Leeton

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Leeton statistical area is around 9,305. This figure represents an increase of 135 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 143 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 40 persons per square kilometer. The Leeton statistical area's 1.5% growth since census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.0%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, lower quartile growth of locations outside of capital cities is anticipated. The Leeton statistical area is expected to grow by 48 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a reduction of 1.0% 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

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 maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in 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 with high-end developments.

This financial year, $10.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Leeton has 53.0% fewer construction approvals per person, suggesting potential planning limitations and contributing to stronger demand for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 74.0% detached houses and 26.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's traditional low density character. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 523 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. With stable or declining population expected, Leeton should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

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 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are 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 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, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 4.4%. In the past year, there was estimated employment growth of 3.7%.

As of September 2025, Leeton has 4,345 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is 0.5% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Leeton stands at 59.1%, slightly higher than the regional average of 56.4%. Key industries for employment include manufacturing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Manufacturing is particularly prominent with an employment share 3.1 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has a lower presence at 10.2% compared to the regional figure of 16.9%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the past year, employment increased by 3.7% alongside labour force growth of 4.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.5%, labour force contracted by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while overall employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Leeton's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for local population projections.

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 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Leeton is $50,337 and average income stands at $55,801. This compares with Rest of NSW figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $54,797 (median) and $60,745 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Leeton rank modestly, between 30th and 41st percentiles. Income analysis reveals 31.7% of population (2,949 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.2% houses and 14.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 87.5% houses and 12.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leeton was at 35.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.8% and rented ones at 31.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average, while the median weekly rent was $250, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure. 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.7% of all households, including 27.9% that are couples with children, 27.7% that are couples without children, and 12.0% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up 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 smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

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 prevalent 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 provide 247 weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility of transport is rated excellent, with residents typically located 165 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 35 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per stop.

Health performance in Leeton is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Leeton faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 49% (~4,564 people) of Leeton's total population has private health cover, which is relatively low compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 10.4 and 9.0% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 64.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of NSW. Leeton has 18.7% (1,740 people) of its residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Leeton's population shows low cultural diversity, with 85.0% being citizens, 86.9% born in Australia, and 88.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, at 69.4%, compared to 66.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (29.0%), English (27.4%), and Irish (8.4%).

Italian representation is higher than average at 7.6%, while Australian Aboriginal is similar at 5.2%. Samoan representation is lower at 0.4% compared to the regional average of 0.8%.

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 equivalent to the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group makes up 14.0% of Leeton's population, higher than the Rest of NSW figure, while the 65-74 cohort comprises 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.0% to 14.0%, and the 45-54 age group has decreased from 11.6% to 10.0%. Demographic projections suggest Leeton's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 85+ group expected to grow by 43%, reaching 385 people from 269. The population aged 65 and over is projected to comprise 61% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 65-74 and 15-24 age groups are expected to experience population declines.