Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
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Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
Torres Strait Islands has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch
Torres Strait Islands' population is around 4,298 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 174 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,124 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,298 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 8.8 persons per square kilometer. Torres Strait Islands' growth rate of 4.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's 3.5%, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 99.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth for locations outside capital cities, with the area expected to increase by 146 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 3.4% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Torres Strait Islands is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
Torres Strait Islands had an average of one approval per year for property development over the five-year period from 2015 to 2019. This resulted in minimal dwellings being constructed during this time. The low level of development activity is typical of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity.
It should be noted that due to the small number of approvals, individual development projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics for the region. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Torres Strait Islands showed significantly less construction activity during this period. This level of activity was also below national patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Torres Strait Islands
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Torres Strait Islands has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally
No infrastructure changes or major projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely impacting the area. Key projects include Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, Queensland Energy Roadmap - SuperGrid Infrastructure Program, Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025. No details on other relevant projects are provided.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Queensland Energy Roadmap - SuperGrid Infrastructure Program
The Queensland Energy Roadmap (released October 2025) replaced the former Energy and Jobs Plan SuperGrid Blueprint, shifting from rigid renewable percentage targets to a reliability and emissions-reduction focus. Key infrastructure programs include: CopperString (QIC-led 330kV Eastern Link from Hughenden to Burdekin region, major construction commencing 2028, commercial operations by 2032, supported by a $200 million North West Energy Fund); the Gladstone Project Priority Transmission Investment (new 275kV Calvale to Calliope River transmission line, Gladstone West Substation by mid-2029, Bouldercombe to Larcom Creek line by mid-2030, with construction on initial works expected from mid-2026); and synchronous condenser installations at Stanwell, Nebo and Calliope River substations (Hitachi Energy contract signed April 2026, delivery by 2029). QIC has assumed oversight of the Borumba, Mt Rawdon, Big T and Capricornia pumped hydro assessments. The Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project has been cancelled. Coal assets will continue operating to technical life. The roadmap projects whole-of-system cost savings of approximately $26 billion to 2035 versus the previous plan. Renewable energy targets have been formally repealed, with net zero by 2050 retained as the overarching commitment. By 2030, around 16GW of new generation and storage capacity is forecast, including 6.8GW of wind and large-scale solar and 3.8GW of storage.
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025
The Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025 is a five-year strategic framework delivered by the Crisafulli Government on 10 October 2025 to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy through 2035. Key initiatives include a $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee for existing government-owned coal and gas assets, a $400 million Energy Investment Fund to catalyse private sector investment in renewables (solar, hydro) and storage, and a mandate for at least 2.6 GW of new gas generation by 2035 including a Central Queensland Gas Power Tender for 400 MW of gas-fired capacity. The supporting Energy Roadmap Amendment Act 2025 was passed by Queensland Parliament on 10 December 2025, formally repealing previous renewable energy targets while maintaining a net-zero by 2050 commitment. The Act establishes a QIC Investor Gateway to attract private capital, renames Renewable Energy Zones as Regional Energy Hubs, and enshrines a framework for the CopperString transmission project connecting North and North West Queensland to the National Electricity Market. By 2030, the Roadmap forecasts up to 6.8 GW of additional wind and large-scale solar, 600 MW of new gas-fired generation, and up to 3.8 GW of new storage. The plan is projected to reduce energy system costs by $26 billion to 2035 versus the previous government's plan.
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025
Released on 10 October 2025, the Queensland Energy Roadmap is the Crisafulli Government's five-year energy strategy, replacing the previous Labor Energy and Jobs Plan. It focuses on affordability, reliability and sustainability, targeting net zero by 2050 while operating state-owned coal assets to their technical life (at least 2046). Key initiatives include: a $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee for existing coal assets; a $400 million Queensland Energy Investment Fund managed by QIC; the QIC-led delivery of CopperString 330kV Eastern Link from Townsville to Hughenden (major construction from 2028, commercial operations by 2032); a $200 million North West Energy Fund; QIC assessment of pumped hydro projects at Borumba, Mt Rawdon, Big T and Capricornia; a Central Queensland Gas Power Tender for 400MW of new gas-fired capacity; and Powerlink's Gladstone Project transmission upgrades. Planned energy capital expenditure is $6.7 billion in 2025-26.
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2026
The Queensland Energy Roadmap 2026 is a state policy framework released on 10 October 2025. It reverses earlier plans by extending state-owned coal asset operations until at least 2046 supported by a 1.6 billion dollar maintenance guarantee. The plan focuses on a market-driven approach to Regional Energy Hubs, doubling gas capacity to 8.3GW by 2035, and accelerating large-scale battery storage. Significant infrastructure includes the 400MW Central Queensland Gas Power Tender and the CopperString Eastern Link (330kV) transmission project.
