Torquay (Qld)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Torquay reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Torquay's population is estimated at around 6,959. This reflects a growth of 426 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,533. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 6,733 as of June 2024 and an additional 63 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,607 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Torquay's 6.5% growth positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the non-metro area (8.8%). Interstate migration contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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; thus AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Looking ahead, Torquay is expected to grow by 514 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 5.2% over the 17 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Torquay when compared nationally

Torquay has received approximately 37 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 185 homes. As of July 2026, 10 approvals have been recorded in this financial year. On average, each new dwelling constructed between July 2021 and June 2025 accommodated around 1.7 new residents annually. However, this has moderated to approximately 1.1 people per dwelling over the past two years, indicating an improving supply-demand balance.

The average construction value for development projects in Torquay is $420,000. This financial year, $1.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Torquay has shown significantly reduced construction activity, at 58.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

However, recent data indicates an intensification in construction activity. New developments consist predominantly of standalone homes (80.0%) with a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (20.0%), maintaining the area's suburban character and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 121 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Torquay is projected to gain 360 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Torquay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Eight projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Esplanade 408-412 Mixed Use Development, Marina Square Development, Torquay Beachfront Tourist Park Redevelopment, and 47 Freshwater Street Apartment Development. The following list details those 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 drivers in Torquay are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Torquay has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented, with an unemployment rate of 8.9% as of June 2025.

The area experienced employment growth of 4.4% in the past year. Compared to Rest of Qld's unemployment rate of 3.9%, Torquay's rate is 5.0% higher, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Torquay lags behind Rest of Qld at 39.7% versus 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and retail trade.

The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.0% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.4%, while labour force grew by 6.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Torquay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Torquay's median income among taxpayers was $40,431 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $50,833 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates suggest Torquay's median income will be approximately $46,087 and average income $57,945, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to census data, household, family and personal incomes in Torquay all fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. In Torquay, 34.4% of the population (2,393 individuals) have incomes within the $400 - 799 range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. The prevalence of lower-income residents indicates constrained household budgets across much of Torquay. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Torquay's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 69.6% houses and 30.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Torquay stood at 42.3%, with mortgaged properties at 18.4% and rented ones at 39.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,299, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Torquay was $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $335. Nationally, Torquay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,299 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $300.

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

Family households constitute 59.4% of all households, including 14.1% that are couples with children, 31.1% that are couples without children, and 13.1% that are single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 40.6%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (31.2%).

A substantial 23.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.6% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education. Torquay State School serves local educational needs within Torquay, with an enrollment of 180 students as of a recent report (ICSEA: 884). The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited at 2.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.0, leading many families to travel for schooling.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis in Torquay shows 45 active transport stops operating, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 4 individual routes, providing a total of 181 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 191 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 25 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Torquay is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Torquay faces significant health challenges, with a variety of conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% (around 3,295 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.0%) and mental health issues (10.8%), while 53.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 56.7% in Rest of Qld. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 34.7% (2,414 people), higher than the 31.0% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging, generally aligning with the overall population's health profile.

Torquay ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Torquay, as per data from the 2016 Census, had a lower than average cultural diversity level with 86.9% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home (80.6% and 95.2%, respectively). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 51.9% of Torquay's population. Judaism showed an overrepresentation, with 0.1% compared to the region's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.6%), Australian (27.2%), and Irish (8.8%). Notably, certain ethnic groups had different representations: German at 5.5% in Torquay vs 5.3% regionally, Scottish at 8.6% vs 8.2%, and Australian Aboriginal at 3.8% vs 3.3%.

Torquay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Torquay's median age is 55, which is considerably higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Relative to Rest of Qld, Torquay has a higher concentration of 75-84 residents at 13.7%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 7.8%. This 75-84 concentration is well above the national figure of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.6% to 9.8% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.4% to 7.8%, and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 18.6% to 17.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Torquay's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 71% (186 people), reaching 451 from 264. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 55% of the projected growth, while both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to reduce in numbers.