Leichhardt
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Leichhardt's population was around 18,302 as of Aug 2025. This showed an increase of 770 people (4.4%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 17,532 people. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,209 in June 2024 and an additional 226 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 6,141 persons per square kilometer, placing Leichhardt in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 4.4% growth since the 2021 census was higher than the SA3 area's 3.4%, indicating Leichhardt as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilised NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicated an increase just below the median of national areas, with the area expected to expand by 1,606 persons to 2041 based on latest population numbers, reflecting an 8.3% total increase 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 averaged approximately 72 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 360 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of 0.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built, suggesting that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand.

The average construction cost value of new homes over this period was $779,000, indicating a focus on the premium market. This financial year has seen $1.5 million in commercial development approvals, implying a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Leichhardt has shown moderately higher new home approvals, with 35.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This balance supports buyer choice while maintaining current property values. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Recent construction consists of 60.0% standalone homes and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, providing options across different price points. Notably, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (39.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes. The location has approximately 628 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established market. Looking ahead, Leichhardt is projected to grow by 1,513 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Leichhardt has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Renovation, Ara Leichhardt, Leichhardt Oval Redevelopment, and Redevelopment of 40-76 William Street, Leichhardt. The following list details those most relevant.

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

The labour market in Leichhardt demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Leichhardt has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of June 2025, with estimated employment growth of 3.4% over the previous year.

In that month, 11,524 residents were employed, mirroring Greater Sydney's unemployment rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Leichhardt was higher at 71.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The leading employment industries among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Professional & technical services have a particularly high concentration, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction employs only 5.7% of local workers, lower than Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.4%, while labour force grew by 4.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% over the same period. As of September 2025, NSW employment had contracted by 0.41%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, with national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's projections from May 2025 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Leichhardt's employment mix indicates potential local growth of approximately 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 30 June 2022 for financial year 2022, Leichhardt had a median income among taxpayers of $78,986 with the average level standing at $110,287. Nationally, this places Leichhardt in the top percentile. In Greater Sydney, the median and average incomes are $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% from financial year 2022 to March 2025, current estimates for Leichhardt's median income would be approximately $87,359 and average income at $121,977. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Leichhardt rank highly nationally, between the 94th and 97th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 33.4% earning $4000+ weekly (6,112 residents), differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 30.9%. Higher earners are substantial with 46.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power. High housing costs consume 19.0% of income, yet disposable income ranks at the 92nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Leichhardt displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Leichhardt's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 30.0% houses and 70.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leichhardt was at 25.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (35.0%) or rented (39.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Leichhardt was $3,447, below Sydney metro's average of $3,500. Median weekly rent in Leichardt stood at $600, matching Sydney metro's figure but significantly higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Leichhardt's mortgage repayments were considerably higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 68.3% of all households, including 31.8% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 5.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.3.

Educational achievement in Leichhardt places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Leichhardt is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2016, 53.6% of residents aged 15 and above held university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 10.6% and certificates 11.5%. Educational participation is notably high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 7.0% in tertiary education, and 6.7% pursuing secondary education. A robust network of six schools operates within Leichhardt, educating approximately 1,972 students as of the 2018 school year. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1128. Education provision is balanced, with five primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Leichhardt has 54 active public transport stops operating currently. These comprise a mix of light rail and bus services. There are 31 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 6,696 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 162 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 956 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 124 weekly trips per individual stop.

Leichhardt's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Leichhardt's health outcomes data shows excellent results, with younger age groups having a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 75% of the total population (13,781 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 80.5%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.8 and 7.4% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 73.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, similar to Greater Sydney's 73.2%. Leichhardt has a lower proportion of seniors (13.4%, or 2,448 people) compared to Greater Sydney at 15.4%. However, health outcomes among seniors in Leichhardt deserve particular attention.

Leichhardt was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Leichhardt's population showed high cultural diversity, with 19.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 29.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Leichhardt, accounting for 41.0%. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 0.5% of Leichhardt's population versus 0.7%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (23.0%), Australian (19.3%), and Irish (10.5%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Spanish was higher at 0.9%, Italian at 6.8%, and French remained similar at 0.8% compared to regional figures.

Leichhardt's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Leichhardt as of 2021 is 38 years, similar to Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Leichhardt has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (14.9%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.1%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the 15-24 age group increased from 9.6% to 11.1%, while the 75-84 cohort rose from 3.5% to 4.5%. Conversely, the 0-4 cohort decreased from 6.7% to 5.8%. By 2041, Leichhardt's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 71%, reaching 1,413 people from 827. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 70% of the population growth, while declines are forecast for the 15-24 and 35-44 age groups.