Torquay (Qld)

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

Torquay's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 6959 people. This figure reflects a growth of 426 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6533. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6733 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024, along with an additional 63 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1607 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Torquay's growth rate of 6.5% positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the non-metro area, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 64% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase of Australia's non-metropolitan areas by 2041, with Torquay expected to grow by 514 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 5.2% over the 17 years.

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

Torquay experienced approximately 39 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 197 homes. In FY26 so far, 26 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents were associated with each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply-demand market. However, this has moderated to 1 person per dwelling over the past two years, suggesting an improved balance. The average construction value of development projects was $420,000.

This financial year saw $1.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Torquay has 55.0% lower building activity per person. Detached houses accounted for 81.0% and attached dwellings for 19.0% of new developments, maintaining Torquay's suburban identity with a focus on family homes. The area had approximately 111 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections estimate Torquay will add 360 residents by 2041, with current development patterns suggesting that new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth.

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 area. Notable ones are 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 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 performance in Torquay has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Torquay has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate in Torquay was 7.9% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 8.5%. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2687 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Torquay lags at 39.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%.

Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance employs 1.7 times more residents than the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 8.5% and labour force grew by 9.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 2022. Torquay's median income among taxpayers was $40,431 and the average income stood at $50,833. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $46,087 (median) and $57,945 (average). Census data shows Torquay's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals 34.4% of residents earn 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 (44.4% under $800/week) 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. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Torquay was at 42.3%, with mortgaged properties at 18.4% and rented dwellings at 39.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,299, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $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 Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $300 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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 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%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 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.

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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together offer 181 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's home to the nearest transport stop is 191 meters.

Buses run an average of 25 times per day across all routes, which equates to approximately four weekly trips per individual 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 various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 47%, covering 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%), with 53.0% reporting no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Qld's 56.7%. Torquay has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 34.7%, or around 2,414 people, compared to the Rest of Qld's 31.0%. Health outcomes among seniors align with those of 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.9% of its population being citizens, 80.6% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Torquay, comprising 51.9% of people. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to the Rest of Qld's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.6%), Australian (27.2%), and Irish (8.8%). Notably, German (5.5%) and Scottish (8.6%) groups were overrepresented in Torquay compared to regional averages of 5.3% and 8.2%, respectively. Additionally, the Australian Aboriginal group was overrepresented at 3.8%.

Torquay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Torquay's median age is 55, significantly higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and substantially exceeding the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Torquay has a higher concentration of residents aged 75-84 (13.7%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.8%). This 75-84 concentration is well above the national figure of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 8.6% to 9.8%, while 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%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Torquay's age structure. The number of residents aged 85+ is projected to grow by 71% (186 people), reaching 451 from 264. This growth is led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 55% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.