Leichhardt (Qld)

Leichhardt lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Leichhardt (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,774 people. This reflects an increase of 303 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,471. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024). The population density ratio is 1,705 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Leichhardt has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outpacing the national average. Natural growth contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for the area, expected to expand by 892 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Leichhardt recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Leichhardt recorded approximately 5 residential properties granted approval annually over the past 5 financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 29 homes. In FY26, so far, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, between FY21 and FY25, 8.9 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed annually.

Commercial development approvals in FY26 amounted to $19.7 million. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Leichhardt shows significantly reduced construction activity, being 89.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 91.0% houses. The location has approximately 471 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Leichhardt will gain 869 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Population forecasts indicate Leichhardt will gain 869 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

No changes can influence a region's performance more than modifications to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Ipswich Hospital Expansion Phase 2, Ipswich Better Bus Network, Ipswich Smart City Program, and Brassall Bikeway Stage 6 Extension. The following list details those 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.

The labour market performance in Leichhardt lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Leichhardt's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with diverse industry representation. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate was 14.6%.

Employment growth in the past year was estimated at 9.0%. The area had 1,746 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 10.6% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 51.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries among Leichhardt residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing had a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Professional & technical services, however, had limited representation at 3.6%, compared to the regional level of 8.9%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, Leichhardt's employment increased by 9.0% while labour force increased by 2.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 4.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and a reduction in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov showed Queensland's employment had contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while overall employment is projected 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 Leichhardt's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, although these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The suburb of Leichhardt has a lower income level compared to national averages according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for the financial year ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Leichhardt is $48,942, with an average income of $54,679. These figures compare to Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on a 9.91% growth in wages since the financial year ending June 2023, estimated current median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,792 and $60,098 respectively. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Leichhardt fall between the 7th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 33.4% of individuals in Leichhardt earn between $800 and $1,499 annually, contrasting with the regional leading bracket of $1,500 to $2,999 which captures 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Leichhardt, with only 78.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

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

Leichhardt's residential structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.3% houses and 8.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leichhardt stood at 14.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.9% and rented ones at 65.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Leichhardt was $280, compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, Leichhardt's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 69.2% of all households, including 19.7% couples with children, 19.7% couples without children, and 27.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 4.7%. The median household size is 2.5 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 8.9%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 33.6%. Educational participation is high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 13.3% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.3% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Leichhardt has 21 active public transport stops operating currently. These are all bus stops. There is service by one route collectively providing 342 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent accessibility to transport with an average distance of 183 meters to the nearest stop. The service frequency averages 48 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Leichhardt is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Leichhardt faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 49%, or around 2,333 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, impacting 16.1% and 12.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 53.9% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.2% across Greater Brisbane. The population aged 65 and over is 13.5%, or around 644 people, which is lower than the 15.3% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the broader population.

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

Leichhardt's population showed low cultural diversity, with 88.4% being citizens and 87.4% born in Australia. English was the language spoken at home by 93.4%. Christianity was the predominant religion at 41.6%.

The 'Other' religious category had a higher representation in Leichhardt at 0.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 0.8%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (29.0%), Australian (28.9%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.9%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Samoan was overrepresented at 0.8% in Leichhardt vs 0.9% regionally; New Zealanders made up 1.0% compared to the regional 0.9%; Maori also had a higher representation at 1.0%.

Leichhardt hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Leichhardt's median age is 31 years, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and significantly under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Leichhardt has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.3%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.1%). Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 6.7% to 8.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 16.4% to 15.3%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Leichhardt's age profile by 2041. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to expand by 206 people (53%), from 391 to 598. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.