Leichhardt (NSW)

Leichhardt has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the estimated population of the suburb of Leichhardt (NSW) as of February 2026 is around 15,933. This reflects an increase of 775 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,158. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 15,840 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 222 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6,128 persons per square kilometer, placing Leichhardt in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 5.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 3.8%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 1,416 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 7.7% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Leichhardt according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Leichhardt averaged around 71 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 359 homes. By FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded so far. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of only 0.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built, suggesting new construction is matching or outpacing demand. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $779,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, $1.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Leichhardt shows 55.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. New development consists of 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% medium and high-density housing, providing choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to compact options. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (37.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes amid densification trends.

With around 530 people per dwelling approval, Leichhardt shows a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Leichhardt is forecasted to gain 1,233 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Leichhardt has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 32 projects likely affecting the area. Notable projects include Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Renovation, Leichhardt Oval Redevelopment, Oria Annandale (Lilyfield border), and Redevelopment of 40-76 William Street, Leichhardt. 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.

The labour market in Leichhardt demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Leichhardt has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 4.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 9,855 residents employed, with an unemployment rate matching Greater Sydney's at 4.2%.

Workforce participation stands at 78.3%, exceeding Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Census responses indicate that 62.6% of Leichhardt's residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical jobs are at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, construction is under-represented with only 5.6% of Leichhardt's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Over the year ending September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.4%, while employment declined by 0.8%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points in Leichhardt. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1% and labour force grow by 2.4%, with a smaller increase in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Leichhardt's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 indicates median income among taxpayers in Leichhardt suburb was $78,986, with average income at $110,287. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to median national income of $60,817 and Greater Sydney's average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $85,984 (median) and $120,058 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Leichhardt rank highly nationally, between 93rd to 96th percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 32.4% of locals (5,162 people) fall into the $4000+ category, unlike surrounding regions where $1,500 - 2,999 is predominant at 30.9%. This affluence is evident with 45.9% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and services. High housing costs consume 19.4% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 90th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Leichhardt displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Leichhardt, as per the latest Census, 36.6% of dwellings were houses while 63.5% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leichhardt stood at 24.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.8% and rented ones at 40.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,400, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Leichhardt was $600, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Leichhardt's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Leichhardt features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.6% of all households, including 30.9% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.4%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 6.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Leichhardt demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Leichhardt's residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion of university qualifications at 53.8%, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. This leads in bachelor degrees at 33.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.7% and graduate diplomas at 4.5%. Vocational pathways account for 22.5%, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 11.7%. Educational participation is high, with 29.4% currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.0% in primary, 7.2% in tertiary, and 6.3% in secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.2% in tertiary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Leichhardt has 80 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These are served by 31 individual routes, facilitating 7,776 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 161 meters to the nearest stop. Primarily residential, Leichhardt sees most residents commuting outward. Cars remain the dominant mode at 66%, with 10% walking and 10% using buses. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 62.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 1,110 trips daily, equating to approximately 97 weekly trips per individual stop.

Leichhardt's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows strong health performance in Leichhardt based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts had low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population, which is 11,212 people.

This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions were mental health issues impacting 8.9% of residents and asthma affecting 7.3%. A total of 73.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.8% of residents aged 65 and over, which is a total of 2,198 people. This is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors were above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Leichhardt's population showed high cultural diversity, with 29.8% born overseas and 20.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Leichhardt, at 41.4%. Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, accounting for 0.5% of Leichhardt's population versus 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (22.7%), Australian (19.0%), and Irish (10.4%). Spanish (1.0%) and French (0.8%) were notably overrepresented compared to regional averages, as was Hungarian at 0.4%.

Leichhardt's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Leichhardt's median age is 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely resembling Australia's 38 years. The 35-44 age group constitutes 18.0% of Leichhardt's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort makes up 11.1%, lower than Greater Sydney's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has risen from 9.3% to 11.1%, while the 75-84 cohort has increased from 3.6% to 5.0%. During this period, the 0-4 cohort has decreased from 6.7% to 5.5%, and the 25-34 group has fallen from 16.4% to 15.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Leichhardt's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 55% (437 people), reaching 1,234 from 796. Notably, those aged 65 and above will account for 67% of the projected population growth. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 35-44 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.