Torrens

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Torrens's population is around 2,426 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2 people (0.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,424 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,418 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,866 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 71.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 169 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to expand by 28 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Torrens has averaged around 10 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 51 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.2 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $322,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $132,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Torrens records markedly lower building activity (74.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. New building activity consists of 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 444 people per approval, Torrens indicates a mature market.

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

Torrens has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Athllon Drive Duplication, Mawson Group Centre Upgrade, Mixed-Use Complex In Mawson, and Canberra Hospital Master Plan, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Employment performance in Torrens exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Torrens has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and 0.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,313 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 13.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical. Meanwhile, accommodation & food has a limited presence with 4.7% employment compared to 6.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 0.8% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.1%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory, where employment rose by 0.9%, the labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Torrens. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Torrens's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Torrens SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $75,737 with the average level standing at $97,606. This is among the top percentile nationally and compares to levels of $72,206 and $85,981 across the Australian Capital Territory respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $82,750 (median) and $106,644 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Torrens, between the 92nd and 94th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 30.6% of locals (742 people) in the $4000+ category, diverging from the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 34.3%. The area demonstrates considerable affluence with 45.6% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. 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

Dwelling structure within Torrens, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.8% houses and 15.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Torrens was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 36.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (38.7%) or rented (25.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,470, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $478, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Torrens's 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 dominate at 74.2% of all households, comprising 38.5% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.8%, with lone person households at 22.2% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is 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

Educational attainment in Torrens significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 48.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 29.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.9%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational pathways account for 24.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (14.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, 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

Public transport analysis reveals 11 active transport stops operating within Torrens comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 33 individual routes, collectively providing 3,085 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 229 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 9% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, above the regional average. Some 13.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 440 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 280 weekly trips per individual stop.

Torrens's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Torrens, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population and near the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (1,690 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.0% and 8.0% of residents, respectively, while 70.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 16.1% of residents aged 65 and over (389 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though they rank lower nationally than 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 was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 25.2% of its population born overseas and 19.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Torrens is Christianity, which makes up 46.4% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 3.6% of the population, compared to 4.8% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Torrens are English, comprising 24.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.7% of the population, and Other, comprising 9.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Torrens (vs 0.8% regionally), French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%) and Croatian at 1.0% (vs 0.9%).

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

With a median age of 39, Torrens is materially older than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 5 - 14 age group shows strong representation at 15.1% compared to the Australian Capital Territory, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.8%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.1% to 13.8% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.0% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 8.8% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.1% to 13.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Torrens's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 7% (13 people), reaching 211 from 197. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 100% of projected growth. On the other hand, the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.