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 of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Thornlands is around 21,795. This figure reflects an increase of 2,532 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,263. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 21,476 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data and 400 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,006 persons per square kilometer. Thornlands' growth rate of 13.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region's 8.3% and the national average, making it a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53.0% to 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. By 2041, an aggregated SA2-level projection indicates the suburb of Thornlands is expected to grow by 3,792 persons, reflecting a total increase of 15.9% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Thornlands recorded around 128 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 644 homes. So far in FY-26, 61 approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand outpacing supply. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $397,000, slightly above the regional average.

In FY-26, $9.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Thornlands records about 68% of building activity per person and places among the 72nd percentile nationally when measured against assessed areas. New building activity shows 68.0% standalone homes and 32.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a growing mix of housing types providing options across different price points. The location has approximately 180 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Looking ahead, Thornlands is expected to grow by 3,473 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure projects and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 14 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable among these are the Retirement Facility on Redland Bay Road, Paradise Garden Shopping Village, Cleveland-Redland Bay Road Duplication project, and Wellington Street / Panorama Drive Road Upgrade Program. The following list provides details of those projects deemed 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.

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

Thornlands has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.6% in September 2025, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.2%.

As of that date, 13,322 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 79.2%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. Home working accounted for 17.2% of jobs based on Census responses. Key industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with notable concentration in construction at 1.4 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services had lower representation at 6.5%, compared to the regional average of 8.9%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.2% and labour force grew by 6.0%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged at 2.4%. Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and a reduction in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Thornlands. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Thornlands' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Thornlands suburb has higher income levels than the national average, according to AreaSearch data from the ATO for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers is $57,898 and average income stands at $71,035. This compares with Greater Brisbane's figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates are approximately $63,636 (median) and $78,075 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Thornlands cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 36.9% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (8,042 people), mirroring regional levels where 33.3% occupy this bracket. 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 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' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.4% houses and 12.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 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 was $2,167, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,863. Median weekly rent was $470 compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Thornlands' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus 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 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

Thornlands' residents aged 15+ have lower university degree holders (21.9%) compared to Greater Brisbane's 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, including advanced diplomas (13.8%) and certificates (28.2%). Educational participation is high, with 30.4% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.5%), secondary (9.8%), and tertiary (4.6%).

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 serving buses. These are covered by 11 routes offering 734 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy good accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 347 meters to the nearest one. Most residents commute outward from this predominantly residential area, relying primarily on cars (93%). Vehicle ownership stands at 1.9 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 17.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

All routes combined provide an average of 104 trips per day, equating to about 10 weekly trips per 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, aligning with national mortality rates and common health conditions prevalence being relatively low among residents overall.

However, the prevalence of health issues is higher among elderly and at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Approximately 55% (~12,063 people) have private health cover, which is very high. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 8.1 and 8.0% of residents respectively. 71.1% of Thornlands' residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes for under-65s are better than average. The area has 16.2% (3,530 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. While health outcomes among seniors present challenges, they rank lower nationally compared to 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 has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 9.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Thornlands, accounting for 52.4%. While Judaism comprises only 0.1%, this is comparable to Greater Brisbane's figure.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.8%), Australian (25.4%), and Scottish (8.6%). Notably, New Zealanders make up 1.3% of Thornlands' population, South Africans comprise 1.2%, and Maori represent 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 Australia's national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group comprises 14.5% of Thornlands' population compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort constitutes 9.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.2% to 5.6%, whereas the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 12.0% to 9.9%. By 2041, population projections indicate significant demographic shifts in Thornlands. The 45-54 age group is expected to increase by 905 people (30%) from 3,007 to 3,913. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups.