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, as of February 2026, is approximately 3,495. This figure represents an increase of 74 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,421. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,495 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 4.0 persons per square kilometer. Torres's 2.2% growth since the census places it within 2.1 percentage points of its SA4 region (4.3%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth outside capital cities, with Torres expected to expand by 98 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of approximately 2.8% 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 each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 32 homes were approved, with a further 20 approved so far in FY26. Despite a falling population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $1,071,000, indicating a focus on the premium market and high-end developments. This financial year has seen $37.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Torres shows around 59% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it ranks at the 47th percentile among assessed areas, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

However, construction activity has intensified recently. This activity is below average nationally, which may reflect the area's maturity or possible planning constraints. New building activity in Torres comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% attached dwellings, offering a mix of medium-density options across various price brackets. The estimated population per dwelling approval is around 350 people, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. Future projections estimate an addition of 98 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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. The following details these key projects.

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

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The employment landscape in Torres shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Torres has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.8% in the past year, showing relative stability. As of September 2025, 1,705 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.5%.

Workforce participation is 68.4%, similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census data shows 4.4% work from home. Employment concentrations include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Public administration & safety has a strong share at 3.4 times the regional level, while manufacturing employs only 0.8%, below Rest of Qld's 5.6%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 0.5% and labour force decreased by 0.6%, reducing unemployment by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Torres's employment mix indicates local growth should be 6.9% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 was $52,696 in financial year 2023, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $62,224 during this period. In comparison, Rest of Qld's median and average incomes were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,918 (median) and $68,390 (average). The 2021 Census figures indicate that household, family and personal incomes in Torres cluster around the 64th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 38.0% of residents earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly (1,328 residents), which is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.7% in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain 90.8% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

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

Torres' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.9% houses and 39.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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 in the area was $1,791, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Torres' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise 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 make up the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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 prominent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (31.5%). Educational participation is high at 34.3%, with 16.5% in primary education, 11.1% in secondary education, 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 are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Torres residents show positive health outcomes, according to data analysed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low across all age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at 50% (~1,761 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 52.5%. Nationally, it stands at 55.7%. Diabetes (6.6%) and asthma (5.4%) are the most prevalent conditions. 80.6% report no medical ailments, higher than Rest of Qld's 67.6%. The area has 9.8% seniors (341 people), lower than Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes rank high nationally.

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 a cultural diversity above average, 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%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Other (50.4%), Australian Aboriginal (16.3%), and Australian (11.5%).

These percentages were substantially higher or notably lower than the regional averages: Other at 6.9%, Australian Aboriginal at 3.9%, and Australian at 26.5%. There were also notable divergences in Samoan representation at 0.8% vs 0.2% regionally, and Maori at 0.4% vs 0.8%.

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

Torres's median age is 30 years, which is significantly lower than Queensland's average of 41 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Torres has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (17.1%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (2.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 25-34 has increased from 15.1% to 16.8%, while the population aged 65-74 has grown from 5.5% to 7.2%. Conversely, the population aged 55-64 has decreased from 10.4% to 8.3%, and the population aged 5-14 has dropped from 18.7% to 17.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Torres. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 20%, adding 119 residents to reach a total of 708. In contrast, populations aged 65-74 and 55-64 are projected to decline.