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2026
The Queensland Energy Roadmap 2026 is a strategic policy framework released by the Crisafulli Government on 10 October 2025. It replaces the previous SuperGrid Infrastructure Blueprint, shifting focus toward a market-based approach to power reliability and affordability. Key pillars include extending the operating life of state-owned coal power stations until 2046, doubling gas-fired generation capacity to 8.3GW by 2035, and transitioning 'Renewable Energy Zones' into 'Regional Energy Hubs' to integrate solar, wind, and storage with existing grid infrastructure. Major active components include the $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee, a 400MW gas generation tender in Central Queensland, and the CopperString Eastern Link (330kV) targeted for 2032 completion.
Enabling Digital Health Services for Regional and Remote Australia
A national digital infrastructure program under the Digital Health Blueprint 2023-2033 designed to provide equitable healthcare access for regional and remote Australians. The initiative is currently rolling out the 'Share by Default' legislative framework, which mandates the uploading of pathology and diagnostic imaging reports to My Health Record starting July 2026. Current 2026 milestones include the launch of the Digital Health Implementer Hub to accelerate software conformance and the implementation of the National Allied Health Digital Uplift Plan to integrate allied health practitioners into the national digital ecosystem.
Building Future Hospitals Program
Now referred to as the Hospital Rescue Plan, this $18.5 billion program is the largest health infrastructure investment in Queensland history. It aims to deliver over 2,600 new public hospital beds by 2032 through three new hospitals (Coomera, Bundaberg, Toowoomba) and major expansions at 10 existing facilities including QEII, Logan, and Princess Alexandra hospitals. Recent milestones in 2026 include the completion of the concept design for the 600-bed Coomera Hospital and the final concrete pour for the QEII Hospital expansion clinical building.
Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance
Program of maintenance and rehabilitation works across Queensland's National Land Transport Network to reduce the significant backlog, improve safety, lift freight efficiency and strengthen network resilience. Focus includes pavement renewal, bridge and culvert repairs, drainage, and road safety treatments delivered under TMR's maintenance programs and QTRIP.
Employment
Employment conditions in Torres Strait Islands face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally
Torres Strait Islands has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 18.7% in the past year, showing an employment growth of 0.6%. As of December 2025, there are 1,070 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 14.7% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.
Workforce participation lags significantly at 42.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses indicate that only 2.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, education & training, and health care & social assistance. The area has a particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 5.9 times the regional level.
In contrast, accommodation & food services employ only 2.7% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 8.3%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, while labour force decreased by 1.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 2.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%, labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Torres Strait Islands' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Torres Strait Islands SA2 was $52,725, with an average of $62,273. This is below national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Regional Qld respectively. By March 2026, estimated median income would be approximately $58,715, and average $69,347 based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Torres Strait Islands fall between 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 31.3% earning $800-$1,499 weekly, contrasting with Regional Qld's leading bracket of $1,500-$2,999 at 31.7%. With 40.1% earning under $800 weekly, income constraints impact local spending patterns. Housing costs are modest, retaining 87.6% of income, but total disposable income ranks at the 5th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Torres Strait Islands is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
In Torres Strait Islands, as per the latest Census, 95.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.2% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Torres Strait Islands stood at 6.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 0.3% and rented ones at 93.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $0, significantly lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent was $130, substantially below Regional Qld's $345 and the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Torres Strait Islands features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 78.1% of all households, including 36.4% couples with children, 11.0% couples without children, and 28.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 0.8%. The median household size is 3.5 people, which exceeds the Regional Queensland average of 2.5 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Torres Strait Islands faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area's university qualification rate is 4.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 3.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 48.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (6.4%) and certificates (41.7%). Educational participation is high at 33.5%, with 21.2% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 0.4% pursuing tertiary education.
Educational participation is notably high, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 21.2% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 0.4% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
No public transport data available for this catchment area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Torres Strait Islands'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 Strait Islands residents have relatively positive health outcomes according to health data. AreaSearch's analysis shows mortality rates and health conditions align broadly with national benchmarks. Prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts.
Approximately 50% of the total population (~2,166 people) has private health cover, compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are diabetes (9.3%) and asthma (3.8%). 82.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 67.6% across Regional Qld. As of 2021, 9.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (408 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors rank even higher than the general population nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Torres Strait Islands was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Torres Strait Islands had a higher cultural diversity compared to averages, with 3.5% of its population born overseas and 93.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 86.6%, significantly higher than Regional Qld's 52.2%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were Other (79.3%), Australian Aboriginal (14.8%), and Australian (2%).
These figures differed from regional averages: Other was substantially higher, Australian Aboriginal was also higher, while Australian was notably lower. Notably, Samoan ethnicity was overrepresented at 0.3% compared to the regional average of 0.2%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Torres Strait Islands hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide
The median age of Torres Strait Islands is 28 years, which is significantly younger than the Regional Queensland average of 41 years and also lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Torres Strait Islands has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (18.7%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (2.5%). This concentration of residents aged 5-14 is well above the national average of 12.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows demographic aging, with the median age increasing from 27 to 28 years. Key changes include the growth of the 35-44 age group from 12.8% to 14.8%, and the increase of the 45-54 cohort from 10.1% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 21.4% to 18.7%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 10.9% to 8.8%. Demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Torres Strait Islands' age profile by 2041. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 31%, adding 156 residents to reach 663. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.