Torrens

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around the suburb of Torrens, the estimated population is around 2,426 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,424 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,418, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,866 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Moving forward with demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population for the suburb of Torrens, with the area's population expected to reduce by 169 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to grow by 27 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Torrens according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows approximately 10 new homes approved annually in Torrens. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 51 homes were approved, with another 6 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 2.2 people move to the area per year for each new home constructed over these five years, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $306,000. This financial year has seen $132,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Torrens records significantly lower building activity, at 74.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties.

New developments consist of 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Torrens indicates a mature market, with around 440 people per approval. Population projections showing stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Torrens has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Athllon Drive Duplication, Mawson Group Centre Upgrade, Mixed-Use Complex In Mawson, and Canberra Hospital Master Plan. The following list details those most relevant.

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AreaSearch analysis places Torrens well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Torrens has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 2.7% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.2%. As of September 2025, 1,313 residents were employed, with a 0.8% lower unemployment rate than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 3.6%.

Workforce participation was similar to ACT's 72.5%. Home workership stood at 13.6%, considering Covid-19 impacts. Dominant sectors included public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Accommodation & food showed lower representation at 4.7% versus the regional average of 6.5%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population counts. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, with labour force growth also 1.2%, keeping unemployment flat. In contrast, ACT saw employment grow by 1.4% and labour force by 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. 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, varying significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Torrens' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 shows median income in Torrens suburb is $72,953. Average income stands at $97,554. This compares to Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates for Torrens would be approximately $79,708 (median) and $106,588 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Torrens rank highly nationally, between the 92nd and 94th percentiles. Income brackets show 30.6% of Torrens population (742 individuals) fall within the $4000+ range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%. Economic strength is evident through 45.6% of households earning high weekly income exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Torrens is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

As per the latest Census evaluation in Torrens, 84.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from the Australian Capital Territory's composition of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. In Torrens, home ownership stood at 36.2%, with mortgaged properties at 38.7% and rented ones at 25.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,470, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Torrens was $478, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Torrens' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,470 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Torrens has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.2% of all households, including 38.5% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.8%, with lone person households at 22.2% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Torrens shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Torrens has a notably higher educational attainment than the national average. Specifically, 48.6% of its residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This significant educational advantage is reflected in various qualification types: Bachelor degrees are most common at 29.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.9%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational pathways account for 24.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 14.7%.

Educational participation is notably high in Torrens, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Torrens has 11 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are connected by 33 routes that facilitate a total of 3,085 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents living an average of 229 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, Torrens sees most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 86%, while buses account for 9%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 440 trips daily, equating to around 280 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Torrens is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Torrens demonstrates better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low among the general population, nearing national averages for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population (1,594 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.0 and 8.0% of residents respectively. 70.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The under-65 population shows better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 16.0% of residents aged 65 and over (388 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Torrens was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Torrens' population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.2% born overseas and 19.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Torrens, accounting for 46.4% of its population. Notably, Judaism's representation was double that of the Australian Capital Territory average (0.2%).

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.1%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (9.5%). Some ethnic groups had significant disparities: Polish at 1.1% in Torrens versus 0.8% regionally, French at 0.8% compared to 0.5%, and Hungarian at 0.4% against 0.3%.

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

Torrens has a median age of 39, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and comparable to Australia's figure of 38. The age group of 5-14 years old makes up 15.1% of Torrens' population, compared to the Australian Capital Territory. However, the 25-34 age group is less prevalent at 8.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.1% to 13.7%, while the 35-44 cohort has grown from 14.0% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 10.5% to 8.8%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 15.1% to 13.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Torrens' age structure. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 7 people, reaching 210 from 196, leading the demographic shift. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, the 45-54 and 0-4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.