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, the population of the Torquay (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 22,258, reflecting an increase of 3,724 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 20.1% increase from the previous population count of 18,534. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 19,868, based on examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 312 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 648 persons per square kilometer. The Torquay (Vic.) (SA2) experienced significant population growth between the 2021 Census and Nov 2025, with a 20.1% increase compared to the non-metro area's 7.9% growth and the national average. This growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, making adjustments using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Torquay (Vic.) (SA2) is forecasted to increase by 6,023 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 16.4% 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Torquay had around 179 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 899 homes. So far in FY-26, 52 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.5 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25.

Supply is lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $891,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen $39.5 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting robust local business investment.

Compared to Rest of Vic., Torquay records about 58% of building activity per person, placing it 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 families seeking space. Torquay reflects a transitioning market with around 318 people per approval. Future projections estimate Torquay adding 3,645 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 to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are 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 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Torquay has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 1.4%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 10,974 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 67.5%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a particular employment 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 Rest of Vic.. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.3%, while employment declined by 0.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced a 0.7% employment decline and a 0.6% labour force decline, with marginal unemployment increase. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13%, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Torquay's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant 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 median taxpayer income of $59,885 and average income of $84,320 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $64,826 and average income $91,276, considering Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023. Census data shows Torquay's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between 80th and 83rd percentiles. The suburb's earnings profile indicates that largest segment is 31.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (7,078 residents), similar to surrounding region at 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. Residents rank within 83rd percentile for disposable income, and 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.8% houses and 9.1% 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 the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (44.1%) or rented (22.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, exceeding Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in Torquay was 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 comprise 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%. 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 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 Vic. 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 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 14 different routes that together facilitate 1024 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 324 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 146 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 16 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. The prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups is very low.

Approximately 60% of the total population (13,370 people) has private health cover, compared to 57.1% 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. A total of 73.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.8% across Rest of Vic. Torquay has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,605 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 findings, ranks below average in cultural diversity. Its population is predominantly Australian-born, with 86.1% having been born there, and a citizenship rate of 91.1%. English is spoken exclusively at home by 95.1% of residents.

Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 42.7% of Torquay's inhabitants. Notably, Judaism, though small in number, is slightly overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria, with 0.1% of Torquay's population identifying as Jewish. The top three ancestry groups, based on country of birth of parents, are English (30.6%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (11.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable variations in representation: Scottish is slightly overrepresented at 9.4% compared to the regional average of 9.7%, Dutch at 1.7% versus 1.8%, and Maltese at 0.8% compared to 0.9%.

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

The median age in Torquay is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Torquay has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (16.6%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (9.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 9.9% to 10.6%, while the 65-74 age group declined from 10.3% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Torquay's age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 38%, increasing from 2,359 to 3,267 people. Conversely, the 65-74 age cohort is projected to decline by 41 people.