Leichhardt

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 is around 18,302 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 770 people 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 226 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6,141 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Leichhardt's growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of national areas, expecting a population expansion of 1,606 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 8.3% 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 approximately 72 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 360 homes approved during this period. In the current financial year FY-26, 16 dwellings have been approved so far. The average population increase per dwelling built in Leichhardt over these five financial years has been around 0.5 people annually, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new homes being built in the area is $182,000, which is under regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers. In FY-26, $1.5 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus in Leichhardt's property development scene. Compared to Greater Sydney, Leichhardt shows moderately higher new home approvals, with 35.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period from FY-21 to FY-25.

This balance between buyer choice and support for current property values is evident despite a slowdown in building activity in recent years. Recent construction in Leichhardt comprises 60.0% standalone homes and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix of townhouse and apartment developments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. Notably, developers are building more traditional houses than the current market share 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 with a balanced population-to-housing ratio. Looking ahead, Leichhardt is projected to grow by 1,513 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand in Leichhardt, 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 10% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 33 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Among these key projects are the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Renovation, Leichhardt Oval Redevelopment, Oria Annandale (Lilyfield border), and Redevelopment of 40-76 William Street, Leichhardt. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Leichhardt has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate is 4.3%.

As of September 2025, there are 11,246 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.5% compared to Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation in Leichhardt is higher at 71.8%, versus Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.7% versus the regional average of 8.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the year to September 2025, Leichhardt's labour force increased by 0.3%, while employment decreased by 0.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. Meanwhile, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. As of 25-November-2025, NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Leichhardt's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 financial year 2022 shows that Leichhardt SA2 has exceptionally high incomes nationally. The median income is $78,986 and the average income stands at $110,287. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $56,994 and an average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $88,946 (median) and $124,194 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Leichhardt rank highly nationally, between the 94th and 96th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 33.4% of locals (6,112 people) fall into 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. High housing costs consume 19.0% of income, but strong earnings 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Leichhardt's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 30.0% houses and 70.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leichhardt was at 25.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.0% and rented ones at 39.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,447, lower than Sydney metro's average of $3,500. Median weekly rent in Leichhardt was $600, matching Sydney metro's figure but higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Leichhardt's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households making up 5.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.3.

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

Leichhardt's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 53.6% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 33.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%).

Vocational pathways account for 22.1% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 10.6% and certificates 11.5%. Educational participation is high in Leichhardt, 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

Leichhardt has 54 active public transport stops, operating a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 31 individual routes, providing a total of 6,696 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 162 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 956 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 124 weekly trips per stop.

Leichhardt's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Leichhardt's health outcomes show excellent results across all age groups. Both younger and older residents have a low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 75% of Leichhardt's total population (13,781 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 80.5%.

Nationally, the average is 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Leichhardt, affecting 8.8% and 7.4% of residents respectively. A total of 73.4% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, similar to Greater Sydney's 73.2%. As of 2021, 13.4% of Leichhardt's population is aged 65 and over (2,448 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Leichhardt are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

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'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, comprising 41.0% of its population. Notably, Judaism was more prevalent in Leichhardt compared to Greater Sydney, making up 0.5% versus 0.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.0%), Australian (19.3%), and Irish (10.5%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Spanish was overrepresented at 0.9% in Leichhardt compared to the regional average of 0.6%, Italian at 6.8% versus 4.8%, and French at 0.8%.

Leichhardt's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Leichhardt is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. 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 2021 Census and the present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.6% to 11.1%, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 3.5% to 4.5%. Conversely, the 0-4 age group has declined from 6.7% to 5.8%. By 2041, Leichhardt's age composition is expected to shift notably. Leading this demographic change, the 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 71%, reaching 1,413 people from 827. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 70% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 35-44 age groups.