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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Leongatha has an estimated 5,950 residents, up from 5,869 at the 2021 Census — a change of 81 people, or 1.4%. Growth has averaged 0.6% a year over five years, slower than 84% of areas nationally. That puts 169 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the population in the suburb of Leongatha is calculated at approximately 5,950, according to AreaSearch evaluations combining broader ABS revisions with 73 validated new addresses identified since the Census. When measured against the 2021 Census benchmark of 5,869 residents, this reflects an expansion of 81 people (1.4%). This demographic shift builds upon an estimated resident population of 5,895 determined from the ABS June 2025 ERP update. Overall density sits at 169 persons per square kilometer, preserving ample physical space alongside scope for future development. Inflow from interstate migration served as the primary growth catalyst, generating roughly 66.0% of recent population gains.
Demographic forecasting by AreaSearch incorporates 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia projections pegged to a 2022 baseline across SA2 areas, supplemented by 2023 VIC State Government regional and LGA models adjusted via weighted population growth distributions. Age-specific trajectories derived from these models are carried through from 2032 to 2041. Over this projection horizon, the suburb of Leongatha is anticipated to undergo a net reduction of 443 residents by 2041. Conversely, select demographic segments will record gains, most prominently among individuals aged 25 to 34, who are modeled to expand by 132 individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
63 new dwellings have been approved in Leongatha over the past five years, an average of 12 a year. That places the area in the 53rd percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 2 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 39, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Examining ABS residential approval figures across statistical boundaries, AreaSearch identifies an average annual delivery of approximately 12 dwellings in Leongatha, culminating in 63 approvals across the prior 5 financial years. In FY-25 to date, 39 building permits have been granted. Between FY-21 and FY-25, the addition of 2.4 residents annually per finished dwelling underscores steady underlying demand that underpins property valuations. New residential construction generates an average estimated building cost of $488,000, marginally exceeding regional benchmarks and reflecting a commitment to premium construction standards. Concurrently, commercial building permits have reached $7.0 million during this financial year, pointing to restrained commercial building activity.
Compared with Rest of Vic., residential development intensity across Leongatha remains subdued, tracking 70.0% below the regional per capita norm despite a recent uptick in building approvals. Activity also registers below nationwide averages, underscoring local market maturity alongside potential town planning restrictions. The dwelling construction profile comprises 88.0% standalone houses and 12.0% medium-to-high-density formats including townhouses and apartments, reinforcing low-density neighborhood character oriented around spacious family residences. A ratio of around 200 people per approval further confirms the low-density nature of the township. Anticipated demographic contraction or stability in Leongatha is likely to alleviate pressure across local residential supply, potentially opening up advantageous purchasing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Leongatha
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 5 current infrastructure and development projects inside Leongatha, worth an estimated $131 million. A further 68 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $6.54 billion. 28 are already under construction and 20 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Capital investments and urban development strategies significantly shape local economic potential, with AreaSearch identifying 5 key infrastructure initiatives across the township. Major undertakings comprise 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Leongatha Battery Energy Storage System
BNRG Leeson is progressing a proposed 60 MW AC / 240 MWh four-hour battery energy storage system in Leongatha, Victoria. The project is planned across about 4.5 acres and includes approximately 42 battery containers and 14 inverters, using proximity to existing high-voltage transmission infrastructure to support grid stability and renewable energy integration. The developer states that a planning exemption has been approved, with construction targeted to commence in 2027 and completion targeted for 2027, subject to final approvals, design and procurement.
Parr Street Leongatha Rezoning and Subdivision
Combined planning scheme amendment and permit application to rezone land from Farming Zone to General Residential Zone Schedule 1, remove Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule 2 and Erosion Management Overlay, amend Land Subject to Inundation Overlay, and subdivide into 171 residential lots in stages, including native vegetation removal and easement management.
Great Southern Rail Trail Leongatha Precinct Development
The Great Southern Rail Trail Leongatha Precinct Development involves significant upgrades to the Leongatha railway site to improve economic vitality, attract visitors, and complement the rail trail extension. Upgrades include new public open space (7,855m2), additional car parking, a pedestrian footbridge connecting to the main street, new playground equipment, trees and landscaping, public amenities, bike parking, and an outdoor entertainment area. The project, funded by $6 million from federal, state, and local sources, has seen the installation of the pedestrian bridge in November 2024 and redevelopment into a major trailhead by 2025.
