Leonay

Leonay is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Leonay's population is estimated at around 2,747 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 165 people (6.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,582 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,649 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Economic and Regional Population (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,112 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Leonay's growth of 6.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 5.5%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 54.0% 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 any SA2 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth is anticipated for Australian statistical areas, with Leonay expected to grow by 18 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decline of 5.7% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Leonay is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Leonay has seen around 10 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years ending June 26, totalling an estimated 52 homes. As of April 26 in FY-26, 31 approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline has resulted in adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $625,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating emphasis on quality construction.

This financial year has seen $27.2 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Leonay shows approximately 65% of the construction activity per person and places among the 35th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. New development consists of 40.0% detached houses and 60.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 98.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. Leonay indicates a mature market with around 468 people per approval.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, reduced pressure on housing is anticipated, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the area.

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

No factor impacts an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could significantly affect this area. Key projects include Nepean River Masterplan Precinct (Emu Plains Side), Mulgoa Road / Castlereagh Road Corridor Upgrade, Westfield Penrith Entertainment Expansion, and M12 Motorway - Western Package (M12 West). The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Leonay significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Leonay has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 1.9% as of June 2025, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. This is below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Leonay is 66.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries of employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 6.3% of Leonay's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.3%, alongside a 2.3% employment decline, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment grew by 2.6%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, and unemployment rose slightly. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Leonay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, according to a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Leonay shows a median taxpayer income of $69,266 and an average of $80,570 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is high nationally compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $78,000 (median) and $90,730 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes rank highly in Leonay, between the 82nd and 90th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.4% of the population fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends showing 30.9% in the same category. Economic strength is evident through 41.2% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Leonay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Leonay's dwelling structure, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 98.1% houses and 1.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 77.4% houses and 22.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leonay stood at 42.7%, higher than Sydney metro's level, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (47.3%) or rented (10.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Leonay was $2,339, surpassing Sydney metro's average of $2,167. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Leonay was recorded at $530, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Leonay's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Leonay features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 84.7% of all households, consisting of 44.6% couples with children, 29.7% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 15.3%, with lone person households at 14.2% and group households comprising 0.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

The educational profile of Leonay exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 26.5%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (25.9%). Educational participation is high at 29.8%, with 11.1% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Leonay Public School serves the area, enrolling 191 students as of a specific date. The school provides typical Australian educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1047) and focuses exclusively on primary education. Secondary options are available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 7.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.6, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Leonay has 17 active public transport stops operating, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 15 different routes that collectively facilitate 197 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically located 208 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 28 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Leonay is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Leonay demonstrates a lower prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts compared to other areas. The rate of private health cover in Leonay is approximately 59% of its total population of 1613 people, which is higher than the 53.8% average across Greater Sydney.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.4% and 7.2% of residents respectively. A total of 71.8% of Leonay residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in Greater Sydney. Leonay has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.9%, or 546 people, compared to the 14.1% average in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors in Leonay are above average and generally align with the overall population's health profile.

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

Leonay, surveyed in 2016, had a population where 82.8% were born in Australia, 93.5% were citizens, and 92.2% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 60.1%, compared to 57.9% across Greater Sydney. Ancestry-wise, Australian (27.4%), English (26.6%), and Irish (10.1%) were the top groups.

Notably, Maltese (1.9%) were overrepresented compared to regional levels (2.9%), as were Polish (1.1% vs 0.7%) and French (0.8% vs 0.3%).

Leonay hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Leonay's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and slightly above Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Leonay has an over-representation of the 75-84 age group (8.3% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (8.8%). Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 6.7% to 8.3%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.6% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 15.5% to 14.4%, and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 13.7% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Leonay's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 118%, adding 58 residents to reach 108. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 87% of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups.