Leongatha

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

As per ABS population updates for the broader area and validated new addresses by AreaSearch, the suburb of Leongatha's estimated population is around 6,110 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a growth of 241 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,869. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,720 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 66 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a 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, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb of Leongatha's population is projected to decline by 419 persons according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 156 people.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Leongatha has averaged around 17 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 89 homes. So far in FY-26 (financial year starting July 2025), 6 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, Leongatha has seen an average of 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed.

Supply and demand appear balanced, with stable market conditions. The average construction value of new homes is $544,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. In FY-26, $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 the 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 Leongatha's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 451 people. With population expected to remain stable or decline, pressure on housing should be reduced, 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 identified five projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones are 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 list details those most relevant.

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 September 2025, below the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.1%.

Workforce participation was somewhat lower than the state average at 58.8%. A low 11.3% of residents worked from home as of Census responses in September 2025, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, while public administration & safety employed only 5.0% of local workers compared to Rest of Vic.'s 6.5%.

Employment levels increased by 4.1% and labour force by 4.0% during the year ending September 2025, leading to a slight unemployment rate decrease of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. recorded employment decline of 0.7%, labour force decline of 0.6%, with marginal unemployment increase. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment growth by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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

The suburb of Leongatha had a median taxpayer income of $43,683 and an average income of $54,539 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national average for Rest of Vic., which had a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest approximately $47,287 as median income and $59,038 as average income for Leongatha by September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Leongatha all fall within the 12th to 17th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 28.5% of locals (1,741 people) predominantly earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per year, similar to the broader area where 30.3% fall into this income bracket. After 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 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 Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% 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, aligning with Non-Metro Vic.'s average, while the median weekly rent was $270, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Leongatha's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,430 against Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $270 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 35.2 percent, with lone person households making up 33.0 percent and group households comprising 2.0 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 prevalent at 12.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.5%). Vocational credentials are common, 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% 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. These are served by three different routes that collectively facilitate 115 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed moderate, with residents generally residing 536 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Leongatha residents commute outward using cars as the dominant mode at 91%, while 7% walk. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 16 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 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 according to 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 48% of the total population (~2,961 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., 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 63.4% in Rest of Vic. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Leongatha has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 27.4% (1,674 people), compared to 23.9% in Rest of Vic., 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 had a lower than average cultural diversity with 88.4% of its population born in Australia, 91.6% being citizens, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.8% of Leongatha's population. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to the rest of Victoria where it made up 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (33.2%), Australian (31.0%), and Scottish (9.2%). Notably, Dutch (2.9%) and Irish (9.1%) were overrepresented in Leongatha compared to regional averages of 1.7% and 9.7%, respectively. Italian representation was also slightly higher at 3.3%.

Leongatha hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Leongatha's median age is 45 years, which is slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s median age of 43 years, and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the average in Rest of Vic., Leongatha has a notably over-represented cohort of individuals aged 75-84 (10.2%), while those aged 45-54 are under-represented (9.3%). Between 2021 and present, the population of individuals aged 15 to 24 has grown from 9.9% to 11.6%, while the cohort aged 5 to 14 has declined from 13.2% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Leongatha's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase by 86 people (38%), from 226 to 313 individuals. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are expected to account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting Leongatha's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the cohorts aged 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 years.