Area profile · Greater Perth
Thornlie has an estimated 25,990 residents, up 9.8% since the 2021 Census, with 126 projects tracked in the area around Thornlie.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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The Thornlie Statistical Area (Lv2), located 15 kilometres southeast from Perth CBD in Western Australia, had an estimated population of approximately 25,990 as of Aug 2026. This represents an increase of 2,325 people (9.8%) from the 2021 Census population of 23,665 people, based on the ABS estimated resident population of 25,963 as of June 2025 and 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. Its population has a high share of people born overseas, while the area’s age profile is fairly typical, with a median age of 38. Thornlie’s population growth is described as limited in the standout features.
Thornlie is characterised by strong mortgage holder representation and employment in logistics and transport, mining, and wholesale trade. The area is described as a well-regarded suburb in Western Australia, with a diverse community and parks, reserves, walking trails, educational institutions, shopping centres, leisure facilities and public transport. Its peaceful atmosphere and family-friendly lifestyle are also noted.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
The Thornlie Statistical Area (Lv2), located 15 kilometres southeast from Perth CBD in Western Australia, had an estimated population of approximately 25,990 as of Aug 2026. This represents an increase of 2,325 people (9.8%) from the 2021 Census population of 23,665 people, based on the ABS estimated resident population of 25,963 as of June 2025 and 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. Its population has a high share of people born overseas, while the area’s age profile is fairly typical, with a median age of 38. Thornlie’s population growth is described as limited in the standout features.
Thornlie is characterised by strong mortgage holder representation and employment in logistics and transport, mining, and wholesale trade. The area is described as a well-regarded suburb in Western Australia, with a diverse community and parks, reserves, walking trails, educational institutions, shopping centres, leisure facilities and public transport. Its peaceful atmosphere and family-friendly lifestyle are also noted.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 23,768 in 2001 and 25,963 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 25,990 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 35 to 44, 14.2%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 34.6%.
Thornlie ranks in the 82nd percentile nationally for cultural diversity and the 77th for health.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Thornlie is $700 a week, up 7.7% over 12 months to Sep 2026 and 3% below Greater Perth.
3% below Greater Perth on median weekly rent
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $700 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +7.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, Gosnells | $708 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Gosnells, over 12 months | +7.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, Perth - South East | $716 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent, Perth - South East, over 12 months | +7.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, Greater Perth | $723 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Perth, over 12 months | +6.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, WA | $714 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, WA, over 12 months | +7.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 |
AreaSearch tracks 126 projects in and around Thornlie, 32 of them under construction.
Proposed new Western Australian public primary school planned to service growth in northern Canning Vale and relieve enrolment pressure on surrounding schools.
The Department of Housing and Works is progressing a social and affordable housing development on 8,500 square metres of State-owned land in Tulloch Way, Canning Vale.
The Southern River Business Park is a major 51-lot commercial and light industrial development by the City of Gosnells. Spanning 20 hectares, the project is designed to address the shortage of industrial land in Perth's south-east.
A major transit-oriented town centre urban renewal project spanning 13 hectares at Maddington Central, led by Sirona Urban and Realside Property, incorporating up to 3,500 new residential dwellings, revitalised retail, and direct pedestrian links to Maddington station.
Road duplication works delivered by the City of Gosnells along Burslem Drive from Olga Road towards the Canning River bridge. The project expands the corridor to a dual carriageway with improved intersections, upgraded cycling/pedestrian paths, and enhanced traffic management.
Stage 3 road duplication works along Burslem Drive from the Olga Street roundabout towards the Burslem Drive Bridge in Gosnells. The project expands road capacity to handle rising traffic volumes and prepares the corridor for future bridge expansion works.
The City of Gosnells in conjunction with Main Roads WA is duplicating and extending Garden Street to a four-lane dual carriageway. The upgrade encompasses signalised intersection improvements, dedicated cycling paths, pedestrian footpaths, and modern stormwater drainage systems.
CDC Data Centres is developing a hyperscale sovereign data centre campus located at Kelvin Road in Maddington. The state-of-the-art facility delivers high-density, energy-efficient computing and colocation capacity for enterprise and government clients.
The Sutherlands Park Leisure, Aquatic and Sports Hub (SPLASH) was planned by the City of Gosnells in Huntingdale, Perth. The original concept was estimated at 132 million dollars, with an eight-lane outdoor 50-metre pool, indoor pools, a gymnasium and indoor courts.
