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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Leichhardt's population is estimated at around 4788 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 317 people (7.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4471 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4774, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1710 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Leichhardt has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outpacing the national average. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with Leichhardt expected to increase by 881 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 17.8% in total 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 averaged approximately 5 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 29 homes were approved, with 1 more in FY-26 to date. This results in around 8.9 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average cost of $350,000. In FY-26, $19.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Leichhardt shows substantially reduced construction, with 89.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings, though development activity has picked up recently. Nationally, this is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity comprises approximately 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options and creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets.

This shift indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. Leichhardt currently has around 471 people per approval, indicating a mature market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Leichhardt's population to grow by 853 residents through to 2041. If 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 significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Ipswich Hospital Expansion Stage 2, Ipswich Better Bus Network, Ipswich Smart City Program, and Brassall Bikeway Stage 6 Extension, with the following list providing more detail on those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment drivers in Leichhardt are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Leichhardt has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 14.6% as of September 2025. Employment growth in the past year was estimated at 8.9%. The unemployment rate is higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%, indicating room for improvement.

Workforce participation lags significantly at 55.3%. Only 7.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have affected this figure. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with a notable concentration in manufacturing at 1.7 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have limited presence at 3.6%, compared to 8.9% regionally.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 8.9% while the labour force grew by 2.9%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate by 4.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 3.8%, labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, assuming constant population projections.

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

Leichhardt's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $48,942. The average income stood at $54,679 during the same period. These figures are lower than Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. By September 2025, estimates suggest Leichhardt's median income will be approximately $53,792 and average income $60,098, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Leichhardt fall between the 7th and 9th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 33.4% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (1,599 residents), unlike broader area patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Leichhardt, with only 78.3% of income remaining, 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.3% houses and 8.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leichhardt was at 14.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.9% and rented ones at 65.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,200, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Leichhardt was $280, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. 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 account for 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 constitute 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, which is 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, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (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 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route in total, offering 342 weekly passenger trips combined. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing 183 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward due to Leichhardt being primarily residential. Cars remain the prevalent mode of transportation at 91%, despite average vehicle ownership per dwelling being below the regional average at 1.1. According to the 2021 Census, only 7.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 48 trips per day, 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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,339 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 16.1% and 12.6% of residents respectively. However, 53.9% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. The area has 14.3% of residents aged 65 and over (684 people), with senior health outcomes broadly aligning with national rankings.

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

Leichhardt's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.4% of its population being citizens and 87.4% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 93.4%. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 41.6%.

The 'Other' category comprised 0.9%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 1.3%. In ancestry, English (29.0%) and Australian (28.9%) were the top groups, significantly higher than regional averages of 23.2% and 23.4%, respectively. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was also high at 7.9% compared to the region's 2.1%. Samoan (0.8%), New Zealand (1.0%), and Maori (1.0%) groups were notably represented, aligning with regional averages.

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

Leichhardt's median age in 2021 was 31 years, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and significantly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Leichhardt had a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.3%) but fewer individuals aged 35-44 (12.1%). Post-2021 Census data indicated that the 65-74 age group grew from 6.7% to 8.8% of the population, while the 5-14 cohort decreased from 16.4% to 15.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Leichhardt's age profile will change significantly. The 65-74 age group is projected to increase steadily, growing by 175 people (42%) from 421 to 597. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 1 person (1%).