Torrens

An assessment of population growth drivers in Torrens reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Torrens' population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 2,472 by May 2026. This figure represents a rise of 48 individuals (2.0%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,424 people. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 2,470 in June 2025 and an additional 9 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,901 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 66.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, also based on 2022, are used. Future projections indicate an overall population decline by 165 persons in Torrens by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 65 to 74 group are projected to grow by 21 individuals during this period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Torrens according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Torrens has seen approximately 10 new home approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling 51 homes. As of FY26, there have been 7 approvals recorded so far. Over these five years, an average of 2.2 new residents per dwelling was gained annually, indicating healthy demand which may support property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $322,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction.

In FY26, there have been $132,000 in commercial development approvals recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Torrens has markedly lower building activity, with 74.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. New developments consist of 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Torrens' traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 444 people per approval, Torrens indicates a mature market with stable or declining population projections, which may reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Torrens should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Torrens has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

No factor influences an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero such projects that could impact this area. Key projects include Athllon Drive Duplication, Mawson Group Centre Upgrade, Mixed-Use Complex in Mawson, and Canberra Hospital Master Plan, with the most relevant ones detailed below.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch assessment positions Torrens ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Torrens has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 2.9% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 0.8%. As of December 2025, 1,313 residents were employed at a rate of 0.9% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation was 67.7%.

Home workership was moderate at 13.6%. Dominant sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Accommodation & food had lower representation at 4.7% versus the regional average of 6.5%.

Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by Census data comparison. Over a year, employment increased by 0.8%, labour force by 1.1%, raising unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Australian Capital Territory saw similar trends but with higher growth rates. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, varying significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Torrens's mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Torrens SA2 is exceptionally high nationally. The median income is $75,737 and the average income stands at $97,606. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $83,644 (median) and $107,796 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Torrens, between the 92nd and 94th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 30.6% of the population falls within the $4000+ income range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%. Economic strength emerges through 45.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

As evaluated at the latest Census, dwelling structures in Torrens comprised 84.8% houses and 15.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership level in Torrens was at 36.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.7% and rented ones at 25.1%. Median monthly mortgage repayments in the area were $2,470, higher than Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $478, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Torrens's median monthly mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Torrens has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 74.2% of all households, including 38.5% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.8%, with lone person households at 22.2% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Torrens shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Torrens, the proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is 48.6%, exceeding the national average of 30.4%. This high level of educational attainment indicates a strong position for knowledge-based opportunities in the area. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 29.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.9% and graduate diplomas at 5.4%. Vocational pathways account for 24.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 14.7%.

Educational participation is notably high in Torrens, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Torrens has 11 active public transport stops, all providing bus services. These stops are served by 33 routes, offering a total of 3,085 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 229 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars are the dominant mode at 86%, with buses at 9%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.6% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 440 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 280 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Torrens is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Torrens demonstrates better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence data from July-December 2021. The prevalence of common health conditions was low among the general population, nearing the nation's average for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (1,722 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.0% and 8.0% of residents respectively. 70.9% reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes for the under-65 population were better than average. The area had 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over (413 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors were above average but ranked lower nationally compared to the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Torrens was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Torrens, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.2% of its population born overseas and 19.8% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Torrens as of June 2016, accounting for 46.4% of its population. Hinduism showed an overrepresentation in Torrens compared to Australian Capital Territory figures, with 3.6% versus 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.1%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (9.5%). Notable ethnic group divergences included Polish at 1.1% (versus regional 0.8%), French at 0.8% (versus regional 0.5%), and Croatian at 1.0% (versus regional 0.9%).

Torrens's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Torrens has a median age of 39, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and comparable to Australia's median age of 38. The age group of 55-64 years shows strong representation in Torrens at 12.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory. However, the 25-34 age group is less prevalent in Torrens at 9.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 12.1% to 14.1%, while the 55 to 64 age group increased from 11.1% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 age group has declined from 6.4% to 4.6%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 15.1% to 13.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Torrens' age structure. The 65 to 74 age group is expected to grow by 7 people, reaching 229 from a previous total of 213, reflecting the aging population trend where those aged 65 and above will comprise all projected growth. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.