Torrens
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Torrens' population was approximately 2,423 as of August 2025. This represents a decrease of one person since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,424. The change is inferred from ABS estimates showing an estimated resident population of 2,418 in June 2024 and ten validated new addresses added since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,863 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 71.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Population projections indicate a decline over time, with Torrens' population expected to decrease by 169 persons by 2041 according to adopted methodologies. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 65 to 74 age group, which is anticipated to increase by 28 people.

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

Torrens has seen approximately 11 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, totalling 58 approvals across the past five financial years from FY20 to FY25 and one so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling built over these years has resulted in 2.2 new residents annually, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $306,000.

Additionally, $132,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to the Australian Capital Territory. Torrens records significantly lower building activity than the regional average per person (75.0% below). This scarcity of new dwellings typically increases demand and prices for existing properties. New development consists predominantly of standalone homes (88.0%) with a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (12.0%), maintaining Torrens' traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With approximately 444 people per approval, Torrens indicates a mature market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Torrens may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Torrens has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

No changes can significantly influence a region's performance more than alterations to its local infrastructure, major undertakings, and planning ventures. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Athllon Drive Duplication, Mawson Group Centre Upgrade, Mixed-Use Complex In Mawson, and Canberra Hospital Master Plan. The following list specifies those anticipated to be most pertinent.

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

AreaSearch analysis places Torrens well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Torrens has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%.

In June 2025, 1,318 residents are employed, and the participation rate is 66.8%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Conversely, accommodation & food services show lower representation at 4.7% versus the regional average of 6.5%.

From June 2024 to June 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, labour force by 1.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, ACT experienced employment growth of 1.9% and a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 shows ACT employment contracted by 0.33%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Torrens's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Torrens' median assessed income is $72,953 and average income is $97,554. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. By March 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $80,817 and average income $108,070, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78%. Census data ranks Torrens' household, family, and personal incomes between the 93rd and 94th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show 30.6% (741 individuals) earn $4000+, contrasting with the region's leading bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 at 34.3%. Economic strength is evident as 45.6% of households earn high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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

In Torrens, as per the latest Census, 84.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 15.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Torrens stood at 36.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.7% and rented ones at 25.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,470, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,167. The median weekly rent was $478 compared to $440 in the Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, Torrens's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,470 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 making up 3.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment in Torrens is notably high, with 48.6% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications as of the latest data point, compared to Australia's average of 30.4%. University qualifications include bachelor degrees (29.3%), postgraduate qualifications (13.9%), and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational pathways account for 24.0% of qualifications among residents aged 15 years and over - advanced diplomas comprise 9.3%, while certificates make up 14.7%. Educational participation is 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. Torrens Primary School serves the local community, with an enrollment of 397 students as of the most recent data. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, offering above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1092). Secondary educational options are available in surrounding areas.

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 operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with four individual routes in total. Collectively, these routes provide 1,386 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents typically located 229 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 198 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 126 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Torrens is notably higher than the national average with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Torrens demonstrates above-average health outcomes. The level of common health conditions is standard across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (1691 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.0% and 8.0% of residents respectively. 70.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.1% across Australian Capital Territory. There are 15.9% of residents aged 65 and over (384 people), which is lower than the 18.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Torrens was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Torrens, found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, had 25.2% of its population born overseas and 19.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Torrens, making up 46.4%. Hinduism, however, was overrepresented at 3.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 6.6%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.1%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (9.5%). Polish (1.1% vs regional 0.8%), French (0.8% vs 0.6%), and Croatian (1.0% vs 0.8%) were notably overrepresented in Torrens.

Torrens's population is slightly older than the national pattern

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 5-14 years old is strongly represented at 15.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory. However, the 25-34 age cohort is less prevalent in Torrens at 9.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.1% to 13.3%, while the 35 to 44 age cohort has risen from 14.0% to 15.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 15.1% to 13.3%, and the 25 to 34 age group has dropped from 10.5% to 9.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Torrens's age structure. Notably, the 65 to 74 age group is expected to grow by 10%, reaching 211 people from a previous count of 192. This growth will be driven entirely by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising all projected growth. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 15 to 24 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.