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, as of August 2025, is approximately 10,569 people. This figure represents a growth of 239 individuals, marking a 2.3% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,330. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,344 in June 2024 and an additional 140 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 28 persons per square kilometer. Leeton's growth rate of 2.3% since the census is within 1.4 percentage points of the SA4 region's 3.7%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

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, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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. By 2041, the area is projected to increase by 33 persons based on the latest population numbers, resulting in a decrease of 1.9% 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 homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 114 homes. In the current financial year, FY-26, seven approvals have been recorded so far. Despite a decline 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 of new dwellings is $509,000.

There have also been $17.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Leeton shows approximately 56% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 31st percentile of areas assessed 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 comprises 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 population expected to remain stable or decline in the future, Leeton should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch 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 list 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 4.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 7.8% over the previous year.

As of that date, 4,901 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 0.7% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation stood at 59.0%, slightly above Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for Leeton residents are manufacturing, education and training, and health care and social assistance. Manufacturing is particularly specialized, with an employment share 3.1 times the regional level.

However, health care and social assistance is under-represented, at 10.1% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 7.8%, while labour force grew by 8.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.1% and a labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. 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 simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Leeton's median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $49,216 and the average was $54,558 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages. Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Leeton would be approximately $55,422 (median) and $61,438 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Leeton rank modestly between the 31st and 38th percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 32.2% of Leeton's population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with surrounding regions at 29.9%. Housing costs are manageable with 87.8% retained, 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. 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 in Leeton was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent in Leeton was $250, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Leeton's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $250 compared to 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, including 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% of the total. 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 NSW's average of 32.2%. This 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 prominent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - 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 has 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 (24.3 places per 100 residents vs 16.4 regionally), 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 serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 16 routes that offer 124 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have good access to these services, with an average distance of 280 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 17 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 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 (~4,988 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 as 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 (1,961 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 has a low level of cultural diversity, with 86.1% of its population being citizens, 87.7% born in Australia, and 89.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Leeton, accounting for 69.3% of the population, compared to 66.9% across the rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Leeton are Australian (29.1%), English (27.6%), and Irish (8.5%).

Notably, Italian (7.7%) and Australian Aboriginal (5.0%) populations are higher than regional averages, while Samoan representation is lower at 0.4%.

Leeton's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Leeton is 37 years, which is lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 make up 14.8% of the population, a significant proportion compared to other age groups. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age group comprises only 9.6%, which is smaller than in Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of 15-24 year-olds has increased from 13.6% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 11.6% to 10.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial changes in Leeton's age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 126 individuals (43%), from 290 to 417. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 64% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. However, it is expected that the 0-4 and 65-74 age cohorts will experience population declines.