A 40-hectare masterplanned community delivering approximately 550 homes adjacent to Maddington Central, featuring parks, open space and future retail. Developed by Satterley Property Group, the estate targets families and first-home buyers with a range of lot sizes close to the Canning River foreshore and local amenities.
Construction of a $13.1M indoor sports centre at Langford Sporting Complex featuring a netball show court with 200-seat grandstand, 3 multi-sport courts, community hall, and modern amenities serving as the new home of Southern Districts Netball Association.
Major intersection safety and traffic capacity upgrade at the border of Ferndale and Langford delivered by the City of Canning. The scope includes installation of synchronized traffic signals, pedestrian crossing improvements, lane modifications, and extended shared path connections.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 70 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 4, 2026 18, 2027 20, 2028 12, 2029 3, 2030 7, 2031 0, 2032 2, 2033 1, 2034 0, 2035 3. 15 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 27 substantial development applications lodged in and around Thornlie over the period covered (about 4.4 years), 1 in the last 12 months; 1 is recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Status of the 27 tracked applications: 23 approved, 1 under assessment, 3 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2022 (part year) 11, 2023 10, 2024 0, 2025 5, 2026 (to Oct) 1.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 27 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, period covered (about 4.4 years) | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 1 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 1.2 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 11th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 29 | ABS building approvals | 41st percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 23 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, period covered (about 4.4 years) | |
| Applications under assessment | 1 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, period covered (about 4.4 years) |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Thornlie SA2 include: West Canning Vale Outline Development Plan (Approved); Forest Lakes District Centre Precinct Structure Plan (Approved); North Canning Vale Primary School (planning name) (Planning); Southern River Business Park (Construction); and Maddington Central Redevelopment (Planning). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the Thornlie SA2 spans multiple sectors including Transport & Logistics, Sports & Recreation, and Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, among others.
Infrastructure development activity impacting the Thornlie SA2 currently ranks below national averages at the 15th percentile.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees Thornlie recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide.
Dwelling approval activity in the Thornlie SA2 area has seen 69 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Thornlie SA2's current population of 25,990 has been supported by 29 approvals on average over recent years.
The Thornlie SA2 has seen 1.1 approval per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 7.4 approvals in Greater Perth. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 752 people in the Thornlie SA2, compared to one for every 118 in Greater Perth.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Thornlie SA2's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 29, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the Thornlie SA2 has grown by approximately 1,554 people, while 144 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 10.8 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Thornlie is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 25,990 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +9.8% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 2,242 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 74th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +1.2% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +0.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 23,665 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 2,325 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +1.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +1.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 11.59 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Thornlie SA2 was estimated to be approximately 25,990 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 25,963 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The thornlie sa2 has added approximately 2,325 people and shown a 9.82% increase from the 23,665 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Thornlie SA2 is estimated at 2,243 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Thornlie SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.6% per annum.
Population growth in the Thornlie SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (79.1%), Natural increase (20.9%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 79.1% of overall population gains.
Thornlie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 38 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 40th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 18.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 18.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 26.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 50.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 38 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 5.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 12.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 12.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 13.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 14.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 12.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 10.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 10.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 6.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 2.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Thornlie SA2 at 38 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 38 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 38 years as at August 2026, Thornlie is comparable to the Greater Perth 2021 Census average (37 years) and similarly aligned with equal to the national Census average.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Thornlie SA2 compared to the Greater Perth region is the 65 - 74 group, making up 10.0% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Thornlie SA2 compared to the Greater Perth region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 13.3% of the population.
No, the age distribution in the Thornlie SA2 is broadly in line with Greater Perth.
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 18.1% of the population in the Thornlie SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 18.4% of the population in the Thornlie SA2 as at August 2026.
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $54,435 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 30th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $64,354 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,571 | 2021 Census, weekly | 39th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $682 | 2021 Census, weekly | 25th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 17.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,825 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 23.9% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Thornlie SA2 is approximately $58,267. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $54,435.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Thornlie SA2 is approximately $68,885. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $64,354.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Thornlie SA2 is approximately $58,267 compared to $68,556 in Greater Perth. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $54,435 and $64,047 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Thornlie SA2 is approximately $68,885 compared to $90,565 in Greater Perth. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $64,354 and $84,609 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Thornlie SA2's households (~34.6% / 2,907 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Thornlie SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 34.6% of households. In comparison, Greater Perth's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 32.0% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Thornlie SA2 is $1,571/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Thornlie SA2 is $1,825/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Thornlie SA2 is $682/wk.
