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

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's population was around 16,734 as of May 2026. This showed an increase of 948 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,786. The increase was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 16,715 in June 2025 and an additional 396 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 1,529 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Interstate migration contributed approximately 68.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings using ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. By 2041, the population is expected to increase by just below the median of Australia's regional areas, with an expansion of 1,179 persons, reflecting a gain of 6.9% over the 16 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 per year over the past five financial years, totalling 635 homes. As of FY-26132 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 new residents arrive annually for each new home approved between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average construction cost of new properties is $342,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year has seen $11.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate commercial development levels. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person but ranks among the 90th percentile nationally. Recent periods have shown increased development activity.

The area's new building composition is 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining its suburban character with detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. It has approximately 88 people per dwelling approval, suggesting a low density market. By 2041, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan is projected to grow by 1,160 residents. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects likely to affect this region. Notable projects include Marina Square Development, HBC Build Australia Mixed-Use Development, Sheraton Hervey Bay Resort, and Hervey Bay Community Hub. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

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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 white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate is 6.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 8.5% in the past year. As of December 2025, 6,854 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 8.1%.

Workforce participation is lower at 50.1% compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Only 6.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 impacts may have influenced this figure. Key industries for employment are health care & social assistance (employing 27.3%), retail trade (18.5%), and accommodation & food services (10.7%). The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.2% of local workers. Employment levels increased by 8.5% and labour force grew by 8.5% from December 2024 to December 2025, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 6.1%. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 7.0% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, assuming no changes in 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 financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan SA2 is $44,081, lower than the national average of $54,381. Regional Queensland's median income was $53,146 with an average of $66,593 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $49,089 (median) and $60,559 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income brackets reveal that 32.0% of individuals in this area earn between $400 and $799 weekly, contrasting with Regional Queensland where the leading bracket is $1,500 to $2,999 at 31.7%. Notably, 40.9% of households earn below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

In Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan, as per the latest Census evaluation, 73.6% of dwellings were houses, with 26.4% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan was 41.3%, with mortgaged properties at 22.7% and rented ones at 36.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure stood at $305, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents 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 account for 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 make up 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, smaller than the Regional Queensland 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's university qualification rate is 14.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (30.5%). A total of 24.5% of the population is currently engaged in formal education: 8.9% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

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

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan has 66 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by five individual routes that collectively provide 211 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 293 meters from the nearest transport stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 93%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 30 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age groups, with a low private health cover rate of approximately 47% (around 7,831 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.3% of residents) and mental health issues (10.3%), while 54.5% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%.

Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.8% (5,485 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges but align broadly with national rankings for 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, as per the census conducted on 27 June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. The population was predominantly born in Australia, with 81.2%, and were citizens, at 88.4%. English was spoken at home by 94.8% of residents.

Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 52.2% of people, matching the regional percentage. Ancestry-wise, the top three groups were English (33.3%), Australian (27.5%), and Scottish (8.4%). Notably, German ancestry was higher than average at 5.5%, while Australian Aboriginal was slightly lower at 3.4% compared to the regional figure of 3.9%. Maori ancestry was also lower, at 0.6% versus the regional 0.8%.

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

Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan has a median age of 52, which is higher than Regional Qld's figure of 41 and also exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 16.1% of its population, notably higher than Regional Qld's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.1%, which is less prevalent compared to Regional Qld. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is significantly above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 9.0% to 10.3%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has increased from 9.4% to 10.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 10.5% to 8.7%, and the 65 to 74 age group has dropped from 17.2% to 16.1%. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's age profile will undergo significant changes. The 85+ age cohort is expected to increase significantly, with a projected growth of 493 people (64%), from 764 to 1,258. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are anticipated to 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 age cohorts.