15 and over holding technical credentials, including advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 23.0%. Educational enrollment rates are high, with 28.1% of the population engaged in formal study. This comprises 9.5% enrolled in primary schools, 8.0% in high schools, and 4.2% attending tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Theodore (ACT) reaches 18 stops on 47 routes, timetabled for about 2,900 services a week. The typical home sits about 230 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.8 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 transit options shows 18 operational public transport stops within the local area, served by a mix of buses. These boarding points accommodate 47 separate routes, which together provide 2,850 passenger journeys each week. Local transit connectivity is favorable, with residents living an average of 226 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential character of the neighborhood, the majority of workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 96%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.8 cars, exceeding the territory average. A small portion of residents, representing 9.4%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related operating models.
Service schedules average 407 journeys per day across all transit routes, representing roughly 158 weekly departures from each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.3% of residents in Theodore (ACT) report no long-term health condition. 4.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 58.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health statistics demonstrate positive trends, with AreaSearch research on mortality rates and medical conditions showing outcomes aligned with national averages, normal occurrences of health conditions across different age brackets, and private health coverage spanning approximately 58% of the population (~2,164 people). This compares to a coverage rate of 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. The most prevalent health issues recorded among residents were mental health conditions and asthma, affecting 10.2% and 9.8% of the population respectively, while 67.3% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.
Elevated rates of chronic illness are present among working-age individuals. Residents aged 65 and over constitute 14.7% of the population (547 people). Health profiles for older residents are strong, with national indicators exceeding those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Theodore (ACT) is largely Australian-born, at 81.9% of residents, with 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (28.2%) and English (26.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The local population displays levels of cultural diversity that align closely with regional averages, with 81.9% of residents born in Australia, 94.2% holding citizenship, and 86.9% using only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 46.1% of the community. The most distinct relative concentration is seen in Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of residents, matching the 0.2% rate for the Australian Capital Territory. Looking at ancestral background, the three most common heritages are Australian at 28.2% of the population (exceeding the regional average of 23.0%), English at 26.4%, and Irish at 8.6%.
There are also distinct concentrations of other ancestral backgrounds, with Hungarian ancestry accounting for 0.4% of residents (compared to 0.3% regionally), Dutch at 1.9% (compared to 1.3%), and Croatian at 1.0% (compared to 0.9%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Theodore (ACT) is 36. 28.2% 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 local residents is 36 years, closely matching the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 years and sitting slightly below the national figure of 38 years. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, there is a larger proportion of residents aged 55 - 64 (14.1%) but a smaller share of young adults aged 25 - 34 (14.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 grew from 6.9% to 10.5%, and the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from 2.1% to 3.2%. By contrast, children aged 5 to 14 fell from 13.1% to 10.9%, and residents aged 45 to 54 declined from 14.2% to 12.3%.
Projections for the year 2041 point to significant changes, with the 65 to 74 cohort expected to grow by 16%, adding 62 residents to reach a total of 454. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to account for all population growth, highlighting local aging patterns, while demographic declines are forecast for the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Theodore (ACT)
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 Suburb (SAL) 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 (3,798 at the 2021 Census → 3,726 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 (SAL80124). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.