Torquay

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 is approximately 29,532 as of February 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 4,925 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,607. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 26,427 in June 2024 and an additional 354 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 233 persons per square kilometer. Torquay's growth rate of 20.0% since the 2021 census exceeds both the Rest of Vic. (8.1%) and the national average, indicating it is a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future projections anticipate a significant increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Torquay expected to increase by 7,947 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 16.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Torquay among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Torquay averaged approximately 210 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1,054 homes. As of FY-26, 66 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.1 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition. The average development value of new dwellings was $369,000, reflecting quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $52.6 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Torquay has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 50th percentile nationally. New developments consist of 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes.

With approximately 324 people per approval, Torquay reflects a transitioning market. Future projections estimate Torquay adding 4,841 residents by 2041 based on current development patterns, suggesting new housing supply should readily meet demand and potentially facilitate population growth beyond current projections.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 41 projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones include Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre - Stage Two, Stretton Estate, Haven Torquay, and Summerset Torquay Retirement Village. The following list details those most 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.

Employment performance in Torquay ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Torquay's workforce is well-educated with a low unemployment rate of 1.4% as of September 2025. It has an unemployment rate 2.4% below the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, and a workforce participation rate of 71.0%, compared to the region's 61.4%. According to Census responses, 33.0% of residents work from home.

The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Torquay shows strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.1%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Torquay's labour force decreased by 0.3% and employment declined by 0.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points.

Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local growth patterns may differ based on industry-specific projections applied to Torquay's employment mix.

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

The median taxpayer income in Torquay SA2, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch, is $61,134 for the financial year 2023. The average income for this area is $87,333 during the same period. These figures are among the highest in Australia, when compared to Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $66,178 and an average income of around $94,538, factoring in the Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Torquay rank highly nationally, between the 78th and 82nd percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.2% of residents (9,213 people), which is similar to the regional average of 30.3%. Economic strength is evident in Torquay, as 35.6% of households achieve high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, contributing to elevated consumer spending. Housing expenses account for 13.9% of income, and residents' strong earnings place them within the 83rd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Torquay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Torquay's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic., which had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Torquay stood at 36.6%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 42.9% and rented dwellings accounting for 20.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, exceeding Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,863. Weekly rent in Torquay was recorded at $500, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285 and the national average of $375.

Torquay features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.3% of all households, including 39.0% couples with children, 29.8% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 19.2% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of 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 notably exceeds broader benchmarks. Specifically, 39.5% of its residents aged 15 years or above hold university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the Rest of Vic and 28.6% in the SA4 region. This high level of educational attainment positions Torquay favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.1% of residents aged 15 years or above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 13.2%, while certificates make up 19.9%.

Educational participation is notably high in Torquay, with 31.4% of its residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Torquay has 88 active public transport stops. These are served by 14 different routes that together facilitate 1,252 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically living 339 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outside Torquay, primarily using cars (93%). On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Torquay, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a significant number of residents work from home (33.0%), which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 178 trips per day, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be very low across all age groups. The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (18,693 people), compared to 50.5% across Rest of Vic., and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions were asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.8 and 6.9% of residents respectively. 73.0% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. Working-age residents showed low chronic condition prevalence. The area had 16.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,946 people), lower than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors were 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 86.8% of its population born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Torquay, comprising 41.0% of people. While Judaism comprises 0.1% of the population, it is not significantly different from the rest of Victoria's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (30.8%), Australian (27.0%), and Irish (11.6%). Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 9.5%, compared to 8.8% regionally, Dutch at 1.8% versus 1.7%, and Maltese at 0.7% versus 0.5%.

Torquay's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Torquay is 40 years, which is slightly below Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Rest of Vic., the 35-44 age group is notably higher at 16.4% locally, while the 65-74 age group is lower at 9.6%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 9.9% to 10.7%, while the 65 to 74 age group has decreased from 10.5% to 9.6%. By 2041, population forecasts show significant changes in Torquay's demographics. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to expand by 1,203 people (29%), growing from 4,166 to 5,370. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age group is projected to decline by 1 person.