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 was estimated at 18,534 people as of May 2021. By May 2026, the population is estimated to be around 21,018, reflecting an increase of 2,484 people (13.4%) since the 2021 Census. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of a resident population of 20,839 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 400 validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb of Torquay (Vic.) has a population density ratio of 612 persons per square kilometer as of May 2026. This growth rate exceeds that of Rest of Vic. (4.3%) and the SA4 region, marking Torquay as a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb of Torquay (Vic.) is forecasted to increase its population by 5,615 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 25.9% over the 16 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 had around 179 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 897 homes. As of FY26, 88 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.8 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This indicates supply lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average value of new dwellings under development is $891,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY26, $39.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Rest of Vic., Torquay records about 58% 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 adding 5,436 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Torquay has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Summerset Torquay Retirement Village, Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre - Stage Two, Haven Torquay, and Stretton Estate. 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 an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.4%. Employment stability over the past year is relative.

As of December 2025, 11,450 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, below Regional Vic.'s 3.7%. Workforce participation is high at 70.9% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. Home-based work is significant, with 32.6% of residents working from home. Key industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Professional & technical jobs are specialized in Torquay, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.0% compared to Regional Vic.'s 7.5%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparison. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.0%, labour force by 0.2%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. saw employment decline of 0.6% and labour force decline of 0.7%. 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 growth should mirror national trends, with a projected increase of 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

Torquay suburb shows median taxpayer income of $59,885 and average income of $84,320 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is high nationally compared to Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. As of March 2026, estimated median income would be approximately $65,646 and average income $92,432 based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes rank highly in Torquay, between 80th and 83rd percentiles nationally. Largest earnings segment comprises 31.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (6,683 residents), similar to surrounding region at 30.3%. Torquay demonstrates affluence with 35.5% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and services. Housing accounts for 14.4% of income while strong earnings rank residents within 83rd percentile for disposable income. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in 8th 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). This is 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. Nationally, Torquay's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus 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 comprise the remaining 22.4%, with lone person households at 19.2% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, 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+, 38.3% hold university qualifications compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 28.6% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.7% of residents aged 15+ 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 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. These are served by 14 different routes that together facilitate 1,024 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average located 324 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to Torquay's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 92%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding 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, service frequency averages 146 trips per day, equating to about 16 weekly trips per 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (12,625 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Victoria.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.8% and 7.2% of residents respectively, while 73.1% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Victoria. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 16.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,552 people), lower than the 23.9% in Regional Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.1% of its population born in Australia, 91.1% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Torquay is Christianity, accounting for 42.7% of the population. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, comprising 0.1% of Torquay's population compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Torquay are English at 30.6%, Australian at 27.1%, and Irish at 11.3%. There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Scottish is overrepresented at 9.4% (vs regional 8.8%), Dutch is equally represented at 1.7%, and Maltese is overrepresented at 0.8% (vs regional 0.5%).

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 but closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Regional Victoria, Torquay has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (16.4%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (9.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 4.4% to 5.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Torquay's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 39%, adding 1,173 people to reach a total of 4,158 from the current 2,984. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age cohort is expected to grow modestly by 8%, with an increase of 160 people.