The Thornlie SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $54,435 and an average of $64,354 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. This is below the national average, contrasting with Greater Perth's median income of $64,047 and average income of $84,609. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 7.04% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $58,267 (median) and $68,885 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Thornlie SA2 is $5,784 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The thornlie sa2's disposable income is $5,784 compared to $6,842 for Greater Perth, based on AreaSearch analysis.
AreaSearch analysis reveals Thornlie recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 66.3% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 13,247 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 20,663 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 14,055 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Thornlie SA2 has approximately 13,247 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 5.7%. The unemployment rate is moderate, indicating some available workforce capacity. Employment indicators are below the national average, suggesting room for improvement.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Thornlie SA2 stands at 5.7%, which is 1.5 percentage points above Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Thornlie SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (13.8% of employment), retail trade (10.1%), and construction (9.2%). The relatively diverse employment base, with the top three sectors comprising 33.1% of jobs, provides economic resilience. Other significant employers include education & training and transport, postal & warehousing.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Thornlie SA2 has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has fallen. By comparison, Greater Perth saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the Thornlie SA2 is 66.3%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Greater Perth average of 69.9%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Greater Perth.
The thornlie sa2 shows notable specialisation in transport, postal & warehousing, which employs 7.6% of the local workforce compared to 4.7% across Greater Perth. This concentration suggests the area has developed competitive advantages in this sector.
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The thornlie sa2's employment market shows below-average performance in national comparisons. While employment opportunities exist, the area faces more challenges than many other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 4.5% growth, ranking 12th out of 37 regions nationally.
Thornlie shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 15.1% | 2021 Census | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 4.4% | 2021 Census | 44th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 21.3% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 25.3% | 2021 Census | 50th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 1.8% | 2021 Census | 27th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 10.9% | 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 42.5% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 29.8% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 4.9% | 2021 Census | 55th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 10.2% | 2021 Census | 51st percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 7.9% | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
21.3% of people aged 15 and over in the Thornlie SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 30.1% in Greater Perth.
42.5% of people aged 15 and over in the Thornlie SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.6% in Greater Perth.
The thornlie sa2 ranks in the 41th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Thornlie SA2 are: Certificate (25.3%), Bachelor Degree (15.1%), Advanced Diploma (10.9%).
29.8% of the population in the Thornlie SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 10.2% in primary school, 7.9% in secondary school, 4.9% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Thornlie SA2 is 991, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 7 schools within the Thornlie SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 4,141 students.
The thornlie sa2 includes 5 primary schools, 1 secondary school, 1 combined school.
Thornlie features high concentrations of single parent families, with a larger average household size than Greater Perth.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.7 people | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 21.0% | 2021 Census | 32nd percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 35.4% | 2021 Census | 66th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 26.8% | 2021 Census | 49th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 12.5% | 2021 Census | 71st percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.8% | 2021 Census | 49th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 8,401 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 9,226 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 76.2% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.7 per family | 2021 Census | 53rd percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Thornlie SA2 had 8,401 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 9.8% to an estimated 9,226 households today.
The average household size in the Thornlie SA2 is 2.7 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Perth and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 76.2% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (21.0%), group households (2.8%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 6,402 family households, couples with children account for 35.4% of all households, couples without children at home 26.8%, and single parent families 12.5%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Perth, the Thornlie SA2 shows distinct household patterns. This family-oriented profile influences local demand for family homes, schools, and children's services.
Families in the Thornlie SA2 have an average of 1.7 children, slightly above the Greater Perth average of 1.6. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 50.6% of the adult population are currently married, while 33.7% have never married. This compares to 47.6% married and 36.1% never married across Greater Perth.
Single-person households represent 21.0% of all households in the Thornlie SA2, similar to the average for Greater Perth of 24.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.8% of households, below the Greater Perth average of 3.5%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
Thornlie is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 43.5% | 2021 Census | 84th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 32.2% | 2021 Census | 77th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 67.8% | 2021 Census | 22nd percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 80.3% | 2021 Census | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 56.5% | 2021 Census | 15th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 1.9% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
Thornlie scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 32.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 43.5% born overseas.
