Torquay (Vic.)

Torquay lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Torquay's population is estimated at around 20,182, reflecting an increase of 1,648 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.9% increase from the previous population count of 18,534. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of Torquay's resident population at 19,927, following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 312 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 588 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. Torquay's growth rate of 8.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's growth rate of 6.0%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. The primary driver of population growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead with demographic trends, Torquay is forecasted to experience significant population increase in the top quartile of locations outside capital cities. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase its population by 6,015 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 28.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Torquay among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Torquay had around 181 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 908 homes. As of FY-26, 33 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.5 new residents arrived per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates supply lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction value for new dwellings is $891,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $52.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Torquay records about 59% of building activity per person and ranks among the 53rd percentile nationally.

New building activity consists of 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character. With around 306 people per approval, Torquay reflects a transitioning market. Future projections estimate Torquay to add 5,713 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition may arise as the population expands.

Torquay has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to its local infrastructure. A total of 24 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable among these are Torquay North Residential Development Area, Summerset Torquay Retirement Village, Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre - Stage Two, and Haven Torquay. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Torquay performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Torquay has a well-educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1% over the past year (AreaSearch data aggregation).

As of June 2025, 11,049 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%, below Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation is high at 67.5%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Torquay has a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.0%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1% while labour force rose by 2.3%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth by 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 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Torquay's median taxpayer income was $59,885 and average income was $84,320 in financial year 2022. This is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic.'s median income of $48,741 and average income of $60,693. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $67,167 and average income would be around $94,573 based on a 12.16% increase since financial year 2022. Census data shows Torquay's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 80th and 83rd percentiles nationally. The largest earnings segment in Torquay is 31.8%, with residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,417 individuals), similar to the surrounding region at 30.3%. Notably, 35.5% of Torquay's residents earn over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 14.4% of income, with residents ranking in the 83rd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Torquay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Torquay's dwelling structures, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 90.8% houses and 9.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Torquay stood at 34.0%, with mortgaged properties making up 44.1% and rented dwellings accounting for 22.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, exceeding Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,950. Weekly rent figures in Torquay were recorded at $500, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s $402. Nationally, Torquay's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Torquay features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.6% of all households, including 39.0% couples with children, 29.7% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.4%, with lone person households at 19.2% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.5.

Torquay demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Torquay's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion of university qualifications at 38.3% compared to the Rest of Vic. (21.7%) and SA4 region (28.6%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.7% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (20.3%). Educational participation is high in Torquay, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education at 12.0%, secondary education at 8.0%, and tertiary education at 4.7%. The area's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 2,892 students. Torquay has above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1094. Educational provision is balanced with 4 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

The analysis of public transport in Torquay shows that there are 64 active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a variety of bus services. There are 7 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 772 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 324 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 110 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Torquay's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Torquay. Prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups is very low.

Approximately 60% of the total population (12,123 people) has private health cover, compared to 56.2% across Rest of Vic. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.8 and 7.2% of residents respectively. 73.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.8% across Rest of Vic. 16.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,269 people), which is lower than the 24.2% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Torquay is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Torquay, as per the data, has a lower level of cultural diversity compared to the average. The population is predominantly Australian-born, with 86.1%, and citizens, at 91.1%. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.1% of residents.

Christianity is the dominant religion in Torquay, accounting for 42.7% of the population. However, Judaism, while still a minority, is slightly overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria, with 0.1% vs 0%. The top three ancestry groups are English at 30.6%, Australian at 27.1%, and Irish at 11.3%. Some other ethnic groups show notable variations in representation: Scottish is somewhat overrepresented at 9.4% compared to the regional average of 9.7%, Dutch at 1.7% vs 1.8%, and Maltese at 0.8% vs 0.9%.

Torquay's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Torquay is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Rest of Vic., Torquay has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (16.6%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (9.6%). Post the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group increased from 9.9% to 10.6%, while the 55-64 cohort decreased from 10.7% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Torquay's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is projected to grow by 40% (1,139 people), reaching 4,005 from 2,865. Meanwhile, the 65-74 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 8% (154 people).