Thornlie

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Thornlie's population is around 25,709 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,044 people (8.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,665 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 25,696 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 66 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,218 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Thornlie's 8.6% growth since the census positions it within 1.3 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 73.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 1,311 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 5.0% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Thornlie recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Thornlie has averaged around 31 new dwelling approvals each year, with 159 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 17 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 9.7 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $172,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. There have also been $24.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Relative to Greater Perth, Thornlie has significantly less development activity (72.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 1105 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Future projections show Thornlie adding 1,298 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Thornlie has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 20 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Nicholson Road, Garden Street and Yale Road Grade Separation, Tulloch Way Residential Development, Tulloch Way, Canning Vale Development, and West Canning Vale Outline Development Plan, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Employment performance in Thornlie has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Thornlie possesses a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 6.2%, and 0.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 13,118 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.1% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (66.7% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care and social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in transport, postal and warehousing, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Meanwhile, professional and technical services have a limited presence with 5.1% employment compared to 8.2% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.9% while the labour force increased by 1.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth, where employment rose by 2.3%, the labour force grew by 2.6%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Thornlie. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Thornlie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Thornlie SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Thornlie SA2's median income among taxpayers is $52,702 and the average income stands at $61,660, which compares to figures for Greater Perth's of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,772 (median) and $67,592 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Thornlie, between the 25th and 39th percentiles. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 34.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (8,895 residents), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 32.0% in the same category. After housing, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses.

Thornlie is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Thornlie, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.1% houses and 8.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Thornlie was well beyond that of Perth metro, at 34.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (43.9%) or rented (21.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Perth metro average at $1,625, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Thornlie's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Thornlie has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 76.2% of all households, comprising 35.4% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.8%, with lone person households at 21.0% and group households comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Thornlie shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Educational qualifications in Thornlie trail regional benchmarks, with 21.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (25.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 135 active transport stops operating within Thornlie, comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 17 individual routes, collectively providing 4,139 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 83%, with 9% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 5.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 591 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Thornlie's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Thornlie, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~12,803 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.3% and 7.1% of residents, respectively, while 70.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.4% of residents aged 65 and over (4,979 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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 scores 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 is Christianity, which makes up 42.1% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is 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 the regional average of 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% regionally), Chinese at 7.9% (vs 4.0%) and South Australian at 0.7% (vs 1.0%).

Thornlie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 38-year median age in Thornlie is close to Greater Perth's average of 37 and similarly equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Perth, Thornlie has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (10.6%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (11.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.2% to 6.6% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 11.9%. By 2041, Thornlie is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 59% (997 people), reaching 2,699 from 1,701. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 74% of projected growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts.