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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Torrens statistical area's population is estimated at around 2,426 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2 people (0.1%) 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 on 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. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the Torrens' population expected to shrink 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 in Torrens shows an average of 10 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, there were approximately 51 homes approved and another 6 so far in FY-26. Each year, on average, these dwellings accommodate around 2.2 new residents.

The estimated construction cost value for new homes is $306,000. In the current financial year, Torrens has seen $132,000 worth of commercial development approvals. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Torrens has 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 in the area.

The majority of new developments consist of standalone homes (80.0%), with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 20.0%, maintaining Torrens' traditional suburban character. With approximately 440 people per approval, Torrens indicates a mature market. Population projections suggest stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers in the area.

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

No infrastructure changes identified by AreaSearch will impact the area. Key projects are Athlon Drive Duplication, Mawson Group Centre Upgrade, Mixed-Use Complex in Mawson, and Canberra Hospital Master Plan.

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

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

Torrens has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its 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 an unemployment rate of 0.8% below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was 66.8%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical sectors dominated employment among residents.

Conversely, accommodation & food services had 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 count. In the past year, employment increased by 1.2%, while labour force and unemployment remained broadly flat. ACT experienced employment growth of 1.4% and a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years. Applying these projections to Torrens' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 shows median income in Torrens suburb was $72,953 and average income was $97,554 for financial year 2023. This compares to Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $79,708 (median) and $106,588 (average) by September 2025. Census data ranks Torrens' household, family, and personal incomes between the 92nd and 94th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show 30.6% of residents earn over $4,000 annually, contrasting with the region's leading bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 at 34.3%. High weekly earnings exceeding $3,000 are reported by 45.6% of households, indicating strong consumer spending power. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of income, reflecting robust purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 9th decile.

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

In Torrens, as per the latest Census evaluation, 84.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 15.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Torrens stood at 36.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.7% and rented ones at 25.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,470, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Torrens was $478 compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $440. Nationally, Torrens' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,470 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and 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 make up the remaining 25.8%, with lone person households at 22.2% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.4.

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

Torrens has a higher educational attainment than the national average. Among residents aged 15 and above, 48.6% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This includes 29.3% with bachelor degrees, 13.9% with postgraduate qualifications, and 5.4% with graduate diplomas. Vocational pathways make up 24.0%, consisting of 9.3% advanced diplomas and 14.7% certificates.

Educational participation is high in Torrens, with 32.5% 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 operating public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 33 different routes, together offering 3085 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average located 229 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 440 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 280 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Torrens is notably higher than the national average with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Torrens demonstrates above-average health outcomes with a standard level of common health conditions seen across young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 66% of the total population (1,594 people), compared to 69.2% in Australian Capital Territory and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.0 and 8.0% of residents respectively, while 70.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.1% in Australian Capital Territory.

The area has 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (383 people), lower than the 18.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 was found to have a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.2% of its population born overseas and 19.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Torrens, making up 46.4% of its population. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, comprising 0.2% compared to 0.3% across the Australian Capital Territory.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups in Torrens are English (24.1%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (9.5%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Polish is overrepresented at 1.1% (vs regional 0.8%), French at 0.8% (vs 0.6%), and Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 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 median age of 38. The age group of 5-14 years old makes up 15.2% of Torrens' population, higher than in the Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 age group constitutes 9.3%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.1% to 13.3%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 14.0% to 15.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 15.1% to 13.3%, and the 25 to 34 age group has fallen from 10.5% to 9.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Torrens' age structure. Notably, the 65 to 74 age group is projected to grow by 10%, from 191 to 210 people, with those aged 65 and above accounting for all of the population growth. Conversely, the 45 to 54 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to experience population declines.