Thornton is situated only 10 kilometres (6 mi) east of the city centre, adjacent to Pinelands.

It is bordered by the Elsieskraal River, Pinelands, Viking Way, and the M7 Jakes Gerwel Drive.

According to the 2011 Census, Thornton has a population of 5,862 people,[2] with 94% of the labour force (aged 15 to 64) being employed.

There are many trees lining the roads of Thornton, and there are green spaces with wild flowers.

The Clothing Bank is in Thornton and was founded in 2010, working primarily with unemployed mothers.