Leeton

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

Leeton's population is approximately 10,615 as of November 2025. Between the 2021 Census and this date, the population has increased by 285 people, representing a growth rate of 2.8%. This increase can be attributed to an estimated resident population of 10,338 in June 2024 and the addition of 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 28 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person. Leeton's growth rate since the census is 2.8%, which is within 1.3 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 4.1%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Leeton.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for the years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, Leeton is expected to increase by 33 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decrease of 2.3% in total over the 17-year period from 2025 to 2041.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Leeton, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Leeton has seen approximately 22 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 114 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 11 approvals have been recorded. Despite a decrease in population during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which is positive for buyers. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $367,000.

This financial year has seen $17.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of NSW, Leeton shows about 56% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 31st percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This level is also below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity consists of 72.0% standalone homes and 28.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Leeton's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 547 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Leeton should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are Roxy Community Theatre Redevelopment, 98 Cassia Road Subdivision, CBD Enhancement Stage 3 - Chelmsford Place Town Square, and Sorelli Estate. The following details those most 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 Leeton remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Leeton has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 3.8%.

As of September 2025, 4,849 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW at 59.0%. Key industries for Leeton residents include manufacturing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Manufacturing stands out with a share of employment three times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is less prominent, representing only 10.1% of Leeton's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. While local jobs exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.8%, while labour force rose by 4.8%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and labour force decline by 0.1%. Statewide in NSW, employment decreased by 0.03% between November 2024 and November 2025, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Leeton's industry mix suggests local employment could grow by 4.9% in five years and 11.3% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Leeton SA2 was $49,216 and the average was $54,558 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,422 (median) and $61,438 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Leeton's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 30th and 37th percentiles according to census data. Income distribution shows 32.2% of Leeton residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, aligning with surrounding regions at 29.9%. Housing costs are manageable, with 87.8% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 35th percentile.

Leeton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Leeton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 87.5% houses and 12.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leeton was 36.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.3% and rented ones at 29.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, matching Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent was $250, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Leeton's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Leeton has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 69.3% of all households, including 28.0% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 28.2% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

Leeton faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.9%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (30.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes secondary education (12.4%), primary education (11.2%), and tertiary education (1.9%).

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

Leeton's public transport system operates 142 active stops, consisting of both train and bus services. These stops are served by 16 individual routes, offering a total of 124 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Leeton is rated as good, with residents typically situated 280 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes is 17 trips per day, which equates to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Leeton is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Leeton faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~5,010 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 10.5 and 9.0% of residents respectively. 64.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of NSW. As of June 2021, 18.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,970 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Leeton ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Leeton's population showed low cultural diversity, with 86.1% being citizens, 87.7% born in Australia, and 89.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 69.3%, slightly higher than the 66.9% regional average. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.1%), English (27.6%), and Irish (8.5%).

Italian descent was overrepresented in Leeton at 7.7% compared to the regional 12.6%. Australian Aboriginal and Samoan populations were also notable, with 5.0% and 0.4% respectively, though they did not significantly diverge from regional figures of 5.1% and 0.8%.

Leeton's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Leeton is 37 years, which is lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 years make up 14.8% of the population, while those aged 65-74 years constitute 9.6%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of 15-24 year-olds has increased from 13.6% to 14.8%, whereas the proportion of 45-54 year-olds has decreased from 11.6% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the number of people aged 85 and above will increase by 125 (43%) from 291 to 417. The combined age groups of 65 and above are projected to account for 67% of total population growth, reflecting Leeton's aging demographic trend. Conversely, the populations aged 0-4 years and 65-74 years are expected to decline.