Leongatha

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

As of Feb 2026, the population of Leongatha is estimated at around 6,110, reflecting an increase of 241 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,869. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 5,720 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of 66 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 173 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 are used 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. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 412 persons by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 151 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, shows Leongatha averaged around 17 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 89 homes. So far in FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions.

New homes are being built at an average value of $544,000, targeting the premium market segment. This financial year, $7.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to Rest of Vic., Leongatha has significantly less development activity, 73.0% below regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, this activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development consists of 94.0% standalone homes and 6.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area'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. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Leongatha should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects expected to influence the area. Notable initiatives include the 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. The following details those most relevant.

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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 2.7% in the year ending December 2025. Employment growth over this period was estimated at 5.5%.

As of December 2025, 2,707 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Leongatha was 58.5%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census responses, 11.3% of residents worked from home.

Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Public administration & safety employed only 5.0% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 6.5%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.5%, labour force increased by 5.3%, resulting in a fall of unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6% and labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Leongatha. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Leongatha's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

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

Leongatha's median taxpayer income was $43,683 and average was $54,539 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are below Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median would be approximately $47,287 and average $59,038, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Leongatha fall between the 12th and 17th percentiles nationally. In Leongatha, 28.5% (1,741 people) earn $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the broader area where 30.3% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 86.0% of income remains, ranking at the 15th percentile nationally.

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

Leongatha's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.8% houses and 5.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leongatha was at 45.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.8% and rented ones at 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, aligning with Regional Vic.'s average. The median weekly rent was $270, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Leongatha's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were below the national figure of $375.

Leongatha features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.8% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 29.3% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.2%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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 served by three routes, offering a total of 115 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop is 536 meters. Most residents commute outward, with cars being the primary mode at 91%. Walking accounts for 7% of commutes. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, 11.3% of residents worked from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 16 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Leongatha are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Leongatha's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average for both younger and older age groups, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,961 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.8%) and mental health issues (9.0%), while 62.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age residents show above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 27.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,680 people), higher than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Leongatha's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.4% of its population born in Australia, 91.6% being citizens, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Leongatha is Christianity, comprising 47.8% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.2%), Australian (31.0%), and Scottish (9.2%). Notably, Dutch (2.9%) and Irish (9.1%) are overrepresented in Leongatha compared to Regional Vic., while Italian is slightly underrepresented at 3.3% versus the regional average of 2.9%.

Leongatha hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Leongatha has a median age of 45 years, which is slightly higher than Regional Vic.'s median age of 43 years, and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, Leongatha has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort (10.2% locally) and an under-representation of the 45-54 age cohort (9.4%). Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.9% to 11.8%, while the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 13.2% to 11.8%. By 2041, Leongatha's demographic profile is expected to change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 82 people (36%), from 232 to 315. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 58% of total population growth, reflecting Leongatha's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 age cohorts.