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

Thornlie's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was 25,706 by November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 2,041 people from the 2021 Census total of 23,665, indicating an 8.6% growth since then. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 25,696 in June 2024 and an additional 66 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,217 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Thornlie's growth rate of 8.6% since the census is within 0.3 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), showcasing competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

AreaSearch employs 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 to estimate post-2032 growth, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population projections suggest an increase just below the median of national statistical areas. By 2041, Thornlie is expected to gain 1,311 persons, reflecting a total growth of 5.1% over the 17-year period, as per the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 approximately 31 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25159 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved so far in FY26. On average, 9.7 new residents have arrived per year for each dwelling constructed during these years.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $172,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, there have been $24.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Perth, Thornlie has significantly less development activity, at 72.0% below the regional average per person, which can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties due to the scarcity of new properties. This is also below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings (95.0%) with a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (5.0%), maintaining 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, indicating an established market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Thornlie is projected to add 1,301 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

Thornlie has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects likely influencing the area. Notable 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. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Thornlie has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 5.9% with an estimated employment growth of 1.7% over the past year.

There are 13,084 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 61.8%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Employment concentrations include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a notably high concentration in transport, postal & warehousing with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence with 5.1% employment compared to 8.2% regionally. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, while labour force grew by 2.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27% with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Thornlie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Thornlie SA2's median income among taxpayers was $50,988 in the financial year 2022. The average income stood at $59,002 during this period. These figures were below those for Greater Perth, which had median and average incomes of $58,380 and $78,020 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% between financial year 2022 and September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,228 (median) and $67,380 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Thornlie ranked modestly, between the 25th and 39th percentiles. The largest income bracket comprised 34.6% of residents earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly (8,894 individuals), similar to broader trends across the area where 32.0% fell into this category. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remained for other expenditure.

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

Thornlie's residential structures, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 91.1% houses and 8.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Perth metro had 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Thornlie was higher at 34.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.9% and rented ones at 21.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Thornlie was $1,625, lower than Perth metro's $1,733. The median weekly rent in Thornlie was $330, matching Perth metro's figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Thornlie's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 compared to the Australian average.

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

Family households constitute 76.2% of all households, including 35.4% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.8%, with lone person households at 21.0% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

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

Thornlie Trail's residents aged 15+ have 21.3% university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.2%, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 25.3%. Educational participation is high, with 29.8% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.2%), secondary (7.9%), tertiary (4.9%).

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 moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Thornlie has 134 active transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 13 routes that together facilitate 3,060 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 191 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency across all routes averages 437 trips per day, equating to about 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

Thornlie's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Thornlie residents show low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~12,621 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Perth's 51.2% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.3%) and mental health issues (7.1%).

Around 70.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 73.3% in Greater Perth. About 18.6% (~4,791 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Perth's 14.7%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 32.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 43.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Thornlie, making up 42.1% of the population. However, Islam is notably overrepresented in Thornlie compared to Greater Perth, comprising 12.1% versus 11.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English at 24.9%, Australian at 18.8%, and Other at 17.3%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Maori is overrepresented at 1.2% in Thornlie compared to 1.0% regionally, Chinese at 7.9% versus 7.5%, and South African at 0.7% versus 0.8%.

Thornlie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Thornlie's median age in 2021 was 38 years, close to Greater Perth's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Thornlie had a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.3%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 increased from 5.2% to 6.3%, while the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 decreased from 11.9% to 11.2%. By 2041, Thornlie's age composition is expected to shift significantly. The number of residents aged 75 to 84 is projected to grow by 65%, reaching 2,699 from 1,632. This growth will be led by the demographic shift of those aged 65 and above, who are projected to comprise 77% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for residents aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 years old.