Leongatha Business Precinct (Bair Street) Redevelopment
Streetscape redevelopment including footpath improvements, relocation of overhead powerlines underground, new energy-efficient lighting, drainage upgrades, raised pedestrian crossings, road and parking reconfiguration, and landscaping to enhance the town center's amenity and safety.
Mitchell's Rise Residential Development
Residential subdivision delivering 101 lots across 7 stages with lot sizes from approximately 540sqm to 1,333sqm. Works included a major VicRoads intersection, revegetated waterway, drainage reserve, street and reserve lighting, and retaining walls to address site topography.
South Gippsland Highway Realignment at Coal Creek Korumburra
Realignment of a 4.1 km section of the South Gippsland Highway south east of Korumburra at the Coal Creek bends to remove sharp curves, add safety barriers, and introduce roundabouts on Silkstone Road for improved safety, efficiency, and reliability.
Michael's IGA Supermarket Korumburra
Delivery of a new full-line Michael's IGA supermarket for Korumburra, replacing the former library site with an expanded store, fresh food offer and on-site parking to strengthen local retail convenience and community services.
Korumburra Streetscape
Revitalisation of Korumburra town centre streetscape including Commercial Street and parts of Bridge Street, Mine Road and Radovick Street. Works include new concrete footpaths, lane reconfiguration to single lanes with a parallel parking maneuvering lane, kerb extensions, garden beds, utility pit upgrades, new furniture and adjusted signals. South Gippsland Water is replacing ageing water mains in parallel. Staged works are progressing through to completion in 2025.
2,736 residents of Leongatha are employed, from a labour force of 2,812. Unemployment sits at 2.7%, with participation at 57.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 4,767, about 80% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Workforce analysis by AreaSearch across statistical boundaries demonstrates a resilient local labour pool with strong representation in core services, an unemployment rate of 2.7%, and 4.0% annual employment growth. By March 2026, employed residents totaled 2,736, maintaining an unemployment rate 1.0% lower than the 3.7% recorded across Regional Vic., alongside a participation rate of 57.4% versus 61.1% regionally. According to Census records, 11.3% of workers performed their duties from home, an outcome influenced by Covid-19 containment measures. Major employment sectors among the local workforce encompass health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.
In contrast, public administration & safety captures a smaller share of local employment at 5.0%, trailing the regional benchmark of 6.5%. Comparison between Census daytime workforce numbers and resident employee counts highlights limited employment opportunities situated directly within the local boundaries. Drawing on ABS and SALM statistical series, AreaSearch figures indicate that over the 12-month period, local employment expanded by 4.0% while the labour supply grew by 3.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Over the same duration, Regional Vic. saw employment contract by 0.1% and the labour pool shrink by 0.3%, with unemployment decreasing by 0.2 percentage points. Longer-term workforce trajectory can be gauged through national projections released in Mar-26 by Jobs and Skills Australia. Nationally, employment is projected to climb 6.6% across five years and 13.7% across ten years, with sector-level variations. Extrapolating these industry trends across Leongatha's occupational base yields projected local employment gains of 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, representing a baseline weighting model that excludes localized demographic projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Leongatha is $1,183 a week (about $62,000 a year), with median personal income at $641 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $43,683 a year against an average of $54,539. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode records for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch indicate that personal earnings in the suburb of Leongatha track below national benchmarks, registering a median of $43,683 and an average of $54,539. These figures compare against Regional Vic. medians of $50,954 and averages of $62,728. Accounting for a 9.62% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach approximately $47,885 for median income and $59,786 for average income as of March 2026. Across household, family, and individual brackets, Census earnings place between the 12th and 17th percentiles nationally.
