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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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Leopold has an estimated 13,882 residents, up from 13,272 at the 2021 Census — a change of 610 people, or 4.6%. Growth has averaged 0.9% a year over five years. 418 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. That puts 497 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
According to AreaSearch evaluations combining ABS regional population updates with 418 validated new addresses recorded since the Census date, the suburb of Leopold has reached an estimated population of approximately 13,882 as of Aug 2026. This represents an addition of 610 people (4.6%) over the 13,272 people documented in the 2021 Census. These findings stem from a resident benchmark of 13,869 calculated after reviewing the latest June 2025 ABS ERP release alongside post-Census address validations. The resulting population density stands at 497 persons per square kilometer, offering ample room per resident as well as scope for future development.
Outpacing the 4.4% recorded across Rest of Vic., Leopold's 4.6% expansion established it as a regional growth frontrunner. Net interstate migration served as the primary growth driver by accounting for roughly 41.0% of recent population additions, though natural growth and overseas migration also provided positive contributions. Projections for the suburb of Leopold rely on 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 models based on 2022 benchmarks, supplemented where necessary by 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections converted from LGA to SA2 tiers via weighted growth aggregation. These distributions also supply age-group growth rates applied across all areas between 2032 and 2041. Demographic outlooks position the locality within the upper quartile of regional areas nationwide, anticipating an influx of 3,977 persons by 2041 under aggregated SA2 forecasts—an overall rise of 28.6% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
412 new dwellings have been approved in Leopold over the past five years, an average of 82 a year. That places the area in the 74th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 6 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 88 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 93% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 130, 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
Analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch indicates that Leopold has averaged approximately 82 approved dwellings annually, yielding roughly 412 homes over the past 5 financial years. During FY-25 to date, 130 approvals have been documented. With an average of 1.4 new residents added per approved home between FY-21 and FY-25, residential construction aligns closely with local demand to sustain balanced market conditions. The expected construction cost for newly approved dwellings averages $376,000, matching broader regional figures. Furthermore, $7.2 million in commercial development approvals was registered in the current financial year, underscoring the suburb's predominantly residential character.
Per capita residential building approvals in Leopold track at approximately two-thirds of the level observed across Rest of Vic., placing the locality in the 79th percentile nationally. Recent building approvals consist of 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% medium and high-density housing, reinforcing the low-density profile sought by buyers seeking separate homes. Across the area, there are approximately 128 people per dwelling approval, highlighting a low-density residential market. Based on the most recent AreaSearch quarterly figures, demographic modeling projects Leopold will expand by 3,964 residents leading up to 2041. Should current rates of residential construction persist, incoming housing stock could lag behind demographic expansion, creating heightened competition among purchasers and placing upward pressure on property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Leopold
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 6 current infrastructure and development projects inside Leopold, worth an estimated $1.06 billion. A further 43 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $5.25 billion. 15 are already under construction and 16 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. 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, planning initiatives, and major works play a crucial role in local growth dynamics. AreaSearch has tracked 16 projects likely to influence the surrounding region, with key developments comprising Estuary Estate, Caspian Estate, Leopold Green Estate, and Allegra Estate.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Estuary Estate
Established in 2009, Estuary is a master-planned residential community near Bellarine's beaches and 10km from Geelong CBD. Originally comprising 651 lots that sold out in record time, the development has expanded with multiple phases including Estuary II (200 lots) and River Cove (225 lots). The community features sports ovals, parks, playgrounds, wetlands, sculptural art, and over 1500 residents. Stage 17C is the final stage, titling in May 2026, with ongoing construction connecting Estuary Boulevard to Ash Road amenities.
Caspian Estate
New residential estate in Leopold offering approximately 70 residential lots ranging from 390m2 to 520m2, nestled between country and ocean on the outskirts near Lake Connewarre. The land has recently been rezoned to residential by the City of Greater Geelong, offering an exciting opportunity for new residents to create a vibrant community. Close to shopping, playgrounds, childcare, cafes, wineries, sporting clubs, and wildlife reserves.
Leopold Green Estate
A fantastic residential land subdivision nestled in a popular pocket of the thriving suburb of Leopold. Prime residential allotments ranging from 300m2 to 483m2 located in an established position close to Gateway Plaza Shopping Centre. Direct access to Central Geelong, the Waterfront and the Bellarine Peninsula. Selected allotments capturing views of Corio Bay and The Bellarine Rail Trail, positioned in a popular, established area with access to local schools, wineries, restaurants, Geelong Adventure Park, and world-famous Surf Coast beaches.
