Leichhardt

An assessment of population growth drivers in Leichhardt reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Leichhardt's population is around 18,316 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 784 people (4.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,532 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,209 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 230 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 6,146 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Leichhardt's 4.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 62.0% 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 utilising 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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 1,606 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 8.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Leichhardt according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Leichhardt has averaged around 72 new dwelling approvals per year, with 360 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 20 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.5 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $182,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $1.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Leichhardt shows moderately higher new home approvals (35.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values, though building activity has slowed in recent years. Recent construction comprises 60.0% standalone homes and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (39.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 628 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Looking ahead, Leichhardt is expected to grow by 1,499 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 33 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Renovation, Leichhardt Oval Redevelopment, Oria Annandale (Lilyfield border), and the Redevelopment of 40-76 William Street, Leichhardt, 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.

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

Leichhardt possesses a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of 4.3%. As of December 2025, 11,178 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.1% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 62.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.7% versus the regional average of 8.6%. 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, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 1.7% combined with employment decreasing by 2.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Leichhardt. 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 Leichhardt's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Leichhardt SA2 is exceptionally high nationally, with the median assessed at $82,581 while the average income stands at $113,092. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $89,898 (median) and $123,112 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Leichhardt, between the 94th and 96th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 33.4% of locals (6,117 people) in the $4000+ category, unlike trends in the region where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. A significant 46.7% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. High housing costs consume 19.0% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 92nd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Leichhardt displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Leichhardt, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Leichhardt lagged that of Sydney metro, at 25.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.0%) or rented (39.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $3,447, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $600, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Leichhardt's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Leichhardt features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 68.3% of all households, comprising 31.8% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 5.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Leichhardt demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Leichhardt significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 53.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 33.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational pathways account for 22.1% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (11.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 7.0% in tertiary education, and 6.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 88 active transport stops operating within Leichhardt, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 31 individual routes, collectively providing 7,776 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 160 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 66%, with 10% walking and 9% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 62.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,110 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 88 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Leichhardt is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Leichhardt demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 76% of the total population (13,938 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.8% and 7.4% of residents, respectively, while 73.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,547 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Leichhardt was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Leichhardt is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 19.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 29.8% born overseas. The main religion in Leichhardt is Christianity, which makes up 41.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.5% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Leichhardt are English, comprising 23.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Spanish is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Leichhardt (vs 0.6% regionally), Italian at 6.8% (vs 3.4%) and French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%).

Leichhardt's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 38-year median age in Leichhardt is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 and equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, Leichhardt has a higher concentration of 45 - 54 residents (14.7%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (11.3%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.6% to 11.3% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.5% to 4.9%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 6.7% to 5.6% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 15.5% to 14.4%. By 2041, Leichhardt is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 56% (510 people), reaching 1,413 from 902. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 66% of projected growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 35 to 44 cohorts.