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 suburb of Torrens' population is estimated at around 2,472 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 48 people (2.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,424 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,470, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,901 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb 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, with the suburb's population expected to reduce by 166 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 20 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 indicates around 10 new homes approved per year in Torrens. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 51 homes were approved, with an additional 7 approved so far in FY-26. This suggests solid demand, supporting property values, with an average of 2.2 people moving to the area per new home constructed during this period.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $306,000. In FY-26, $132,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, Torrens records significantly lower building activity than the Australian Capital Territory average, with 74.0% fewer approvals per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties.

New developments consist of 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Torrens' traditional suburban character focused on family homes. Torrens indicates a mature market with approximately 440 people per approval. Population projections suggest stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, potentially benefiting buyers in the area.

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

No factor influences a region's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are anticipated to impact this area significantly. Notable projects include Athllon Drive Duplication, Mawson Group Centre Upgrade, Mixed-Use Complex in Mawson, and Canberra Hospital Master Plan, with the following list providing details on those most pertinent.

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 places Torrens well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Torrens has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.9% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8%. As of December 2025, 1,313 residents were employed at an unemployment rate of 0.9% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was 67.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 13.6% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Conversely, accommodation & food services had lower representation at 4.7% versus the regional average of 6.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 0.8% while labour force grew by 1.1%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Torrens's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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 2023 shows that income in Torrens is exceptionally high nationally. The median assessed income is $72,953 while the average income stands at $97,554. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $80,569 (median) and $107,739 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Torrens, between the 92nd and 94th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 30.6% of the population (756 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%. Economic strength emerges through 45.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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

The dwelling structure in Torrens, as per the latest Census, comprised 84.8% houses and 15.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% 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 $2,080. The median weekly rent in Torrens was $478, compared to $450 in the Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, Torrens's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,470 versus the Australian 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 constitute 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 account for 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, 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 high educational attainment, with 48.6% of its residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. This is particularly evident in bachelor degrees (29.3%), postgraduate qualifications (13.9%), and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational pathways are also prominent, accounting for 24.0% of qualifications among residents 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 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 33 different routes, collectively offering 3,085 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is considered good, with residents typically living 229 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 86% of residents, while buses account for 9%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 440 trips per day, equating to about 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 (released on 15th January 2022). The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population and near the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 66% of Torrens' total population (1,624 people) has private health cover, 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% in Australian Capital Territory. The under-65 population has better-than-average health outcomes. Torrens has 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over (412 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally than those of 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, surveyed in June 2021, exhibited 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 was the predominant religion in Torrens as of June 2021, comprising 46.4% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.2% of Torrens' population compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.2%.

The top three ancestral groups based on country of birth of parents were English (24.1%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (9.5%). Significant differences in representation were observed for Polish (Torrens: 1.1%, regional: 0.8%), French (Torrens: 0.8%, regional: 0.5%), and Hungarian (Torrens: 0.4%, regional: 0.3%) ethnic groups as of June 2021.

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

Torrens' median age is 39, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and comparable to Australia's median age of 38. The 5-14 age group constitutes 14.6% of Torrens' population, a stronger representation compared to the Australian Capital Territory. However, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 12.1% to 14.2%, while the 55-64 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 0-4 cohort has declined from 6.4% to 4.6%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 15.1% to 13.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Torrens' age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 29 people, reaching 67 from the current 51. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who will comprise all of the projected population growth. Conversely, the 45-54 and 0-4 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.