Leabrook

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the population of the suburb of Leabrook was estimated at around 1,550 as of May 2026. This reflected a decrease of 55 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,605. The current population is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 1,549 residents, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and address validation since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,460 persons per square kilometer, placing Leabrook in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, they adopt the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods. Demographic trends project above median population growth for Australian statistical areas. Leabrook is expected to grow by 280 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.0% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Leabrook is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Leabrook has had virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years. Over the past 5 financial years ending June 2021, a total of approximately 3 homes were approved. As of July 2022 (FY-26), 0 approvals have been recorded.

The area's population decline suggests new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice while developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments at an average construction cost value of $594,000. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Leabrook has significantly less development activity, 94.0% below regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, though recent construction activity has intensified. Nationally, the area's level of construction activity is also below average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints.

Leabrook has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 projects that are expected to affect the area. Notable projects include SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts (2024-28), O-Bahn City Access Project, SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program, and Adelaide Level Crossing Removal Planning Program, with the following list outlining those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Leabrook rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Leabrook has a highly educated workforce. Professional services are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% as of December 2025. The area experienced estimated employment growth of 3.4% over the past year.

Compared to Greater Adelaide's unemployment rate of 3.8%, Leabrook's is 3.5% lower. Workforce participation in Leabrook lags at 50.7%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. According to Census responses, 18.5% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

The area shows strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.4%, compared to the regional average of 8.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.4% and labour force increased by 3.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, labour force growth of 3.9%, with unemployment falling 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project national employment expansion by 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.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that median income in Leabrook suburb is $57,764 and average income stands at $94,608. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.17% from financial year ending June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income is approximately $63,639 and average income is around $104,230 as of March 2026. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, personal income ranks at the 75th percentile with weekly earnings of $966, while household income sits at the 46th percentile. Income brackets indicate that the highest percentage of residents (27.4%, or 424 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, which is consistent with broader metropolitan trends showing 31.8% in the same category. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain approximately 87.7% of their income, reflecting 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 40.5% houses and 59.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% 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, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent in Leabrook was $308, lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Leabrook's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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 standards. Among residents aged 15+, 48.0% have university qualifications, surpassing South Australia's (SA) average of 25.7% and Greater Adelaide's 28.9%. This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 30.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%).

Vocational pathways account for 19.3% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 8.5%. Additionally, a significant portion of the population is actively pursuing education: 22.6% in total, including 6.8% in secondary education, 6.3% in primary education, and 5.7% in tertiary education.

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

Leabrook has 13 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 7 different routes that together facilitate 428 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents located an average of 142 meters from the nearest stop. Most Leabrook residents commute outward, primarily using cars (84%), followed by buses (8%) and cycling (6%). On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, lower than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 18.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 61 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Leabrook are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Leabrook shows below-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat typical but higher than national averages among older cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at 64% of the total population (996 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (12.5%) and heart disease (7%). 60.7% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Leabrook has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 42.3% (655 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Leabrook's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 26.7% born overseas and 16.9% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Leabrook, accounting for 55.5%. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.4%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (29.9%), Australian (21.2%), and Irish (8.2%). Some ethnic groups had notable differences: French was overrepresented at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 0.4%, Italian was similarly represented at 5.1% versus 5.2%, while Serbian remained unchanged at 0.4%.

Leabrook ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Leabrook's median age is 55 years, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide's average, Leabrook has a notably over-represented 85+ cohort at 14.2% and an under-represented 25-34 age group at 8.5%. The 85+ concentration in Leabrook is well above the national figure of 2.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group grew from 10.0% to 12.1%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 15.7% to 17.4%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 12.0% to 10.7%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 9.7% to 8.6%. By 2041, Leabrook is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 82%, reaching 400 from 220. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 86% of projected growth. Conversely, the 5-14 age group is expected to contract by 2 residents.