Torres
Statistical Area - sa2

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 3,421 as of the 2021 Census. By Nov 2025, it had increased to around 3,603 people, reflecting a growth of 182 individuals (5.3%) since the Census date. This increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 3,495 in June 2024 and the addition of 16 validated new addresses post-Census. The population density ratio was 4.1 persons per square kilometer by Nov 2025. Torres's growth rate of 5.3% since 2021 exceeded both its SA4 region (4.5%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 84.5% 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends suggest lower quartile growth for locations outside capital cities, with Torres's area expected to expand by 98 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, resulting in a reduction of 0.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Torres, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Torres has seen approximately 6 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 32 homes were approved, with another 20 approved so far in FY-26. Despite a falling population 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 value of new dwellings is $1,071,000, indicating that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $37.5 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Torres shows approximately 59% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 48th percentile of areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

However, construction activity has intensified recently. The area's development environment is quiet and low-activity, with an estimated count of 350 people per dwelling approval. New building activity in Torres shows 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. Stable or declining population forecasts suggest that Torres may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Torres has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three projects likely affecting the region: Thursday Island Affordable Modular Homes, Saila Terrace Townhouses, Victoria Parade Units, and Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance. The following details these key projects in order of relevance.

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 5.0% as of June 2025. Over the past year, there was estimated employment growth of 0.6%.

The area's unemployment rate is 1.0% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, while workforce participation is at 62.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Torres has particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 3.4 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 0.8% versus the regional average of 5.6%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 0.6% alongside labour force increasing by 0.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Torres's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $50,288, with an average income of $59,942. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, median income is estimated at approximately $57,323 and average income at $68,328. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Torres cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 38.0% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with 1,369 residents in this category. This aligns with 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

Torres' dwelling structure, as evaluated in the latest Census, comprised 60.9% houses and 39.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 82.5% houses and 17.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Torres was at 12.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 4.8% and rented ones at 82.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,791, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Torres was recorded at $200, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $140. Nationally, Torres' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (31.5%).

Educational participation is 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. Torres's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,385 students. The educational mix includes 3 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. The area functions as an education hub with 38.4 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 15.4 – attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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 health outcomes show excellent results across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 50% (~1,783 people) of Torres residents have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Diabetes and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 6.6 and 5.4% of residents respectively. A total of 80.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld's 79.2%. Torres has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 9.3% (334 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 11.5%. Health outcomes among seniors in Torres are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Torres was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Torres has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 8.4% of its population born overseas and 54.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Torres, accounting for 73.6%, compared to 64.7% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are Other (50.4%), Australian Aboriginal (16.3%) and Australian (11.5%).

Notably, Samoan representation is higher at 0.8% in Torres than the regional average of 0.2%, while Maori representation stands at 0.4%.

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

Torres has a median age of 30 years, which is considerably lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years, and also younger than 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 concentration of 5-14 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population share of those aged 65 to 74 has grown from 5.5% to 6.8%, while the share of those aged 55 to 64 has declined from 10.4% to 9.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Torres, with the strongest projected growth in the 25 to 34 age group (22%), adding 128 residents to reach a total of 708. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 65 to 74 age groups.