Thomson (Vic.)

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According to the latest demographic analysis by Districts, combining recent ABS updates and verified new physical addresses, the suburb of Thomson (Greater Geelong - Vic.) has a resident count of approximately 1,578 as of May 2026. This represents a contraction of 28 individuals (1.7%) relative to the 2021 Census baseline of 1,606 citizens. This trend is derived from a current resident estimate of 1,552 based on the ABS Estimated Resident Population release from June 2025, supplemented by 4 validated new addresses recorded since the census. The local density stands at 1,643 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical concentration of residential zones evaluated nationwide by Districts. The primary driver of recent demographic expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 92.0% of all population additions during the latest periods.

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The local workforce shows a strong presence of essential service employees, alongside an unemployment rate of 4.9% based on Districts statistical aggregations. As of March 2026, there are 814 employed residents, which sits 1.2% above the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, while the participation rate closely aligns with the regional benchmark of 61.1%. Data from the census shows a moderate 17.3% of workers operated from home, though this figure reflects the potential influence of pandemic-related restrictions.

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According to the latest ATO taxpayer datasets released for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the area earn a median income of $42,395, with a mean income of $60,140. These figures are below national averages and trail the Regional Vic. median of $50,954 and mean of $62,728. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median of $46,473 and a mean of $65,925 as of March 2026. Census findings place household, family, and individual earnings in the area between the 8th and 22nd percentiles nationwide. The most common weekly earnings bracket is the $800 - 1,499 range, which accounts for 28.9% of taxpayers (representing 456 people), differing from the wider region where a 30.3% share of residents earn within the - range. Financial stress from housing is prominent, leaving residents with only of their income after housing costs, ranking in the bottom th percentile.

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At the time of the latest census, the local housing stock consisted of 69.6% separate houses and 30.4% alternative dwelling types like townhouses and apartments, comparing to a regional split of 90.1% separate houses and 9.9% alternative configurations. Home ownership rates trail the regional average, with only 21.2% owning their properties outright, while 25.3% are paying off a mortgage and 53.5% are renting. The typical monthly mortgage cost was $1,408, and the typical weekly rent was $295, compared to $1,430 and $285 across Regional Vic. On a national level, these local mortgage costs are notably below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are similarly lower than the national median of $375.

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Families make up 48.1% of local households, which is split into 14.4% couples raising children, 21.4% couples without children, and 10.6% single parents. The remaining 51.9% are non-family households, consisting of lone person households at 45.3% and group shared housing at 7.0%. The median household size stands at 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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The local area exhibits lower rates of higher education, with university graduation rates at 22.3%, well below the Victorian average of 33.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted educational support. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15 and over possessing vocational training, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 29.5%.

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There are 15 active public transit stops operating locally, which are serviced by 16 unique routes that combine to provide 1,274 passenger trips weekly. Transit access is high, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 159 meters. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers commute outward, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice for 91% of commuters. Car ownership stands at an average of 0.9 vehicles per household, which is below regional averages. Around 17.3% of workers worked from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era arrangements.

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Considerable health challenges are present in the community, as shown by mortality and chronic illness rates that impact both younger and older demographics, while the share of residents with private health insurance is low at approximately 51% (about 799 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

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The local community shows lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens accounting for 86.3% of the population, Australian-born residents representing 84.2%, and 92.7% speaking only English in their homes. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 40.3% of the population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is in Judaism, which makes up 0.3% of the local population compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic.

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The median age of 37 years is lower than the Regional Vic. median of 43 and closely matches the national average of 38. Young adults aged 25 to 34 are highly represented at 22.0%, whereas children aged 5 to 14 make up a smaller share at 7.1% compared to Regional Vic. The concentration of 25 to 34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 cohort has increased from 19.4% to 22.0% of the population, and the 35 to 44 age bracket rose from 14.7% to 15.9%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from to , and the to group declined from to . By local age demographics are expected to shift, with the to age bracket projected to grow by people () from to while the to group is projected to see no growth, remaining with a change of zero people.

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Thomson currently has an estimated 77 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 47 children aged 0-2 and 32 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 15% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 36% by 2041 (to approximately 105 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 91. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.