Katoomba - Leura
Statistical Area - sa2

Katoomba - Leura is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of August 2025, Katoomba - Leura's population is approximately 13,528. This figure represents a growth of 180 people from the 2021 Census total of 13,348, marking a 1.3% increase. The growth was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 13,438 as of June 2024 and an additional 77 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 331 persons per square kilometer. Katoomba - Leura's growth surpassed that of its SA3 area (1.2%), indicating it was a regional growth leader during this period. Overseas migration primarily drove this population increase.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022, based on 2021, are utilized. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Katoomba - Leura is projected to increase by approximately 1,384 persons, a gain of about 9.6% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Katoomba - Leura according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Katoomba-Leura has seen approximately 47 new homes approved annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 236 homes approved over the past five years from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, there have been three approvals so far. With population decline in recent years, new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers; new homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $530,000.

This financial year has also seen $4.9 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Katoomba-Leura has 75% more new home approvals per person, offering greater choice for buyers but remaining below the national average, suggesting established planning and potential limitations. New building activity consists of 65% detached houses and 35% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing varied housing options across different price points. This shift marks a departure from the current 84% house dominance, possibly due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With around 319 people per dwelling approval, Katoomba-Leura shows characteristics of a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 1,294 residents by 2041.

Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Katoomba - Leura has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects potentially affecting this region. Notable projects include: Great Western Highway Upgrade - Katoomba to Lithgow, Paling Yards Wind Farm, Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements, and Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.9%, Katoomba - Leura has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Katoomba-Leura has an educated workforce with a low unemployment rate of 3.9% as of June 2025. In this period, 6590 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.3% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Katoomba-Leura was at 51.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. The area specializes in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Finance & insurance is under-represented, with only 2.2% of Katoomba-Leura's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 7.3%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.3%, employment decreased by 2.0%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.3 percentage points in Katoomba-Leura. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% during this period. As of Sep-25, NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%, favourable to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest a potential local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years in Katoomba-Leura, based on industry-specific projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Income data from AreaSearch for financial year 2022 shows median assessed income in Katoomba - Leura at $44,833 and average income at $61,499. This is lower than national averages of $56,994 (median) and $80,856 (average), as seen in Greater Sydney. Based on 10.6% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated median income in Katoomba - Leura as of March 2025 is approximately $49,585 and average income is $68,018. Census data indicates that incomes in Katoomba - Leura fall between the 16th and 26th percentiles nationally. In this area, 26.0% of individuals (3,517 people) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to metropolitan regions where 30.9% fall in this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 14th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Katoomba - Leura is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Katoomba-Leura, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.8% houses and 16.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metropolitan area had 92.3% houses and 7.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Katoomba-Leura was 41.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented ones at 29.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Sydney's average of $2,033. Weekly rent in Katoomba-Leura was $380, compared to Sydney's $400. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents higher at $375.

Katoomba - Leura features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 57.1% of all households, including 17.7% that are couples with children, 27.8% consisting of couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 42.9%, with lone person households at 38.5% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Katoomba - Leura exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Katoomba-Leura is notable, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 23.9% in the SA4 region and 30.4% nationally as of 2021 data. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 20.0%. Active pursuit of education is significant, with 24.8% of the population engaged in formal education as of 2021 figures, including 7.5% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 4.7% in tertiary education.

The five schools in Katoomba-Leura have a combined enrollment of 1,524 students, reflecting typical Australian school conditions with an ICSEA score of 1032 and balanced educational opportunities. There are four primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents (11.3) are below the regional average (14.5), indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Katoomba-Leura's public transport analysis shows 215 active stops operating, consisting of train and bus services. These stops are served by 46 routes, offering a total of 3,112 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 242 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 444 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Katoomba - Leura is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant challenges in Katoomba-Leura, with common health conditions prevalent across younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 51% (~6845 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 54.4%.

Mental health issues affect 11.2% of residents, while arthritis impacts 9.7%. Around 62.0% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Sydney's 64.1%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (29.5%, or 3992 people), compared to Greater Sydney at 24.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming general population health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Katoomba - Leura was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Katoomba-Leura, as per the census data from June 2016, exhibited higher cultural diversity compared to the regional average. Specifically, 10.2% of its residents spoke a language other than English at home, while 24.1% were born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion in Katoomba-Leura, with 36.5% of people identifying as such.

Notably, Judaism had a higher representation in Katoomba-Leura compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 0.5% versus 0.2%. In terms of ancestry, English and Australian were the top two groups, making up 29.5% and 20.9% respectively, though Australian was lower than the regional average of 25.9%. Irish ancestry constituted 12.2%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Hungarian at 0.6%, Scottish at 9.7%, and Polish at 1.1%, all higher compared to their respective regional averages.

Katoomba - Leura ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Katoomba-Leura's median age is 50 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's 37 and Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Katoomba-Leura has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (16.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.1%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.0% to 10.1%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 8.9% to 10.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 9.2% to 8.1%. By 2041, Katoomba-Leura's population is expected to shift notably in terms of age composition. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 55%, reaching 2,115 people from the current 1,366. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 88% of this growth. Conversely, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.