Torquay (Qld)

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Based on evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside address datasets validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Torquay (Qld) has an estimated population of 6,782 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 249 individuals (3.8%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 6,533 residents. The projection builds upon the 6,773 residents estimated by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP figures, combined with an additional 83 validated new addresses registered since the Census. This population level yields a density of 1,566 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure found across national locations analysed by Districts. Inward migration from other states was the primary driver of growth, accounting for approximately 64.0% of the overall population increases during recent timeframes.

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Torquay maintains a balanced workforce distributed across professional and trade roles, with a strong presence of essential services, an unemployment rate of 6.5%, and an estimated 8.8% increase in jobs over the past year, according to Districts statistical aggregations. In March 2026, 2,672 local residents were employed, while the local unemployment rate was 2.6% higher than the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%, and the participation rate of 47.5% was well below the Regional Qld figure of 64.3%. Census data indicates a minor 6.0% of the workforce operated from home, though the influence of pandemic restrictions should be taken into account.

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According to the latest ATO postcode data for financial year 2023 published by Districts, tax-paying residents in Torquay earn a median income of $40,431 and an average of $50,833. These figures are below national averages, and compare to a Regional Qld median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimated values would be roughly $45,024 for the median and $56,608 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places Torquay household, family, and personal incomes between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. The income distribution is dominated by the $400 - 799 range, which includes 34.4% of residents (2,333 individuals), contrasting with the wider region where of taxpayers fall into the - category. The local economic profile indicates widespread budget constraints, with of households living on weekly incomes under . Financial pressure from housing is high, with just of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the rd percentile.

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Residential architecture in Torquay at the time of the last Census consisted of 69.6% houses and 30.4% alternative dwellings, such as townhouses, units, or other options, compared to Regional Qld averages of 76.4% and 23.6% respectively. Outright home ownership in Torquay stood at 42.3%, notably higher than the regional average, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (18.4%) or rented (39.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,299 was lower than the Regional Qld average, while the median weekly rent was $300, compared to regional figures of $1,655 and $345 respectively. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Torquay are much lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent costs remain well below the national level of $375.

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Families make up 59.4% of all local households, consisting of couples with children at 14.1%, couples without children at 31.1%, and single-parent arrangements at 13.1%. The remaining 40.6% are non-family households, which are dominated by single-person households at 36.7%, while group houses account for 3.8%. The median household size of 2.1 residents is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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The locality displays lower levels of tertiary education, with university qualification rates of 14.3% falling well below the national benchmark of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 10.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational qualifications are prominent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 31.2%.

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Analysis of local transit options shows 45 operational public transport stops in Torquay, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 4 unique routes, which together provide 181 weekly passenger journeys. Transit accessibility is strong, with residents living an average of 191 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the area's residential nature, the majority of workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 92%, and 4% of commuters walking. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.0 per household, below the regional average. A low 6.0% of local workers worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Evaluation of mortality and chronic disease trends by Districts indicates notable health challenges in Torquay, affecting both younger and older demographics, while the level of private health insurance coverage is low, held by approximately 47% of the community (~3,211 individuals). This compares to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

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The population of Torquay displays lower cultural diversity than national averages, with citizens representing 86.9% of the population, Australian-born residents accounting for 80.6%, and 95.2% using English as their sole home language. Christianity is the dominant faith, accounting for 51.9% of residents. However, the most distinct religious deviation is Judaism, which represents 0.1% of residents, matching the Regional Qld average of 0.1%.

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Torquay has a median age of 55, which is considerably older than the Regional Qld median of 41 and the national median of 38. The suburb contains a higher percentage of residents aged 75 - 84 (13.7%) than Regional Qld, but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (7.9%). The proportion of 75 - 84 year-olds is also higher than the national figure of 6.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 8.6% to 10.0%, and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 8.4% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age bracket fell from to , and the to demographic decreased from to . Looking to demographic models point to notable shifts in local age profiles. The population aged and over is projected to grow by ( individuals), rising from to . This aging trend is prominent, with seniors aged and over accounting for of all projected population growth. In contrast, the to and to age groups are expected to shrink.

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Torquay currently has an estimated 291 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 172 children aged 0-2 and 115 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 21% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 13% by 2041 (to approximately 329 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 472. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 6.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.