Within the community, 28.5% of earners (1,695 individuals) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, aligning with the 30.3% observed regionally. After servicing shelter obligations, households retain 86.0% of their income, ranking at the 15th percentile across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Leongatha had 2,420 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 95% detached houses and 1% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 24% rented and 46% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $270 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,430 a month. Rent absorbs 22.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 27.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, residential accommodation in Leongatha consisted of 94.8% standalone houses and 5.1% attached, apartment, or other dwelling types, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% alternative dwellings across Regional Vic.. Outright home ownership reached 45.6%, substantially surpassing regional levels, with mortgaged properties representing 30.8% and rented premises accounting for 23.5%. The typical monthly mortgage commitment mirrored the Regional Vic. baseline at $1,430, while typical weekly rent stood at $270 versus $285 regionally. Across Australia, typical monthly mortgage payments of $1,863 and weekly rents of $375 sit well above the levels observed in Leongatha.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Leongatha counted 2,420 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 75% of areas nationally, against 29% couples without children. 33% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the predominant living arrangement at 64.8%, comprising childless couples (29.3%), couples raising children (23.4%), and single parent families (11.4%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 35.2%, driven by single-person residences at 33.0% and shared households at 2.0%. The typical household size sits at 2.3 occupants, slightly beneath the Regional Vic. figure of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
17.9% of adults in Leongatha hold a university qualification, including 12.7% with a bachelor degree and 2.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 27.7% hold a vocational qualification. 7 schools serve the area, with 2,035 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,004 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary attainment presents ongoing developmental considerations, as university degree holders constitute 17.9% of residents aged 15+, falling short of the 33.4% VIC standard. Attainment is led by bachelor degrees at 12.7%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.7% and postgraduate credentials at 2.5%. Conversely, vocational and technical pathways show considerable strength, with 37.9% of the population holding applied qualifications, divided between certificates (27.7%) and advanced diplomas (10.2%). Formal study engagement is substantial, with 27.2% of the local population actively participating in educational institutions. This includes 10.7% attending primary schools, 8.4% enrolled in secondary colleges, and 2.1% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Leongatha reaches 9 stops on 3 routes, timetabled for about 130 services a week. The typical home sits about 540 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local transit framework in Leongatha encompasses 9 active transport stops operated across 3 individual routes, delivering 127 weekly passenger trips. Public transit access is moderate, with residents situated an average of 536 meters from their nearest transit node. Due to outward commuting needs, private vehicles serve as the main travel method for 91% of commuters, while 7% travel on foot. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.4 per household. Working from home was recorded among 11.3% of workers in the 2021 Census, which was subject to COVID-19 influences. Public transit scheduling delivers an average of 18 trips daily across active routes, translating to roughly 14 weekly services for each transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
62.1% of residents in Leongatha report no long-term health condition. 7.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Public health metrics compiled by AreaSearch indicate broader health vulnerabilities in Leongatha across chronic illness and mortality indicators, with general conditions elevated across older and younger demographics alike. Private hospital insurance uptake is restrained at approximately 48% (~2,883 people), trailing the 50.5% benchmark in Regional Vic. and the 55.7% nationwide standard. Chronic ailments are led by arthritis and mental health issues, reported among 10.8 and 9.0% of the population, respectively, while 62.1% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Working-age residents experience higher-than-average chronic condition incidence.
In addition, 29.0% of the community is aged 65 and over (1,725 people), outpacing the 24.0% regional proportion while tracking national demographic distributions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Leongatha is largely Australian-born, at 88.4% of residents, with 5.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (33.2%) and Australian (31.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Demographic composition in Leongatha reflects lower cultural variety relative to wider benchmarks, with Australian-born citizens making up 88.4% of the population, citizenship standing at 91.6%, and 94.5% speaking solely English at home. Christianity represents the leading religious affiliation, held by 47.8% of residents. The most distinct relative variance appears in Judaism, which encompasses 0.1% locally in line with the 0.1% across Regional Vic.. Regarding ancestral heritage, the three most common backgrounds in Leongatha are English (33.2%), Australian (31.0%), and Scottish (9.2%). Specific variations also emerge among other backgrounds, with Dutch representation elevated at 2.9% against 1.7% regionally, Italian at 3.3% versus 2.9%, and Irish ancestry accounting for 9.1% compared to 9.7% across Regional Vic..
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Leongatha is 45, older than 80% of areas nationally. 20.9% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Demographic distributions in Leongatha reflect a mature age profile, with AreaSearch August 2026 figures showing 29.0% of the population in senior brackets (65+) compared to 24.0% across Regional Vic., alongside 21.5% in mature adult cohorts (45 - 64) versus 24.4% regionally. The median age is estimated at 45 as at August 2026, unchanged from the 2021 Census, positioned 2 years above the Regional Vic. median of 43 and well above the Australia Census median of 38. The 45 - 64 bracket has contracted from 23.1% at the Census to 21.5%.
By 2041, residents aged 25 - 44 are projected to experience the strongest expansion, adding 41 people (3%) to reach 1,267, while youth, younger adult, and mature adult segments are expected to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Leongatha
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 2 months ago all 5 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 73 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (5,869 at the 2021 Census → 5,950 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL21490). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.