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, as of May 2026, is approximately 26,817. This figure represents a growth of 2,210 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,607. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates: Torquay's population was around 26,583 in June 2025, with an additional 411 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of approximately 212 persons per square kilometer. Between the 2021 Census and May 2026, Torquay's population grew by 9.0%, outperforming the Rest of Vic.'s growth rate of 4.3%. Overseas migration contributed about 47.0% to this growth, although natural growth and interstate migration also played positive roles. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Torquay's population is projected to increase by 7,263 persons, reflecting a total growth of 26.2% over the 16-year period.

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

Torquay averaged approximately 210 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 1,054 homes. As of FY-26121 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.1 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $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 about half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 50th percentile nationally for areas assessed. New development consists mainly of detached dwellings (83.0%) and attached dwellings (17.0%), maintaining the area's low-density character with a focus on family homes.

With around 324 people per approval, Torquay reflects a transitioning market. Future projections estimate an addition of 7,027 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential heightened buyer competition as the population grows.

Torquay has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 41 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre - Stage Two, Summerset Torquay Retirement Village, Haven Torquay, and Stretton Estate. The following list details those most likely to be 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 conditions in Torquay rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Torquay's workforce is well-educated with strong representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of December 2025 was 1.4%. In this month, 14,566 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.3 percentage points lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation was higher at 70.2%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, 33.0% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area showed strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 1.1%, compared to 7.5% regionally. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 0.8% while employment declined by 0.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic.'s employment and labour force declined by 0.6% and 0.7% respectively, with a drop of 0.1 percentage point in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Torquay. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years. Applying these projections to Torquay's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Torquay SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $61,134 and an average income of $87,333 in financial year 2023. This was among the highest in Australia, compared to Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $67,015 (median) and $95,734 (average), based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Torquay's household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 78th and 82nd percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 31.2% of residents (8,366 people). Economic strength was evident with 35.6% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000. Housing accounted for 13.9% of income, and residents ranked within the 83rd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% 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 Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Torquay was $500, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Torquay's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 19.2% and group households making up 3.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which 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

Torquay's residents aged 15 and above have a higher rate of university qualifications at 39.5%, compared to the broader Victorian average of 21.7% and the South Australian regional equivalent of 28.6%. The area's educational advantage is notable with bachelor degrees being the most common at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.7% and graduate diplomas at 5.1%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.1% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 13.2% and certificates at 19.9%. Educational participation is high in Torquay, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.0% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 4.8% in tertiary education.

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

Torquay has 88 active public transport stops. These are served by 14 different routes that together offer 1,252 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 339 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily. Car remains the primary mode of transport for 93% of these journeys. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Torquay, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 33.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 178 trips per day, equating to about 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Torquay's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Torquay's health outcomes show exceptional results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Approximately 63% of Torquay's total population (16,975 people) have private health cover, compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma at 7.8% and mental health issues at 6.9%. 73.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic.. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Torquay has 17.4% of residents aged 65 and over (4,674 people), lower than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, broadly in line with national rankings.

Torquay is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Torquay's population shows low cultural diversity, with 86.8% born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 41.0%. Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (30.8%), Australian (27.0%), and Irish (11.6%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Scottish are overrepresented at 9.5% versus 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 Regional Victoria's average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. Compared to the regional average, the 35-44 age cohort is notably higher at 15.9% locally, while the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 9.9%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.8% to 5.8%, while the 65-74 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 9.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Torquay. The 45-54 age group is projected to increase by 1,527 people (40%), from 3,832 to 5,360. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow more modestly at 9%, adding only 228 residents.