Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's population is around 16,947 as of August 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,161 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,786. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 16,413 in June 2024 and an additional 352 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,549 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 7.4% growth since census is within 1.2 percentage points of the non-metro area (8.6%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 64.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data. Looking ahead, population projections indicate an increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas by 2041, with the area expected to expand by 1,300 persons, recording a gain of 4.5% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan has recorded approximately 127 residential property approvals annually. The ABS produces development approval data on a financial year basis, totalling 635 approvals between FY-21 and FY-25, with 23 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 1.1 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built over the past five financial years. This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $420,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. In FY-26, $11.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Rest of Qld, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, but it ranks among the 90th percentile nationally for development activity.

New building activity comprises 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban nature. There are approximately 88 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. By 2041, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan is projected to grow by 766 residents. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Area's performance is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 26 such projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Marina Square Development, HBC Build Australia Mixed-Use Development, Urangan Seawall Protection Project, and Woolshed Eco Lodge Apartment Development. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

Employment performance in Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services.

As of June 2025, unemployment stands at 7.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.4% over the past year. There are 6,685 residents employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of Qld's by 3.2%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 42.5%. Major industries for employment are healthcare & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services.

The area specializes in healthcare & social assistance with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.2% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities seem limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.4%, while the labour force grew by 7.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and unemployment rise by only 0.2%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.5% and national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local growth patterns may differ based on industry-specific projections applied to Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan had a median income of $41,915 and an average income of $52,698. This is lower than the national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average) for Rest of Qld. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $46,823 (median) and $58,869 (average), based on an 11.71% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census revealed that Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's incomes fall between the 3rd and 6th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets indicate 32.0% of residents earn $400 - 799 weekly, compared to Rest of Qld's leading bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 at 31.7%. Notably, 40.9% of households earn below $800 weekly, suggesting affordability pressures. Housing affordability is severe, with only 82.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 73.6% houses and 26.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan was at 41.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.7% and rented dwellings at 36.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure was $305, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $335. Nationally, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.0% of all households, including 17.1% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (30.5%).

A total of 24.5% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.9% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education. The three schools in Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan have a combined enrollment of 1,162 students. The area has varied educational conditions with two primary and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 6.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.0, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan has 65 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes, with a total of 211 weekly passenger trips across these routes. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 293 meters.

On average, there are 30 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 47% (~7,914 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.3%) and mental health issues (10.3%). About 54.5% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 56.7% in Rest of Qld. Residents aged 65 and over make up 32.3% (5,478 people), higher than the 31.0% in Rest of Qld. Senior health outcomes generally align with the overall population's health profile.

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Torquay-Scarness-Kawungan, surveyed in 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 81.2% born in Australia, 88.4% being citizens, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 52.2%. Regionally, this was similar to Rest of Qld's 52.7%.

Ancestry wise, English (33.3%), Australian (27.5%), and Scottish (8.4%) were top groups. Notable differences included German at 5.5% vs regional 5.3%, Australian Aboriginal at 3.4% vs 3.3%, and Maori at 0.6% vs 0.5%.

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan has a median age of 52, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and well above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group represents 16.0% of the population in Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan, compared to 9.4% nationally and 12.7% in Rest of Qld. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort makes up 8.8%, lower than both Rest of Qld's 13.6% and the national average of 18.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.0% to 10.3%, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 10.5% to 8.8% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 17.2% to 16.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's age profile. The 85+ age cohort is expected to increase markedly, with an expansion of 510 people (69%) from 737 to 1,248. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 56% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts.