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

The population of the Thornlands statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 21,800 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 2,537 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,263. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 21,476 residents based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 402 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,006 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Thornlands (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 13.2% between the 2021 Census and November 2025, exceeding both the SA4 region's 8.2% growth and the national average. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings inline with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with the Thornlands (SA2) expected to grow by 3,792 persons to reach a total of 25,592 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 15.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Thornlands recorded approximately 128 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 644 homes. As of 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 demand outpacing supply. The average construction cost value of new homes was $397,000.

In FY-26, $9.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Thornlands records about 68% of the building activity per person compared to Greater Brisbane and ranks among the 72nd percentile nationally for areas assessed. New building activity comprises 68.0% standalone homes and 32.0% townhouses or apartments, differing from the current housing mix of 87.0% houses. The location has approximately 180 people per dwelling approval.

By 2041, Thornlands is expected to grow by 3,468 residents, with new housing supply anticipated to meet demand based on current development patterns.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that may impact this region. 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. Those listed below are particularly 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. Its unemployment rate is 1.6%, showing an estimated 6.2% employment growth in the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 13,322 residents employed, with Thornlands' unemployment rate at 2.4%, below Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation is high at 70.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction notably has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 6.5% versus the regional average of 8.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts. In the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.2%, and labour force by 6.0%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% during this period. State-level data from QLD as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Thornlands. These projections estimate national employment growth by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Thornlands' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Thornlands' income level is higher than average nationally, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers is $57,898 and the average income stands at $71,035, compared to Greater Brisbane's figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,636 (median) and $78,075 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Thornlands cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that 36.9% of residents (8,044 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, mirroring regional levels where 33.3% occupy this bracket. Thornlands demonstrates considerable affluence with 31.3% earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 16.5% of income, though strong earnings still 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Thornlands' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.4% houses and 12.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Thornlands stood 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 average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Thornlands was $470, compared to Brisbane metro's $425. 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 make up the remaining 15.8%, consisting of 13.9% lone person households and 1.9% group households. 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 at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.0% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 13.8% and certificates at 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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 734 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents on average being located 347 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 104 trips across all routes, which translates 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 a relatively positive picture with low prevalence of common conditions among its general population compared to national averages, but higher within older and at-risk groups.

Approximately 55% (~12,066 people) have private health cover. Mental health issues affect 8.1% and asthma impacts 8.0%. Notably, 71.1% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.6%. The area has 15.7% (3,422 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Brisbane's 25.3%. While health outcomes among seniors warrant additional attention, overall data indicates relatively good health outcomes for Thornlands residents.

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, showed cultural diversity with 9.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 26.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 52.4%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 0.1%.

Ancestry-wise, top groups were English (31.8%), Australian (25.4%), and Scottish (8.6%). Notable divergences included New Zealanders at 1.3% (vs regional 1.2%), South Africans at 1.2% (vs 1.0%), and Maori at 1.1% (vs 0.9%).

Thornlands's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Thornlands' median age of 36 years is equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group constitutes 14.4% of Thornlands' population, higher than Greater Brisbane's percentage. The 25-34 age cohort makes up 10.6%, lower than Greater Brisbane's figure. Between 2021 and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.2% to 5.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age cohort has decreased from 12.0% to 10.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Thornlands. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 904 people (30%), increasing from 3,008 to 3,913. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.