Thornlie (WA)

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Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new address files validated by Districts since the Census, indicates the population of the suburb of Thornlie stands at approximately 25,987 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,322 residents (9.8%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 23,665 residents. The estimate is derived from a resident count of 25,963, calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an additional 69 validated new addresses since the Census. This population size results in a density of 2,283 individuals per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national areas evaluated by Districts. The 9.8% expansion of the suburb of Thornlie since the 2021 Census outperformed the national benchmark of 9.3%, placing it among the faster-growing locations in the region. This population rise was largely propelled by overseas arrivals, who accounted for roughly 73.0% of the overall gains in recent times.

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Thornlie has a skilled labor force with a notable presence in industrial and manufacturing sectors, registering an unemployment rate of 5.9% and job growth estimated at 1.3% over the prior year, according to statistical area data compiled by Districts. In March 2026, there were 13,260 employed local residents, while the unemployment rate sat 1.7% higher than the Greater Perth average of 4.2%. Labor force participation is also below the metropolitan benchmark, recording 66.5% compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. Census records indicate only 5.2% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO statistics released by Districts for financial year 2023, taxpayers in Thornlie earned a median income of $50,988 and an average income of $59,002. This is below the national average and compares to a median of $60,748 and an average of $80,248 in Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current earnings would equate to roughly $56,561 for the median and $65,451 for the average as of March 2026. Census findings show household, family, and individual incomes in the area are modest, positioning between the 25th and 39th percentiles nationally. Distribution records show that 34.6% of taxpayers (8,991 individuals) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, which is comparable to the wider region where this group makes up 32.0%. After housing costs are met, of income is available for other household expenses.

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The local housing stock at the time of the latest Census consisted of 91.1% separate houses and 8.8% other options like semi-detached homes or apartments, compared to 77.8% separate houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings across metropolitan Perth. Homeowners without a mortgage represented 34.3% of households, which is higher than the Perth metropolitan average, while mortgaged properties accounted for 43.9% and rental properties made up 21.7%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,625 was lower than the metropolitan average of $1,907, while median weekly rent stood at $330 compared to $350 in the metropolitan area. Nationally, mortgage costs in Thornlie are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are also below the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 76.2%, consisting of couples with children at 35.4%, couples without children at 26.8%, and single parents at 12.5%. Non-family households account for 23.8%, with lone-person households representing 21.0% and group housing comprising 2.8% of the total. The median size of local households is 2.7 residents, slightly above the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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Educational attainment levels in Thornlie are lower than the regional averages, with 21.3% of residents aged 15 and older holding a tertiary degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference suggests scope for further training and professional development. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational education is well represented, with 36.2% of the population aged 15 and older possessing vocational qualifications, including 10.9% holding advanced diplomas and 25.3% holding certificate qualifications.

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Public transport services in Thornlie include 132 active stops comprising train and bus options. These locations are served by 17 unique routes, which combine to support 4,139 passenger trips each week. Access to transport is strong, with residents living an average of 193 meters from their nearest stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, most workers travel outside the area, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 83%, followed by trains at 9%. Average vehicle ownership stands at 1.6 cars per household. A low 5.2% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Health indicators are positive for the residents of Thornlie, with Districts analysis of mortality rates and chronic illnesses showing outcomes that align with national averages. The incidence of common health issues is low across younger and older demographics alike. Private health insurance coverage is on the lower side, held by approximately 51% of the population, which equals about 13,157 individuals. This is lower than the Greater Perth rate of 59.0% and the national average of 55.7%.

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Thornlie exhibits notable multicultural diversity, with 32.2% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 43.5% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, comprising 42.1% of the community. There is a notable concentration of residents identifying as Muslim, representing 12.1% of the population, which is higher than the Greater Perth average of 3.2%.

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The median age in Thornlie is 38 years, which is close to the Greater Perth average of 37 and matches the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Perth metropolitan area, Thornlie has a higher proportion of residents in the 65 - 74 age group at 10.3%, but fewer young adults in the 25 - 34 bracket at 12.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 increased from 5.2% to 6.5%, while the 55 to 64 bracket decreased from 11.9% to 11.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, significant changes in age structure are expected. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to expand by 58%, growing by people to reach from an initial . This aging trend is prominent, with seniors aged and older accounting for of all projected population growth. In contrast, population declines are forecast for children in the to and to brackets.

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Thornlie currently has an estimated 1,377 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 813 children aged 0-2 and 543 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 3% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 10% by 2041 (to approximately 1,240 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 2,731. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.