Leeton

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

The estimated population of Leeton as of February 2026 is around 9,307 people. This figure reflects a growth of 137 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,170 people in the suburb. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 9,137 as of June 2024 and an additional 141 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 40 persons per square kilometer. Leeton's growth rate of 1.5% since the census is within 2.8 percentage points of its SA4 region, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed around 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest lower quartile growth for locations outside capital cities, with Leeton expected to grow by 43 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects a reduction of approximately 1.1% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Leeton, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Leeton has recorded approximately 16 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 84 homes. As of FY26, 10 approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline has resulted in adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $509,000, indicating focus on the premium market and high-end developments.

In FY26, $10.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Leeton shows reduced construction (53.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 74.0% detached houses and 26.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Leeton's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated count of 523 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With stable or declining population expected, Leeton should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Leeton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Six projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include Roxy Community Theatre Redevelopment, 98 Cassia Road Subdivision, CBD Enhancement Stage 3 - Chelmsford Place Town Square, and Sorelli Estate. The following details those considered 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 reveals Leeton recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Leeton has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, strongly represented by manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate is 4.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.7% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 4,349 employed residents in Leeton, which has an unemployment rate of 0.6% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW at 61.5%. According to Census responses, only 6.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among Leeton residents are manufacturing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Manufacturing has a particularly high representation with an employment share of 3.1 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has limited presence at 10.2% compared to the regional average of 16.9%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.7%, while labour force grew by 4.8%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5% and labour force contract by 0.1%, with a smaller increase in unemployment at 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Leeton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Leeton suburb's income level is lower than national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. Leeton's median taxpayer income is $50,337 and average income stands at $55,801, compared to Rest of NSW's $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,797 (median) and $60,745 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes rank modestly in Leeton, between 30th and 41st percentiles. Income analysis reveals 31.7% of population (2,950 individuals) fall within $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan region at 29.9%. Housing costs are manageable with 87.6% retained, but disposable income is below average at 35th percentile.

Leeton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Leeton's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.2% houses and 14.8% other dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leeton was at 35.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.8%) or rented (31.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Leeton was $250, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Leeton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Leeton were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Leeton has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.7% of all households, including 27.9% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.3%, with lone person households at 28.9% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Leeton faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.5%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (30.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 10.8% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Leeton has 238 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 25 routes providing 247 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents located an average of 165 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commute outward using cars (94%), while 4% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 6.3% work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 35 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly one weekly trip per stop. The map provided displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Leeton is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Leeton faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 49% (~4,565 people) of Leeton's population has private health cover, which is lower compared to Rest of NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (10.4%) and arthritis (9.0%). However, 64.4% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 63.3%. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Leeton has 19.0% (1,768 people) of its population aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, with national rankings higher than the general population.

Leeton ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Leeton's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.0% of its population being citizens, 86.9% born in Australia, and 88.3% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Leeton is Christianity, comprising 69.4% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (29.0%), English (27.4%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, Italian ethnicity is overrepresented in Leeton at 7.6%, compared to 2.1% regionally. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 5.2% versus 4.6%, and Samoan representation is also notably higher at 0.4% compared to 0.1%.

Leeton's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Leeton has a median age of 38, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The percentage of residents aged 15-24 is notably high at 14.1%, compared to the Rest of NSW figure. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 65-74 is relatively low at 9.6%. According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of Leeton's population aged 15-24 increased from 13.0% to 14.1%, while the percentage aged 35-44 rose from 11.3% to 12.4%. However, the percentage aged 45-54 decreased from 11.6% to 9.8%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Leeton's age profile by 2041. The number of residents aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 38%, reaching 384 from 279. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 60% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the populations aged 65-74 and 15-24 are expected to decline.