Leeton

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, Leeton's estimated population is around 9,307. This reflects an increase of 137 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,170. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,137, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 141 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 40 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Leeton has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.4%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Examining future trends, lower quartile growth of locations outside capital cities is anticipated, with Leeton expected to grow by 41 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a reduction of 1.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Leeton recorded around 16 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021, totalling an estimated 84 homes. As of July 2021 in FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, yet housing supply remains adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $509,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year, $10.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Leeton shows reduced construction activity, 53.0% below regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, with the area's level under the national average suggesting its 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 population per dwelling approval is 523 people, reflecting a quiet development environment.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Roxy Community Theatre Redevelopment, 98 Cassia Road Subdivision, CBD Enhancement Stage 3 - Chelmsford Place Town Square, and Sorelli Estate. The following list details those most likely to be 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, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, 4,220 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is similar to Regional NSW at 61.3%. Census responses show that only 6.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries are manufacturing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Manufacturing has a strong presence with an employment share 3.1 times the regional level.

In contrast, health care & social assistance employs only 10.2% of local workers compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the working population versus resident population count. Between December 2024 and November 2025, Leeton's labour force decreased by 3.0%, while employment decreased by 3.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Leeton's employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2023, Leeton suburb had a median taxpayer income of $50,337 and an average income of $55,801. Nationally, the averages were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for regional NSW. By September 2025, adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, estimated median and average incomes in Leeton would be approximately $54,797 and $60,745. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Leeton ranked modestly, between the 30th and 41st percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 dominated with 31.7% of residents (2,950 people), similar to the broader area's pattern at 29.9%. Housing costs were manageable with 87.6% retained, but disposable income was below average at the 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.2% houses and 14.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 85.2% houses and 14.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leeton was at 35.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.8% and rented dwellings at 31.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Leeton was $250, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Leeton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional 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 the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – 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 stops are served by 25 individual routes that collectively provide 247 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 165 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the dominant transport mode at 94%, with 4% walking. Average vehicle ownership is 1.6 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 35 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map 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, as per AreaSearch's assessment released on 19th April 2022. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% of Leeton's total population (~4,565 people) has private health cover, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW 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 free from medical ailments, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Leeton has 19.2% of its population aged 65 and over (1,786 people), lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

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 Australian citizens, born in Australia on 86.9%, and speaking English only at home on 88.3%. Christianity was the main religion in Leeton, comprising 69.4% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW as of 2016 census data. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.0%), English (27.4%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, Italian ethnicity was overrepresented at 7.6%, while Australian Aboriginal was at 5.2% and Samoan at 0.4%.

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

Leeton's median age stands at 38, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but matches the national norm also at 38. The age group of 15-24 years shows a strong presence in Leeton at 14.2%, higher than Regional NSW's percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent in Leeton at 9.7%. According to the 2021 Census data, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 13.0% to 14.2%, while those aged 35 to 44 have risen from 11.3% to 12.5%. However, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.6% to 9.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Leeton's age profile. The 85+ population is expected to grow by 38%, reaching 384 people from the current figure of 279. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who are projected to comprise 59% of the total population increase. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to experience population declines.