Thirlmere (NSW)

Detail

According to research on ABS population data updates covering the surrounding region and recent residential locations validated by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Thirlmere is calculated to be approximately 5,650 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 664 people (13.3%) since the Census in 2021, when the recorded population stood at 4,986 people. This shift is derived from a resident headcount of 5,355, estimated by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP figures from June 2025 alongside a further 275 validated new addresses since the Census. Such a population count corresponds to a density of 172 persons per square kilometer, which offers considerable room for each inhabitant and potential capacity for subsequent housing expansion. The 13.3% rate of growth in the suburb of Thirlmere since the 2021 census was higher than the state average of 7.1% and the Greater Sydney region, indicating its status as a leading growth area. This expansion was driven mostly by arrivals from other states, which accounted for roughly of the total demographic increase, though natural increase and overseas migration also registered positive results.

Detail

The suburb of Thirlmere contains a diverse workforce consisting of both white-collar and blue-collar workers, with construction workers particularly well represented. The unemployment rate is only 3.6%, and the local job market grew by 3.2% over the last year, according to Districts data compiled for the area. As of March 2026, 2,820 residents are employed. This unemployment level is 0.6% below the 4.1% rate recorded across Greater Sydney, while workforce participation is very close to the Greater Sydney average of 69.1%. Census records indicate that 25.8% of workers performed their duties from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic containment measures.

Detail

According to tax data from the ATO compiled by Districts for the financial year 2023, the suburb of Thirlmere has income levels that sit below the national average. The median income for tax-paying residents is $53,563, and the average stands at $63,667, whereas Greater Sydney recorded median and average figures of $60,817 and $83,003. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $59,091 for the median and $70,237 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual earnings in the suburb of Thirlmere were modest, placing between the 45th and 47th percentiles. Looking at the distribution of earnings, the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly band accounts for 33.9% of the local population (1,915 individuals), which is close to the wider region where this segment comprises of earners. Financial pressure from housing is high, leaving residents with only of their income, which ranks in the th percentile, while the local SEIFA index for income places the area in the th decile.

Detail

According to the latest Census, residential properties in the suburb of Thirlmere consisted of 90.2% standalone houses and 9.8% other dwelling types like townhouses and apartments, compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings in metropolitan Sydney. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Thirlmere were much higher than in metropolitan Sydney, reaching 32.1%, while the rest of the properties were held under a mortgage (43.4%) or rented (24.5%). The median mortgage payment in the area was lower than the metropolitan Sydney average at $2,300 monthly, and the median weekly rent was $420, compared to metropolitan Sydney figures of $2,427 and $470. On a national level, mortgage repayments in the suburb of Thirlmere are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are also above the national average of $375.

Detail

Families make up the majority of households at 76.1%, consisting of 32.5% couples raising children, 31.2% couples with no children, and 11.6% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 23.9% of homes, with single-person households at 22.6% and shared group houses at 1.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, matching the average for Greater Sydney.

Detail

The suburb of Thirlmere faces some educational challenges, as university graduation rates (15.3%) are lower than the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This highlights a need for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational and technical training is very common, with 45.9% of residents aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (35.2%).

Detail

Public transport data shows 163 active transit stops in the suburb of Thirlmere, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 27 separate routes, providing a total of 257 passenger trips each week. Transport links are excellent, with residents living an average of 152 meters from the nearest stop. Because it is a residential area, most workers travel outside the suburb for employment, with private cars being the main transport mode for 97% of commuters. Average vehicle ownership is 1.8 cars per home, which is higher than the regional average. A high proportion of residents, 25.8%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Detail

Health indicators show that the suburb of Thirlmere faces notable health challenges, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality data and the presence of long-term medical conditions across different age groups. The proportion of residents with private health insurance is just ahead of the typical SA2 area average at approximately 52% of the population (~2,945 people), which is lower than the 59.9% coverage rate seen across Greater Sydney.

Detail

The suburb of Thirlmere has lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 90.2% of the population, 88.8% of residents born in Australia, and 94.3% speaking only English at home. The primary religious affiliation is Christianity, which is followed by 59.9% of the population in the suburb of Thirlmere, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

Detail

The median age of 38 years in the suburb of Thirlmere is similar to the average of 37 in Greater Sydney and matches the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, the suburb of Thirlmere has a higher proportion of people aged 65 - 74 (11.0%) but fewer residents aged 35 - 44 (10.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 6.7% to 7.6%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.1% to 9.1%. By 2041, the age structure of the suburb of Thirlmere is expected to change significantly. The 75 to 84 age bracket is projected to increase by ( people), growing from to . This aging trend is prominent, with residents aged + accounting for of all projected population growth, while decreases are expected in the to and to age groups.

Detail

Thirlmere currently has an estimated 418 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 259 children aged 0-2 and 174 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 20% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 5% by 2041 (to approximately 399 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 620. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 15.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.