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 was around 16,958 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 1,172 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,786. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 16,413 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,550 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth of 7.4% since census was competitive with non-metro areas at 8.8%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 64.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data were adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023) were applied for each age cohort. Population projections indicate an increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas, with the area expected to expand by 1,300 persons to 2041 based on latest population numbers, 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 per year over the past five financial years, totalling 635 homes. As of FY-26, 43 approvals have been granted. 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.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalling $11.7 million have been registered, demonstrating 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 in terms of development activity. Recent periods show increased development activity.

New building activity comprises 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban nature with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 88 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. By 2041, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan is projected to grow by 755 residents. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable 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

AreaSearch has identified a total of 24 projects that are likely to impact the area's performance due to changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Key projects include Marina Square Development, HBC Build Australia Mixed-Use Development, Urangan Seawall Protection Project, and Esplanade 408-412 Mixed Use Development. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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 with white and blue collar jobs. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 7.2%.

There was an estimated employment growth of 5.4% in the past year. In June 2025, 6,685 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.2% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 42.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.2% of local workers compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.4%, labour force grew by 7.1%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 1.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.0%% over five years and 14.7% over ten years.

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 September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, estimated incomes would be approximately $47,779 (median) and $60,070 (average). The 2021 Census reveals Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 3rd and 6th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 32.0% of individuals earn between $400 and $799 weekly, contrasting with Rest of Qld where the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket leads 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

In Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan, as per the latest Census, 73.6% of dwellings were houses while 26.4% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in the area stood at 41.3%, with mortgaged properties at 22.7% and rented ones at 36.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430, and national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in the area was $305, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $335 and national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 37.0%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households making up 3.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 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 the most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 30.5%.

A substantial 24.5% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.9% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.6% in tertiary education. As of 2021, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,162 students. The area has varied educational conditions, with two primary schools 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 to nearby areas 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 serving buses. These are covered by five routes offering a total of 211 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 293 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency is 30 trips per day across all routes, equating to about three weekly trips per 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% (~7,919 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%). Around 54.5% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 56.7% in the rest of Queensland. The region has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 32.3% (5,482 people), than the rest of Queensland's 31.0%. Senior health outcomes align with the general 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 had a cultural diversity score below average, with 81.2% of its residents born in Australia, 88.4% being citizens, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 52.2% of the population, slightly lower than the regional average of 52.7%. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.3%), Australian (27.5%), and Scottish (8.4%).

Notably, German ancestry was relatively high at 5.5%, compared to 5.3% regionally. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was also higher than average at 3.4%, versus 3.3%. Maori ancestry stood at 0.6%, slightly above the regional average of 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 the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 16.0% of the population in Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan, compared to Rest of Qld's figure, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 8.8%. This 65-74 concentration is higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the Census conducted on 2021 August 3rd, the population aged 15 to 24 grew 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 fell from 17.2% to 16.0%. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Torquay - Scarness - Kawungan's age profile will change significantly. The population aged 85+ is projected to increase markedly, rising from 737 people in 2021 to 1,248 people in 2041, an increase of 69%. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 56% of total population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts.