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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Torquay's population is around 29,532 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 4,925 people (20.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,607 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 26,427 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 354 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 233 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Torquay's 20.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Vic. (8.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 53.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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, AreaSearch is utilizing the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 7,947 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 16.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Torquay has averaged around 210 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling 1,054 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 79 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 4.1 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $369,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. Additionally, $52.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Relative to the Rest of Vic., Torquay has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 50th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 324 people per approval, Torquay reflects a transitioning market.

Future projections show Torquay adding 4,841 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 41 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre - Stage Two, Stretton Estate, Haven Torquay, and Summerset Torquay Retirement Village, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 conditions in Torquay rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Torquay has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented and an unemployment rate of just 1.4%. As of December 2025, 14,566 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (70.8% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a high 33.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 1.1% employment compared to 7.5% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.8% while employment declined by 0.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Torquay. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Torquay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Torquay SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $61,134 and an average of $87,333 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $66,178 (median) and $94,538 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Torquay, between the 78th and 82nd percentiles nationally. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.2% of residents (9,213 people), mirroring the region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. Economic strength emerges through 35.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.9% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 83rd percentile for disposable income and 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

Dwelling structure within Torquay, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Torquay was lagging that of Regional Vic., at 36.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.9%) or rented (20.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Vic. average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $500, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Torquay's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 77.3% of all households, comprising 39.0% couples with children, 29.8% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 19.2% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional 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

Educational attainment in Torquay significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 21.7% in Rest of Vic. and 28.6% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 33.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (19.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, 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

Public transport analysis reveals 88 active transport stops operating within Torquay. These stops are serviced by 14 individual routes, collectively providing 1,252 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 339 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 33.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 178 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (18,693 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.8% and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 73.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 16.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,946 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.8% of its population born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Torquay is Christianity, which makes up 41.0% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Torquay are English, comprising 30.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.0% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.5% of Torquay (vs 8.8% regionally), Dutch at 1.8% (vs 1.7%) and Maltese at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

Torquay's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 40-year median age in Torquay is modestly under Regional Vic.'s average of 43 though slightly above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 35 - 44 cohort is notably over-represented (16.4% locally), while 65 - 74 year-olds are under-represented (9.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.9% to 10.7% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 9.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Torquay. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 1,203 people (29%) from 4,166 to 5,370. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 cohort is projected to decline by 1 person.