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

Torquay's population is estimated at around 22,280 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,746 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 18,534 people in the suburb of Torquay (Vic.). The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 19,868 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 346 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 649 persons per square kilometer. Torquay's growth rate of 20.2% since the 2021 census exceeded Rest of Vic.'s 8.1% and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 53.0%. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 6,019 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 16.2% in total over the 17 years.

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 has seen approximately 179 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 897 homes. As of FY-26, 59 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.6 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed each year between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average value of new dwellings under development is $891,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In this financial year, $39.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Rest of Vic., Torquay records about 59% of building activity per person and ranks among the 50th percentile nationally.

New building activity comprises 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character appealing to those seeking space. With around 321 people per approval, Torquay reflects a transitioning market. Future projections estimate Torquay will add 3,607 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Torquay has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include Summerset Torquay Retirement Village, Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre - Stage Two, Torquay North Residential Development Area, and Haven Torquay. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Torquay performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Torquay has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.4%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation as of December 2025. There are 10,968 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Torquay is high at 71.4%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Census responses indicate that 32.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries of employment include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Torquay has a notable specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.0% of Torquay's workforce compared to 7.5% in Regional Vic. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as suggested by the difference between Census working population and resident population numbers. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Torquay's labour force decreased by 0.8%, while employment declined by 0.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with a drop in unemployment of 0.1 percentage point. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide insight into potential future demand within Torquay. These projections suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Torquay's employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

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

Torquay suburb has a median taxpayer income of $59,885 and an average income of $84,320 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is notably higher compared to Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $64,826 (median) and $91,276 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that Torquay's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 80th and 83rd percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 31.8% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, comprising 7,085 individuals, which aligns with the surrounding region where this segment also represents 30.3%. Torquay displays considerable affluence with 35.5% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 14.4% of income. Strong earnings rank residents within the 83rd percentile for disposable income, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Torquay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Torquay's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.8% houses and 9.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Torquay stood at 34.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.1% and rented ones at 22.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Torquay was $500, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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 Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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 educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 38.3% possess university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 28.6% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage places Torquay favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (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 – advanced diplomas at 13.4% and certificates at 20.3%.

Educational participation is high in Torquay, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Torquay has 64 active public transport stops, served by 14 routes offering 1,024 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good accessibility to these stops, typically living 324 meters from the nearest one. Most residents commute outward daily, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 92%. The average vehicle ownership is 1.7 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 32.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, there are an average of 146 trips per day, equating to about 16 weekly trips per stop.

Service frequency averages 146 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Torquay's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Torquay's health outcomes show excellent results, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 60% of Torquay's total population (13,383 people) have private health cover, compared to 50.5% in Regional Victoria. Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.8% and 7.2% of residents respectively. A higher proportion, 73.1%, of Torquay residents report being completely clear of medical ailments than the 63.4% average in Regional Victoria. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. As of June 20XX (exact year not provided), 16.1% of Torquay's population is aged 65 and over, totaling 3,587 people, which is lower than the 23.9% average in Regional Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly aligned with those of the general population.

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 data, has a low cultural diversity level with 86.1% of its population born in Australia, 91.1% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 42.7%. Judaism, though small at 0.1%, is overrepresented compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (30.6%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (11.3%). Notably, Scottish (9.4% vs regional 8.8%), Dutch (1.7% vs 1.7%), and Maltese (0.8% vs 0.5%) groups are overrepresented in Torquay.

Torquay's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Torquay is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Regional Victoria's average of 43 years but closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional Vic., Torquay has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (16.9%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (9.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 increased from 10.2% to 10.9%, while the proportion of those aged 65-74 decreased from 10.3% to 9.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Torquay's age structure. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 28%, increasing from 3,119 people to 3,992. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age group will experience a modest growth of 1%, rising from its current level to reach 9,400 residents.