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

According to evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the population of the suburb of Leichhardt (Qld) is estimated to be approximately 4,791 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 320 people (7.2%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,471 people. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 4,791, estimated by AreaSearch after analyzing the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and a further 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size corresponds to a density ratio of 1,711 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average observed across national locations evaluated by AreaSearch. Throughout the last decade, the suburb of Leichhardt (Qld) has shown stable growth trends with a 2.1% compound annual growth rate, faster than the Greater Brisbane. Population growth in the area was chiefly driven by natural growth, which accounted for approximately 63.0% of total population gains during recent times.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 regions lacking this data, and for years after 2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 region projections, published in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are used. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, where applied, AreaSearch uses proportional growth weightings matching the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age group. Looking at population projections ahead, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with the suburb of Leichhardt (Qld) expected to grow by 812 persons to 2041 based on compiled SA2-level projections, representing a rise of 16.9% in total over the 16 years.

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

According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval figures, mapped from statistical area data, Leichhardt has seen about 4 residential properties approved annually, summing to an estimated 22 homes over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 13.4 people per year relocating to the area for each dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is lagging demand considerably, which typically leads to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new properties are built at an average value of $350,000. There have also been $19.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, showing moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Leichhardt has notably lower development activity (92.0% below regional average per person). This restricted new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This level is also lower than national figures, showing market maturity and pointing to potential development constraints. New development comprises 83.0% detached houses and 17.0% townhouses or apartments, retaining the area's suburban character with an emphasis on detached housing that appeals to buyers seeking space. The locality has approximately 1058 people per dwelling approval, showing an established market.

Future forecasts indicate Leichhardt will add 812 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total no projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Ipswich Hospital Expansion Stage 2, Ipswich Better Bus Network, Ipswich Smart City Program, and Brassall Bikeway Stage 6 Extension, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 has a balanced workforce covering white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 12.6%, and 16.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch compilation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,863 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 8.3% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.3%, indicating room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (57.4% compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Principal employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area displays particularly strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical has limited presence with 3.6% employment compared to 8.9% regionally. The mostly residential area seems to offer limited local employment opportunities, as shown by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, compiled from broader statistical areas, over the 12 months to March 2026, employment rose by 16.0% while the labour force grew by 9.6%, resulting in an unemployment decline of 4.9 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force growth of 3.4%, with unemployment increasing 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Leichhardt. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Leichhardt's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The suburb of Leichhardt's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb of Leichhardt's median income among taxpayers is $48,942 and the average income stands at $54,679, which compares to figures for Greater Brisbane's of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,502 (median) and $60,891 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Leichhardt all fall between the 7th and 9th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 33.4% of the community (1,600 individuals), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 6th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Leichhardt, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.3% houses and 8.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Leichhardt was lagging that of Brisbane metro, at 14.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (20.9%) or rented (65.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Brisbane metro average at $1,200, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Leichhardt's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 69.2% of all households, comprising 19.7% couples with children, 19.7% couples without children, and 27.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 4.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (8.9%) substantially below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 6.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (33.6%).

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

Public transit analysis shows 21 active transport stops operating within Leichhardt comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual routes, collectively providing 342 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 183 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 7.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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

Significant health concerns are apparent in Leichhardt, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic illness prevalence, with various health conditions impacting both younger and older cohorts, and the proportion of residents with private health insurance is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,341 people). This contrasts with 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. The national average is 55.7%.

The most frequent medical conditions in the area were reported as mental health issues and asthma, affecting 16.1 and 12.6% of residents, respectively, while 53.9% declared themselves as completely free of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 13.8% of residents aged 65 and over (661 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.4% of its population being citizens, 87.4% born in Australia, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Leichhardt was found to be Christianity, which makes up 41.6% of people in Leichhardt. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.9% of the population, compared to 1.3% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Leichhardt are English, comprising 29.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 23.2%, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 7.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 2.1%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Samoan is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Leichhardt (vs 0.9% regionally), New Zealand at 1.0% (vs 1.0%) and Maori at 1.0% (vs 1.1%).

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

At 31 years, Leichhardt's median age is materially younger than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and is substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Leichhardt has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (15.4%) but fewer 35 - 44 year-olds (12.0%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 6.7% to 8.4% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Leichhardt's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 174 people (43%) from 402 to 577. Conversely, numbers in the 0 to 4 age range are expected to fall by one.