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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Leeton's population is around 10,523 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 193 people (1.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,330 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,336 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 159 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 28 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Leeton's 1.9% growth since the census positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilizing the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth of regional areas nationally is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 33 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decrease of 1.5% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 22 new homes approved each year, totalling 114 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $367,000. There have also been $17.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Leeton shows approximately 56% of the construction activity per person and places within the 31st percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This level is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity consists of 72.0% standalone homes and 28.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 547 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Roxy Community Theatre Redevelopment, 98 Cassia Road Subdivision, CBD Enhancement Stage 3 - Chelmsford Place Town Square, and Sorelli Estate, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

While Leeton retains a healthy unemployment rate of 4.0%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Leeton possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of only 4.0%. As of December 2025, 4,705 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Based on Census responses, a low 6.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are manufacturing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 3.1 times the regional average. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 10.1% employment compared to 16.9% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of the Census working population relative to the local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.0% combined with employment decreasing by 3.1%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Leeton. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Leeton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Leeton SA2's median income among taxpayers is $51,668, with an average of $58,275. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $56,246 (median) and $63,438 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Leeton, between the 30th and 37th percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.2% of residents (3,388 people), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. Housing costs are manageable with 87.8% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 35th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Leeton, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Leeton was slightly lagging that of Regional NSW, at 36.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.3%) or rented (29.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Leeton's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 69.3% of all households, comprising 28.0% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 28.2% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.9%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (30.5%).

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

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

Public transport analysis reveals 306 active transport stops operating within Leeton, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 25 individual routes, collectively providing 247 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 168 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 6.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 35 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Leeton, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~5,072 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 10.5 and 9.0% of residents, respectively, while 64.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,984 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Leeton was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.1% of its population being citizens, 87.7% born in Australia, and 89.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Leeton is Christianity, which makes up 69.3% of people in Leeton, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Leeton are Australian, comprising 29.1% of the population, English, comprising 27.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 7.7% of Leeton (vs 2.1% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 5.0% (vs 4.6%) and Samoan at 0.4% (vs 0.1%).

Leeton's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 36-year median age in Leeton is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 and similarly lower than Australia's 38 years. The 15 - 24 age group shows strong representation at 14.9% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 9.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 13.6% to 14.9% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.0% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 9.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Leeton. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 40% (119 people), reaching 417 from 297. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 35 to 44 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.