Thornlands

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

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation for the broader area, the suburb of Thornlands had an estimated population of around 22,025 as of May 2026. This figure represents a rise of 2,762 people (14.3%) since the 2021 Census count of 19,263 residents. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 21,863 in June 2025, along with an additional 424 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,017 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages observed across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Thornlands' growth rate since the 2021 Census (14.3%) surpassed both the SA4 region average (8.3%) and national figures, positioning it as a notable growth leader in the area. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as overseas migration and natural growth also contributing positively to this trend.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by these projections or years beyond 2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used; these were published in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, as state projections do not provide age category splits, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort when utilizing these state-level figures. Looking ahead with demographic trends, the suburb of Thornlands is projected to experience above median population growth among statistical areas analyzed by AreaSearch. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by an additional 3,159 persons, reflecting a total increase of 13.6% over the 16-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

Thornlands has recorded approximately 128 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 644 homes. As of FY-26, 72 approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.7 people move to the area for each dwelling built annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpacing supply. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $397,000.

In FY-26, commercial approvals have reached $9.6 million. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Thornlands records around 67% of building activity per person and ranks in the 72nd percentile nationally. Currently, 68.0% of new building activity comprises standalone homes, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments making up the remaining 32.0%. This shift reflects reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands.

Thornlands has approximately 180 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates suggest Thornlands will grow by 2,997 residents. If current development patterns continue, new housing supply should meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond projections.

Thornlands has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 14 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable ones include Retirement Facility - Redland Bay Road, Paradise Garden Shopping Village, Cleveland-Redland Bay Road Duplication, 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Thornlands places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Thornlands has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in Thornlands is 1.8%, lower than the Greater Brisbane rate of 4.1%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.1%.

As of December 2025, there are 13,393 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 2.3% and workforce participation of 78.1%, higher than Greater Brisbane's rates of 69.6%. According to Census responses, 17.2% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction has notably high representation with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 6.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.1% while unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2% with a slight decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections vary significantly. Applying these projections to Thornlands' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Thornlands has a higher income level than the national average, according to AreaSearch data aggregated from the latest ATO figures for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Thornlands is $57,898, with an average income of $71,035. These figures compare to those for Greater Brisbane, which stand at $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $64,475 and the average income around $79,105 by March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Thornlands cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. The income distribution shows that 36.9% of residents (8,127 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, which mirrors regional levels at 33.3%. Notably, 31.3% of Thornlands' residents earn over $3,000 per week, indicating significant affluence that supports premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 16.5% of income in the suburb, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 77th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Thornlands' residential structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 87.4% houses and 12.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Thornlands was at 25.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.0% and rented ones at 26.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure for Thornlands was recorded at $470, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Thornlands' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise 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, 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

Thornlands' residents aged 15+ have lower university degree holders (21.9%) compared to Greater Brisbane (30.5%). Bachelor degrees are most common (15.5%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.0% of residents holding them - advanced diplomas at 13.8% and certificates at 28.2%. Educational participation is high, with 30.4% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.5% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Thornlands has 69 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 734 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as good, with residents on average being located 347 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outside Thornlands, primarily using cars (93%). On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling in Thornlands, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 17.2% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 104 trips per day, equating to approximately 10 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.

Mortality rates and health conditions in Thornlands are similar to national averages. Common health conditions are less prevalent among the general population compared to national figures but higher among older, at-risk residents. Approximately 55% (~12,190 people) have private health cover. The most common medical issues are mental health problems (8.1%) and asthma (8.0%). About 71.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. Thornlands has a senior population of 16.0%, totaling 3,524 people aged 65 and over. Health outcomes for seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher-than-average cultural diversity with 9.2% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 26.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 52.4%. Judaism, though small at 0.1%, was proportionately similar to Greater Brisbane's 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, English (31.8%) and Australian (25.4%) were the top groups, both higher than regional averages of 26.8% and 21.7% respectively. Scottish ancestry stood at 8.6%. Notable differences included New Zealand (1.3%, vs regional 1.0%), South Australian (1.2%, vs 0.6%) and Maori (1.1%, vs 1.1%).

Thornlands's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Thornlands' median age is 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group comprises 14.5%, higher than Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 10.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group grew from 4.2% to 5.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort decreased from 12.0% to 10.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Thornlands. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 854 people (28%), from 3,039 to 3,894. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 0-4 and 25-34 cohorts.