Leongatha

An assessment of population growth drivers in Leongatha reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Leongatha's population is estimated at around 6,106 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 237 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,869 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,720 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 64 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 173 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 66.0% 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, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the Leongatha (SA2) population expected to reduce by 420 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to increase by 160 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Leongatha averaged around 17 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 89 homes. So far in FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. Based on historical data between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed has been observed.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics. The average construction value of new dwellings is $544,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, there have been $7.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Leongatha's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Leongatha shows substantially reduced construction, 73.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

Nationally, this activity is also below average, suggesting possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 94.0% detached dwellings and 6.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Leongatha's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 451 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Leongatha may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Leongatha has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact the local area. These include Leongatha Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Parr Street Leongatha Rezoning and Subdivision, Great Southern Rail Trail Leongatha Precinct Development, and Leongatha Business Precinct (Bair Street) Redevelopment.

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 in Leongatha shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Leongatha has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1%.

As of September 2025, there are 2,688 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.1% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is at 53.2%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries employing local residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, while public administration & safety employs only 5.0% of workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 6.5%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparisons. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, and labour force increased by 3.9%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.7% and labour force decline by 0.6%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Leongatha's employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Leongatha's employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that median income in Leongatha is $43,683 and average income is $54,539. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Leongatha would be approximately $47,287 and average income would be around $59,038 by that date. According to the Census conducted on August 10, 2021, incomes in Leongatha fall between the 12th and 17th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 28.5% of locals (1,740 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999 annually, aligning with the regional average of 30.3%. After accounting for housing costs, 86.0% of income remains in Leongatha, ranking at the 15th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Leongatha, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.8% houses and 5.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leongatha stood at 45.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.8% and rented ones at 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,450. The median weekly rent figure in Leongatha was $270, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $295. Nationally, Leongatha's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Leongatha features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 64.8 percent of all households, including 23.4 percent couples with children, 29.3 percent couples without children, and 11.4 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.2 percent, with lone person households at 33.0 percent and group households comprising 2.0 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Vic.

Leongatha shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 17.9%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (27.7%). Educational participation is high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.7% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Leongatha has nine active public transport stops in operation, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by three different routes that collectively facilitate 115 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents typically residing 536 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 16 daily trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Leongatha is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Leongatha faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data showing high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, with approximately 48% of Leongatha's total population (~2,959 people) having it, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.8%) and mental health issues (9%). However, 62.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the Rest of Vic.'s 61.6%. Leongatha has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 27.2% (1,660 people), compared to Rest of Vic.'s 28.6%.

Leongatha is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Leongatha, as per the census conducted on Tuesday 9 June 2009, demonstrated a lower-than-average cultural diversity level with 88.4% of its population born in Australia, 91.6% being citizens, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was found to be the predominant religion in Leongatha, accounting for 47.8% of the population. Notably, Judaism, which constituted 0.1% of Leongatha's population, was slightly overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria, where it made up 0.1%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English at 33.2%, Australian at 31.0%, and Scottish at 9.2%. Some ethnic groups showed notable variations in representation: Dutch at 2.9% (versus 2.5% regionally), Irish at 9.1% (versus 9.3%), and Italian at 3.3% (versus 3.4%).

Leongatha hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Leongatha's median age of 45 years exceeds Rest of Vic.'s 43 years by two years, making it considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Vic. average, Leongatha has a notably over-represented cohort of 75-84 year-olds at 10.1%, while the 45-54 year-olds are under-represented at 9.6%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.9% to 11.6% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.8%, and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 14.4% to 13.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Leongatha's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 103 people, from 567 to 671. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts.