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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Leeton is around 9,169, reflecting a decrease of 1 person since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 9,170. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 9,167 based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 310 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 39 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Leeton has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.4%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch's projections for Leeton are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year for areas not covered by this data.

Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to Leeton for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Leeton is expected to grow by 8 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 0.1% in total over the 16-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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Leeton has recorded around 16 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 84 homes. So far in FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. This averages to approximately one new resident per dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating stable market conditions. However, recent data shows a decrease to -0.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting more balanced supply conditions. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $509,000, reflecting developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

Additionally, $10.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Leeton shows substantially reduced construction levels (53.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is also under the national average, suggesting 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 with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 522 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Leeton is expected to grow by six residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of six projects that are likely to impact the area. 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 projects likely to be 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, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.2%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, 4,214 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Leeton mirrors Regional NSW's figure of 60.5%. Census responses reveal that only 6.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this number. Manufacturing is the leading employment industry among residents, followed by education & training and health care & social assistance. Leeton has a strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share three times higher than the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance employs only 10.2% of local workers, lower than Regional NSW's 16.9%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and November 2025, Leeton's labour force decreased by 3.1% while employment fell by 3.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, and an unemployment increase of 0.4 percentage points during the same period. 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 a potential local employment increase of 4.9% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, though these figures are based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and do not consider localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 2023 for financial year 2023, Leeton suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $50,337 and an average level of $55,801. Both figures are lower than national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from June 2023 to March 2026, current estimates for Leeton's median income would be approximately $55,532 and average income around $61,560. From the 2021 Census, household incomes in Leeton rank at the 38th percentile, family incomes at the 34th percentile, and personal incomes at the 41st percentile. The dominant income bracket is $1,500 - $2,999, with 31.7% of residents (2,906 people) falling within it, similar to the broader area where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing costs in Leeton are manageable with 87.6% retained, but disposable income ranks at the 35th percentile, which is below average.

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). This compared to Regional NSW's 85.2% houses and 14.8% 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 Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Leeton was $250, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Leeton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents 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%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is 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 the 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 are served by 25 individual routes, providing a total of 247 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 165 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes are outward-bound due to Leeton's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 94%, while walking accounts for 4%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 49% of Leeton's total population (~4,497 people) has private health cover, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (10.4%) and arthritis (9.0%). Sixty-four point four percent of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Leeton has 19.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,769 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings higher than those of 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. Christianity is the predominant religion in Leeton, comprising 69.4%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (29.0%), English (27.4%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, Italian ancestry is overrepresented at 7.6% in Leeton versus 2.1% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 5.2% versus 4.6%, and Samoan at 0.4% versus 0.1%.

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

Leeton's median age is 38, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 5-14 age group makes up 14.4% of Leeton's population compared to Regional NSW, while the 65-74 cohort represents 9.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.0% to 14.0%, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.6% to 10.0%. By 2041, Leeton's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 43%, reaching 379 people from the current 265. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who are projected to comprise 58% of the population increase. Meanwhile, the 65-74 and 15-24 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.