Torquay (Qld)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of May 2026, the estimated population of Torquay (Qld) is around 6,782. This reflects an increase of 249 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,533. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,773 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,566 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing 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; hence where utilised, 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected. The suburb is expected to grow by 486 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 7.0% in total over the 16 years.

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

Torquay has seen approximately 41 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data. This totals an estimated 206 homes over the past five financial years, ending FY-25. As of FY-26, 43 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 0.9 people move to the area per dwelling built annually between FY-21 and FY-25.

New construction has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering more housing options and potentially facilitating population growth. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $420,000. In FY-26, there have been $7.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Torquay has a lower building activity level, recording 52.0% below the regional average per person.

This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. However, building activity has increased in recent years. New development consists of 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Torquay's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The area has approximately 108 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. Future projections estimate Torquay will add 477 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply is expected to meet demand readily, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Torquay has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Marina Square Development, Sheraton Hervey Bay Resort, Torquay Beachfront Tourist Park Redevelopment, and 47 Freshwater Street Apartment Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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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 from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented. The unemployment rate in Torquay is 7.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 7.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 2,654 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 3.8%, which is 0.8 percentage points higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Torquay lags behind Regional Qld, with 47.9% compared to 64.5%. Census data shows that only 6.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and retail trade.

Torquay has a particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 170% compared to Regional Qld's level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.0% of local workers, below Regional Qld's rate of 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 7.6%, while the labour force grew by 7.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, the labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Torquay. These projections suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Torquay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, though it is important to note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

Torquay suburb's income level is lower than average nationally, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ending June 2023. Torquay's median income among taxpayers was $40,431 and average income stood at $50,833, compared to Regional Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By March 2026, current estimates suggest median income would be approximately $45,024 and average income $56,608, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ending June 2023. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Torquay all fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income profile indicates 34.4% (2,333 individuals) earn within $400 - $799 range, contrasting with Regional Qld's leading bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 at 31.7%. Prevalence of lower-income residents, with 44.4% earning under $800/week, suggests constrained household budgets across 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Torquay's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 69.6% houses and 30.4% other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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 Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Torquay was $300, compared to Regional Qld's $345. 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% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 40.6%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households making up 3.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the 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 education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

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

Torquay has 45 active public transport stops, all serving buses. Four routes operate here, offering a total of 181 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 191 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 92% of residents, while 4% walk. On average, there's one vehicle per dwelling, below the regional norm.

Only 6% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census). Buses run approximately 25 times a day across all routes, resulting in about four 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 as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions impacting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of Torquay's total population (~3,211 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.0%) and mental health issues (10.8%), while 53.0% report no medical ailments, lower than Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with high chronic condition rates. Torquay has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 35.1% (2,380 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

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 the findings, ranked below average in cultural diversity. Its population composition was 86.9% citizens, 80.6% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated religiously with 51.9%.

Judaism, however, showed overrepresentation at 0.1%, compared to the regional average of 0.1%. For ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.6%), Australian (27.2%), and Irish (8.8%). Notably, German (5.5%) and Scottish (8.6%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 4.7% and 7.8%, respectively. Also, Australian Aboriginal representation was slightly lower at 3.8% than the regional average of 3.9%.

Torquay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Torquay's median age is 55, significantly higher than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, Torquay has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (13.7%), but fewer individuals aged 5-14 (7.9%). This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is notably above the national figure of 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 8.6% to 10.0%, while those aged 35 to 44 have risen from 8.4% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 9.4% to 7.9%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has fallen from 18.6% to 17.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial shifts in Torquay's age structure. Notably, the 85+ group is expected to grow by 61%, reaching 436 individuals from 271. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 57% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are predicted to decrease in number.