Leabrook

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

As of November 2025, the population of Leabrook is estimated to be around 1,668 people. This reflects a growth of 63 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,605. AreaSearch's resident population estimate for Leabrook in June 2024 was 1,631, based on examination of the latest ABS ERP data release and address validation since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,647 persons per square kilometer, placing Leabrook in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Leabrook has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data, and adopts SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections for areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation. According to these projections, Leabrook is expected to grow by an above median rate, gaining 348 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 21.6% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Leabrook when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Leabrook shows approximately 4 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 24 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 3.7 new residents are associated with each home built during this period.

This demand significantly exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $594,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Leabrook has considerably less development activity, 51.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. However, recent periods have seen an increase in development activity. Nationally, this is also below average, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development in Leabrook consists of 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 40.0% houses).

This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Leabrook has around 167 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Leabrook is projected to add 361 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Leabrook has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely impacting the area: UniSA Magill Campus Redevelopment (Magill Project). Other key projects include SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, Unley Cultural Hub, and Adelaide Level Crossings Congestion and Safety. The following 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Leabrook performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Leabrook has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 0.5% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.3%. Residents' unemployment rate is 3.5% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%, but workforce participation lags at 47.7% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical services have an employment level 2.1 times the regional average, while construction shows lower representation at 5.4% versus the regional average of 8.7%.

The area's predominantly residential nature appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rate fell by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 2.1% with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Leabrook's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.7% over five years and 15.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Leabrook had a median income among taxpayers of $57,764 during financial year 2022. The average income was $94,608. These figures place Leabrook in the top percentile nationally, compared to $52,592 and $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. As of September 2025, estimated median and average incomes are approximately $65,175 and $106,746, based on a 12.83% increase since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 75th percentile ($966 weekly), while household income is at the 46th percentile. Income analysis shows that 27.4% of Leabrook's population (457 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the region where 31.8% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Leabrook displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Leabrook's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 40.5% houses and 59.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Adelaide metro's 67.0% houses and 33.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leabrook stood at 47.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.8% and rented ones at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,140, lower than Adelaide metro's $2,300. The median weekly rent in Leabrook was $308, compared to Adelaide metro's $360. Nationally, Leabrook's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,140 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $308 against the national figure of $375.

Leabrook features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 53.9% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 4.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 46.1%, with lone person households at 44.3% and group households making up 1.6%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Leabrook shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Leabrook's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. 48.0% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 30.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational pathways account for 19.3%, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 8.5%.

A significant 22.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 6.8% in secondary, 6.3% in primary, and 5.7% in tertiary education. Educational facilities are located outside Leabrook's immediate boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Leabrook has 13 active public transport stops. These are mixed bus routes with 7 individual services providing 428 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent accessibility to these stops, averaging just 142 meters from the nearest one.

On average, there are 61 daily trips across all routes, equating to about 32 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Leabrook is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Leabrook faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 64% of Leabrook's total population (1,072 people) have private health cover, compared to 68.6% across Greater Adelaide and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and heart disease, affecting 12.5% and 7.0% of residents respectively.

Conversely, 60.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Adelaide. Leabrook has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 40.6%, with 677 people falling into this category, compared to 23.6% in Greater Adelaide. The health outcomes among seniors largely align with the general population's health profile.

Leabrook 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

Leabrook, as of the census conducted on 29 June 2016, exhibited a higher degree of cultural diversity compared to most local areas. This was evident in its overseas-born population, which stood at 26.7%, and its residents speaking languages other than English at home, comprising 16.9%. Christianity emerged as the predominant religion in Leabrook, accounting for 55.5% of its population.

Notably, Judaism, while a minority, was slightly overrepresented in Leabrook compared to Greater Adelaide, with 0.4% versus 0.3%. The top three ancestry groups based on parents' country of birth were English at 29.9%, Australian at 21.2%, and Irish at 8.2%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences in their representation: French was overrepresented at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Italian at 5.1% versus 6.0%, and Serbian at 0.4% against 0.3%.

Leabrook ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Leabrook's median age at 55 years is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Leabrook has an over-representation of the 85+ cohort at 13.1% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.3%. The 85+ concentration in Leabrook is well above the national average of 2.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15-24 age group grew from 10.0% to 11.7%, while the 65-74 cohort declined from 12.0% to 10.8% and the 55-64 group dropped from 10.3% to 9.2%. By 2041, Leabrook's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ group will grow by 89%, reaching 413 people from 218. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 79% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort will grow by a modest 0%.