State Electorate · Area profile
Torrens
18 km²
Growth has shaped Torrens since 2011, with the population rising 20% to reach 42,735 people. It is a diverse and relatively young community, where the typical resident is 37, noticeably younger than the state average. A strong international presence is felt here, as many residents were born overseas and a high proportion use a language other than English at home. This mix of cultures and a high level of education gives the area a distinctive, cosmopolitan character.
Torrens's schools draw a more advantaged community than local incomes would suggest.
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The typical resident is 37, making the area noticeably younger than the South Australian average. While the population has grown significantly, the proportion of children under 15 and seniors has remained relatively steady.
International ties are very strong here, with 37.8% of people born overseas, a figure far above the national average. Indian, Italian, and Chinese ancestries are the most common following English and Australian.
Language diversity is a major feature of the area; 37.5% of residents use a language other than English at home, which is far above the state figure. Punjabi, Mandarin, and Hindi are the most common spoken languages after English.
The community is more religious than most, as the 34.4% who report no religion is well below the national figure. Christianity is the most common faith, followed by Hinduism at 9.5%.
Education levels are high, with 31.7% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher, well above the national average. Since 2011, there has been a significant rise in both university qualifications and Year 12 completion.
Typical weekly household income is $1,541, which is a little below the national figure. While incomes have risen since 2011, the proportion of households earning $3,000 or more a week remains lower than in most areas.
Long-term health conditions are reported by 27.1% of people, which is about the same as the national figure. However, the 6.3% who need help with daily activities is higher than in most areas.
Community participation is generally in line with the rest of the state, though volunteering has fallen slightly since 2011. About 12.1% of residents provide some form of unpaid care.
Most homes are family-based, with 58.7% consisting of couples with children. About 27.1% of people live alone, which is a little above the national average.
The area is dominated by separate houses, and 80% of homes have three or more bedrooms. Renting is more common here than in most areas, with 33.3% of households renting.
Public transport use is very high, with 7.8% of people using it to commute—well above the national average. This is supported by a large number of bus routes and high departure rates.
The community is quite mobile, as 41.5% of people have moved house in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals make up 19.5% of the population, which is well above the state and national figures.
More adults are working or looking for work here than in most areas, though the unemployment rate is slightly higher than the national average. Many residents work in health care, social assistance, or retail.
Torrens is very walkable, with 100% of homes within a 10-minute walk of public transport and a park. Almost all residents can reach a school and groceries within 15 minutes on foot.