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 around 26,799 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,192 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,607 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 26,470 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 320 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 212 persons per square kilometer. Torquay's growth of 8.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's growth of 6.0%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 53.4% 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, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections indicate a significant increase in the top quartile of national regional areas, with Torquay expected to increase by 7,947 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 28.3% over the 17 years.

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

Torquay has received approximately 210 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1,054 homes. In FY-26, up to May, 55 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.1 new residents per year settled in each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost of new properties was $369,000 during this period.

In the current financial year, commercial approvals reached $52.6 million. Compared to Rest of Vic., Torquay has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person but ranks within the 50th percentile nationally. New developments consist of 83% standalone homes and 17% medium-high density housing.

There are approximately 324 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth. By 2041, Torquay is projected to grow by 7,574 residents. Building activity aligns with growth projections, but increased competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

Torquay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 41 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Torquay North Residential Development Area, Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre - Stage Two, Stretton Estate, 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.

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

Torquay has an educated workforce with a low unemployment rate of 1.4% as of September 2025. It has 14,595 residents employed, which is below the Rest of Vic.'s employment rate of 3.8%.

The workforce participation in Torquay is high at 66.5%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries for residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Torquay specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.1% compared to the regional average of 7.5%.

Labour force decreased by 0.3% and employment declined by 0.6% over a 12-month period in Torquay, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years for Torquay, based on industry-specific projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Torquay SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $58,885 and an average of $82,912. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to the Rest of Vic.'s median of $48,741 and average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Torquay SA2 as of September 2025 would be approximately $66,045 (median) and $92,994 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Torquay rank highly nationally, between the 78th and 82nd percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 31.2% of residents (8,361 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, reflecting a pattern seen in the broader area where 30.3% occupy this range. A substantial proportion of high earners (35.6% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the locality. Housing accounts for 13.9% of income while strong earnings rank residents 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Torquay's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Torquay stood at 36.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.9% and rented ones at 20.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,950. Weekly rent in Torquay was recorded at $500, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $402. Nationally, Torquay's median monthly mortgage repayment exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents were substantially higher than the national figure 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, 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 standards. Among residents aged 15 and above, 39.5% have university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria 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 common, with 33.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 13.2% and certificates for 19.9%.

Educational participation is notably high in Torquay, with 31.4% of 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

Transport analysis in Torquay shows 88 active transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 7 different routes that together provide 945 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of public transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 339 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 135 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 10 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. Prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups is very low. Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (16,427 people), compared to 56.2% in Rest of Vic., and 55.3% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.8 and 6.9% of residents respectively. 73.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in Rest of Vic.. Torquay has 16.9% of residents aged 65 and over (4,537 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'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 was the predominant religion in Torquay, making up 41.0% of the population. However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation, comprising 0.1% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.8%), Australian (27.0%), and Irish (11.6%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 9.5%, Dutch at 1.8%, and Maltese at 0.7% compared to regional averages of 9.7%, 1.8%, and 0.9% respectively.

Torquay's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Torquay is 40 years, which is slightly below the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. Comparing with Rest of Vic., the 35-44 age group is notably overrepresented at 16.1% locally, while the 65-74 year-olds are underrepresented at 9.8%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.8% to 5.5%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 9.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Torquay. The 45-54 age group is projected to expand notably by 1,529 people (40%), growing from 3,840 to 5,370 residents. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age group shows more modest growth of 8%, adding only 204 residents.