Torres

Torres is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Torres's population was approximately 3,603 as of November 2025. This represented an increase of 182 people, a 5.3% rise from the 2021 Census figure of 3,421. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,495 in June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 4.1 persons per square kilometer. Torres's population growth exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.5%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 84.5% 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 were used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth for locations outside capital cities, with Torres expected to expand by 98 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a reduction of 0.3% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Torres is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Torres has seen approximately six new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. Between FY-21 and FY-25, 32 homes were approved, with a further 20 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $1,071,000, indicating developers' focus on the premium market and high-end developments. This financial year has seen $37.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Torres exhibits around 59% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 47th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer choices and supporting demand for existing homes. However, recent construction activity has intensified.

New building activity comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% medium to high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across various price points. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 350 people, reflecting Torres' quiet development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Torres may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Torres has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely impacting the area: Saila Terrace Townhouses, Thursday Island Affordable Modular Homes, Victoria Parade Units, and Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance. Relevant details are listed below.

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

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Torres has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Torres has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 4.8% as of September 2025. The area's unemployment rate is 0.7% higher than the Rest of Queensland's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Torres is 62.9%, compared to Rest of Queensland's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area has a particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 3.4 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 0.8% versus the regional average of 5.6%.

Over the past year, ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while labour force decreased by 0.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Queensland experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%, losing 1,210 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Torres's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Torres SA2's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $50,288, with an average income of $59,942. This is lower than the Rest of Qld's figures of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $57,323 and average income $68,328, based on a 13.99% growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Torres cluster around the 64th percentile nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 38.0% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,369 residents), similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 90.8% of their income.

Torres displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Torres, as assessed in the latest Census, 60.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 39.1% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 82.5% houses and 17.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Torres stood at 12.5%, with mortgaged properties at 4.8% and rented dwellings at 82.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,791, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Weekly rent in Torres was recorded at $200, compared to Non-Metro Qld's figure of $140. Nationally, Torres' median monthly mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 70.9% of all households, including 33.7% couples with children, 17.1% couples without children, and 17.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households making up 3.5%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.9.

Torres faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 19.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (31.5%). Educational participation is high, with 34.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 16.5% in primary, 11.1% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.5% in primary education, 11.1% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Torres's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Torres Strait data shows excellent health results across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover rate is approximately 50%, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Diabetes and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 6.6% and 5.4% respectively. 80.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 79.2% in Rest of Qld. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 9.3%, compared to 11.5% in Rest of Qld. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Torres records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Torres had above average cultural diversity with 8.4% of its population born overseas and 54.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Torres, comprising 73.6% of people, compared to 64.7% across Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Other at 50.4%, Australian Aboriginal at 16.3%, and Australian at 11.5%.

Notably, Samoan was overrepresented at 0.8% in Torres compared to 0.2% regionally, while Maori representation was similar at 0.4%.

Torres hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Torres's median age is 30 years, which is considerably lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Torres has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (17.7%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (1.9%). This 5-14 concentration is well above the national average of 12.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 5.5% to 6.8% of Torres's population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 10.4% to 9.0%. Population forecasts for Torres indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 22%, adding 128 residents to reach a total of 708. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 65 to 74 cohorts.