Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's population is around 17,029 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,243 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,786 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,413 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 383 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,556 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's 7.9% growth since the census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 64.2% 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, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 1,300 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 4.0% in total 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 around 127 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 635 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26101 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.1 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $342,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $11.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks within the 90th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. New building activity consists of 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 88 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Looking ahead, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan is expected to grow by 684 residents through to 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 24 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Marina Square Development, HBC Build Australia Mixed-Use Development, Sheraton Hervey Bay Resort, and Hervey Bay Community Hub, with the list below 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 Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 6.1%, and 8.5% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,854 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.0% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (50.9% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.2% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 8.5% and the labour force increased by 8.5%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, 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 Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan. 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 Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $44,081 while the average income stands at $54,381. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,449 (median) and $59,770 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan all fall between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 32.0% of the community (5,449 individuals), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. Lower income households are notably prevalent, with 40.9% earning below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 73.6% houses and 26.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 41.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (22.7%) or rented (36.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $305, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 63.0% of all households, comprising 17.1% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.7%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (30.5%).

A substantial 24.5% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 66 active transport stops operating within Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 211 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 293 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 6.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 30 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 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

Critical health challenges are evident across Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions has marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~7,969 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.3% and 10.3% of residents, respectively, while 54.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 32.5% of residents aged 65 and over (5,541 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 81.2% of its population born in Australia, 88.4% being citizens, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan is Christianity, which makes up 52.2% of people in the area. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan are English, comprising 33.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.5% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.5% of Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan (vs 4.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.4% (vs 3.9%) and Maori at 0.6% (vs 0.8%).

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

With a median age of 52, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan is notably exceeding the Regional Qld figure of 41 and is also well above the 38-year national average. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 16.1% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 8.4%. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Following the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.0% to 10.4% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 9.4% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 8.4% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 17.2% to 16.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 468 people (60%) from 779 to 1,248. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 58% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts.