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 (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,330 people. This increase 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 stands at 28 persons per square kilometer, offering ample space per person. Leeton's growth rate of 2.3% since the census places it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA4 region (3.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch employs 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, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, Leeton is expected to increase by 33 persons by 2041, 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 annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 114 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with 5 approvals so far in FY-26. Despite population decline over this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $509,000.

This year, $17.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Leeton records around 56% of building activity per person and places among the 31st percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity consists of 72.0% detached dwellings 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 count is 547 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, 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 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 list details those most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Leeton remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Leeton has a diverse workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. Its unemployment rate is 4.4%, and it saw an estimated employment growth of 7.8% in the past year.

As of June 2025, there are 4,901 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 4.4% compared to Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Workforce participation is 59.0%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include manufacturing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Manufacturing is particularly strong, 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%. Some residents commute elsewhere for work. Over June 2024 to June 2025, Leeton's employment increased by 7.8%, labour force by 8.8%, leading to a 0.9 percentage point unemployment rate rise. Meanwhile, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point unemployment rate increase. State-level data from Sep-25 shows NSW's employment contracted by 0.41%, losing 19,270 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. National forecasts suggest employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 11.3% over ten years. Applying these projections to Leeton's 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Leeton's median taxpayer income is $49,216 and average income is $54,558 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. As of March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,433 (median) and $60,341 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Leeton rank modestly, between the 31st and 38th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 32.2% of Leeton's population (3,403 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income 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 residential structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 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, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent figure was $250, matching 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 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 make up 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 NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are 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 them, including advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (30.5%). Educational participation is high at 31.7%, with 12.4% in secondary, 11.2% in primary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

Leeton has a robust network of 10 schools educating approximately 2,564 students. 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 the area 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 operating within its boundaries. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. There are 16 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 124 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 280 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 17 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 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. However, 64.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of NSW. In Leeton, 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 lower cultural diversity, with 86.1% citizens, 87.7% born in Australia, and 89.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 69.3%, compared to 66.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestral groups are Australian (29.1%), English (27.6%), and Irish (8.5%).

Some ethnic groups have notable differences: Italian at 7.7% (vs regional 12.6%), Australian Aboriginal at 5.0% (vs 5.1%), and Samoan at 0.4% (vs 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 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 to 24-year-olds has increased from 13.6% to 14.8%, whereas the percentage of 45 to 54-year-olds has decreased from 11.6% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that Leeton's age structure will shift significantly. The number of individuals aged 85 years and above is projected to increase by 126 people (43%), from 290 to 417. Notably, the combined population of all age groups above 65 years is expected to account for 64% of total population growth. Conversely, the populations of individuals aged 0-4 years and those aged 65-74 years are projected to decline.