The main religion in Thornlie was found to be Christianity, which makes up 42.1% of people in Thornlie. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 12.1% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Perth average of 3.2%.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Thornlie are English, comprising 24.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 18.8% of the population, and Other, comprising 17.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than Greater Perth's 11.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of Thornlie (vs 0.9% across Greater Perth), Chinese at 7.9% (vs 4.0%) and South African at 0.7% (vs 1.0%).
43.5% of the Thornlie SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 37.7% across Greater Perth.
32.2% of the population in the Thornlie SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 22.0% in Greater Perth.
1.9% of the Thornlie SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 1.4% in Greater Perth.
80.3% of the Thornlie SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 83.0% in Greater Perth.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Thornlie is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 21.7% | 2021 Census | 31st percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 34.3% | 2021 Census | 53rd percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 91.1% | 2021 Census | 65th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,625 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 35th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 43.9% | 2021 Census | 77th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 7.6% | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $330 | 2021 Census, weekly | 35th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 21.0% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 53rd percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 23.9% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 48th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
In the Thornlie SA2, 34.3% of homes are owned outright, 43.9% are owned with a mortgage, and 21.7% are rented.
According to the latest data, 91.1% of dwellings in the Thornlie SA2 are houses.
In the Thornlie SA2, 1.2% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 7.6% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Thornlie SA2 stands at 34.3%, compared to 29.3% in Greater Perth.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Thornlie SA2 is $1,625, compared to $1,907 in Greater Perth.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Thornlie SA2 is $1,023, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Thornlie SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 23.9% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 21.0% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Thornlie SA2 is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Thornlie SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 23.9% of income on repayments (vs 23.6% in Greater Perth), while renters spend 21.0% of income on rent (vs 18.8% in Greater Perth).
The dwelling mix in the Thornlie SA2 consists of 91.1% detached houses, 7.6% semi-detached dwellings, 1.2% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Thornlie consumes approximately 15.0% of median household income ($6,802 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Thornlie show attached dwellings contributing 6% of approvals compared to 9% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 94% of applications versus 91% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. Density increases remain below national trends.
Thornlie's residents are extremely healthy relative to locations nationally with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 49.6% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 26th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 70.2% | 2021 Census | 55th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 4.8% | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 77.2% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 1.2% | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
Around 49.6% of people in the Thornlie SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 59.1% in Greater Perth.
In the Thornlie SA2, 4.8% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 4.6% of people in Greater Perth require similar assistance.
7.0% of people in the Thornlie SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 6.8% of the population across Greater Perth is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 5.7% of the Thornlie SA2 population, while in Greater Perth, 4.0% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.6% of people in the Thornlie SA2 have heart disease. Across Greater Perth,3.3% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Thornlie SA2, 49.6% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Perth sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 59.1%.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 63 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 136 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 84th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 3,812 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 68th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 191 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 16 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.6 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 5.2% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 136 public transport stops within the Thornlie SA2.
The Thornlie SA2 has 3,812 weekly trips across 16 routes, averaging 544 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 193 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 467 m away and the nearest GP 570 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 136 stops nearby, 3,812 weekly trips, access rating 63 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 46 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 46th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 467 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 570 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 657 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 701 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest dentist | 824 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 841 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 871 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 1.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 1.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 4.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 6.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 8 long day care centres with 525 places in Thornlie, about 2.6 children aged 0-4 per place.
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05Reports and tools
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06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees Thornlie recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide.
Thornlie has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15th percentile nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in Thornlie is $700 a week, +7.7% over 12 months to Sep 2026.
Thornlie is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends.
Thornlie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern.
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment.
AreaSearch analysis reveals Thornlie recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide.
Thornlie shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist.
Thornlie features high concentrations of single parent families, with a larger average household size than Greater Perth.
Thornlie is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics.
Thornlie is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Thornlie's residents are extremely healthy relative to locations nationally with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be in line with the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Thornlie has an estimated 25,990 residents, up 9.8% since the 2021 Census, with 126 projects tracked in the area around Thornlie.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Thornlie.
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Sep 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Jul 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (506041137). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Jul 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Thornlie from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Thornlie with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
