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 November 2025, Leichhardt's population is estimated at around 4,754 people. This reflects an increase of 283 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,471 people. The current population estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, which estimated the resident population at 4,755. This results in a population density ratio of 1,697 persons per square kilometer, 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. Natural growth contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Looking at population projections moving forward, the suburb is expected to increase by 891 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 18.7% over the 17 years.

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

Leichhardt averaged approximately 6 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21-FY25, around 30 homes were approved, with one additional approval in FY26.

Each year, an estimated 8.6 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed during this period. This significant demand outstripping supply typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $350,000, below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers in Leichhardt. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Leichhardt has notably lower building activity, recording 89.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. However, construction activity has recently intensified.

Nationally, this is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction in Leichhardt comprises 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. This shows a considerable shift from the current housing mix of 91.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Leichhardt has around 589 people per dwelling approval, indicating a highly mature market. By 2041, Leichhardt is projected to grow by 888 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Leichhardt has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to 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 detailing those most likely to be relevant.

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

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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 varied sector representation. The unemployment rate was 15.5% in June 2025, compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%. As of June 2025, 1,703 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 11.4%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Leichhardt lagged behind Greater Brisbane's at 51.8% versus 64.5%. Key employment sectors included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with a notable specialization in manufacturing (1.7 times the regional level).

However, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Limited local employment opportunities were suggested by the Census working population versus resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, while labour force decreased by 0.1%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 2.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4% and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Leichhardt's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Leichhardt's median taxpayer income was $48,942 and average income was $54,679 in financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Brisbane having a median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,789 (median) and $62,329 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Leichhardt are between the 7th and 9th percentiles nationally. The income band of $800 - 1,499 captures 33.4% of Leichhardt's community (1,587 individuals), differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominates with 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.3% houses and 8.7% other dwellings. This compares to Brisbane metro's 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leichardt 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 $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, Leichhardt's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (33.6%).

Educational participation is high at 32.1%, including 13.3% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education. Leichhardt State School and Ipswich West Special School - Larsen Street Campus serve a total of 330 students. The area's ICSEA score is 848, indicating varied educational conditions. All schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. A specialist school caters to specific learning needs. Local school capacity is limited at 6.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.9, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

Transport servicing is moderate 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 stops are served by a mix of bus routes, with a total of 482 weekly passenger trips provided collectively. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 183 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

Service frequency averages 68 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 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. Private health cover is low at approximately 49%, covering around 2,323 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 16.1% and 12.6% of residents respectively. However, 53.9% report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.2% in Greater Brisbane. The area has 13.5%, or 641 people aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 15.3% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of the general 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.4% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (87.4%), and speaking English only at home (93.4%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.6% of Leichhardt's population. Notably, the 'Other' category made up 0.9%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry 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% compared to the regional average of 0.9%, New Zealanders made up 1.0% versus 0.9%, and Maori were also at 1.0% against a regional average of 0.9%.

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 percentage of residents aged 5-14 (15.3%) but fewer individuals aged 35-44 (12.1%). According to post-2021 Census data, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 6.7% to 8.2%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 16.4% to 15.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Leichhardt's age profile will change significantly. The 65 to 74 age group is projected to grow by 209 people (54%), from 389 to 599. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting Leichhardt's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.