Leeton
Statistical Area - sa2

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 10,615 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 285 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,330. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 10,338 in June 2024 and an additional 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 28 persons per square kilometer. Leeton's growth rate of 2.8% since the census is within 1.3 percentage points of the SA4 region's 4.1%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest population numbers, the area is expected to increase by 33 persons by 2041, recording a decrease of 2.3% in total over the 17-year period.

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 home approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling 114 homes. As of FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, but development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which is positive for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $367,000.

In FY-26, there have been $17.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Leeton shows around 56% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 31st percentile nationally, resulting in relatively limited buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This level is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises 72.0% standalone homes and 28.0% medium to 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 development environment. With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Leeton should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

Leeton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified six projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Roxy Community Theatre Redevelopment, 98 Cassia Road Subdivision, CBD Enhancement Stage 3 - Chelmsford Place Town Square, and Sorelli Estate. The following list details those projects likely to be 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 4.4% in June 2025, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 3.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 7.8%. As of June 2025, 4,901 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 59.0%, close to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include manufacturing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Manufacturing is particularly specialized, with an employment share 3.1 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 10.1% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 7.8%, while labour force grew by 8.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Leeton's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.9% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Leeton's median taxpayer income was $49,216 and average was $54,558 in financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $49,459 and average of $62,998. As of September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $55,422 (median) and $61,438 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data shows Leeton's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 31st and 38th percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 32.2% of Leeton's population (3,418 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to the surrounding region's 29.9%. Housing costs allow for retention of 87.8%, but disposable income is below average at the 36th 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). This is comparable to Non-Metro NSW's 87.5% houses and 12.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leeton stood at 36.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.3% and rented ones at 29.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent was $250, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Leeton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 69.3% of all households, consisting of 28.0% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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

Leeton faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 13.9%, significantly lower than NSW's 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (30.5%).

Educational participation is high at 31.7%, including secondary education (12.4%), primary education (11.2%), and tertiary education (1.9%). Leeton operates a robust network of 10 schools educating approximately 2,564 students, with varied educational conditions across the area. The educational mix includes 5 primary, 3 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs at 24.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.4, indicating Leeton serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Leeton has 142 active public transport stops, including train and bus services. These stops are served by 16 routes that together offer 124 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 280 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 17 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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 somewhat 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 declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of NSW. As of 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, comprising 69.3%, compared to 66.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.1%), English (27.6%), and Irish (8.5%).

Italian representation was higher than average at 7.7% (regional: 12.6%), while Australian Aboriginal was similar at 5.0% (regional: 5.1%) and Samoan lower at 0.4% (regional: 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 Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 15-24 make up 14.8% of the population, a notable percentage compared to other age groups. Meanwhile, those aged 65-74 constitute only 9.6%, which is smaller than Rest of NSW's figure for this group. Between 2021 and present day, the proportion of individuals aged 15-24 has increased from 13.6% to 14.8%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 11.6% to 10.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Leeton's age structure. The number of individuals aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 125 people (43%), rising from 291 to 417. Notably, the combined population of all age groups 65 years and above will account for 67% of total population growth in Leeton. However, projections also suggest declines in the populations aged 0-4 and 65-74.