Sanctuary Springs Estate, Leopold
Boutique residential estate in Leopold delivering approximately 536 lots with waterways, wetlands, parks and a display village. Current stages are sold out, with the next land release anticipated in 2026. The estate is developed by Granite Projects with project sales and marketing by RPM Group.
Allegra Estate
A picturesque community embodying the essence of coastal living, nestled beside future reserves and adjacent to the Bellarine Rail Trail, located 10km east of Geelong. Stage 1 construction is approximately 50% complete with 60% of Stage 1 lots already sold. Limited lots remaining with exclusive promotions available. Offers the perfect blend of coastal lifestyle and urban convenience, just 15 minutes from Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads beaches.
Harriott Armstrong Creek
Master planned residential community by Jinding in Armstrong Creek, delivering a mix of land lots and architecturally designed townhomes with green corridors, Central Park, and Hilltop Park. Current works include the Harkness Boulevard and Barwon Heads Road signalised intersection and final landscaping at Hilltop Park. Townhome Stage 09 (Reserve Release) is underway with titles anticipated Q1 2026. Key project stats published by the developer: 626 lots across a 79ha site; gross end value $458m.
Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan
Victorian Government framework guiding renewal and land use change across northern Moolap including Point Henry and the former saltworks. DEECA is leading the Environmental Management Masterplan for the Wetlands and Former Saltworks Precinct with planning underway.
Ashbury Estate Armstrong Creek
Master-planned residential estate by Dennis Family Corporation in Armstrong Creek, offering over 1,400 homes with house and land packages. Combines natural living with modern conveniences, surrounded by parklands, nature reserves, and wetlands. Features open spaces, future community facilities, and proximity to Geelong CBD and Surf Coast.
7,154 residents of Leopold are employed, from a labour force of 7,409. Unemployment sits at 3.4%, with participation at 64.8%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 11,283, about 81% 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
Leopold features a skilled labour pool with substantial representation across essential service industries and a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, according to AreaSearch statistical aggregations. By March 2026, employed residents numbered 7,154, with the local jobless rate tracking 0.2% lower than Regional Vic.'s 3.7%. Labour force participation sits at 64.8%, compared to 61.1% in Regional Vic., while 16.5% of working residents reported working from home at the Census, a figure subject to COVID-19 lockdown influences. The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.
Construction activity is particularly pronounced, employing workers at 1.3 times the regional rate. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 1.0% of the local workforce relative to 7.5% across Regional Vic.. Local job availability remains limited when comparing working population counts against resident worker numbers at the Census. Over the 12 months to March 2026, AreaSearch evaluation of ABS and SALM metrics shows Leopold's labour force contracted by 0.9% alongside a 0.6% reduction in employed persons, leading to a 0.2 percentage points decrease in the unemployment rate. Over the identical timeframe across Regional Vic., jobs declined by 0.1%, labour force size decreased by 0.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Mar-26 employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national workforce growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though trajectories differ markedly by industry. Weighting these sectoral trajectories against Leopold's specific industry distribution suggests potential local employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, representing an illustrative baseline that excludes localized demographic projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Leopold is $1,589 a week (about $83,000 a year), with median personal income at $757 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $49,792 a year against an average of $59,795. 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
According to aggregated postcode ATO records for financial year 2023, Leopold recorded a median taxpayer income of $49,792 and an average of $59,795, placing it below national norms as well as Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $54,582 (median) and $65,547 (average) by March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census positions household, family, and individual incomes between the 40th and 40th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings tier forms the largest cohort, comprising 34.3% of residents (4,761 people), matching the broader regional pattern where 30.3% fall into this bracket.
Residual income following housing costs stands at 85.6%, placing the area within the 5th decile on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Leopold had 5,021 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 92% detached houses and 0% apartments. 43% are owned with a mortgage, 19% rented and 39% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $375 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,603 a month. Rent absorbs 23.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census records indicate that standalone houses account for 92.3% of Leopold's residential stock, with semi-detached dwellings, apartments, and other configurations comprising 7.8%, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings throughout Regional Vic.. Outright home ownership stands at 38.5%, trailing the regional average, while 42.8% of properties are mortgaged and 18.7% are rented. Median monthly mortgage payments reached $1,603 and median weekly rent stood at $375, exceeding Regional Vic.'s corresponding medians of $1,430 and $285. In a nationwide context, local mortgage payments sit substantially below the Australian median of $1,863, whereas weekly rents match the national level of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Leopold counted 5,021 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.5 people each. 32% are couples with children, against 30% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households constitute 74.3% of all households in the area, made up of couples with children (31.5%), couples without children (30.1%), and single parent families (11.6%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 25.7%, comprising lone person households (23.9%) and group households (1.8%). The median household size of 2.5 people exceeds the Regional Vic. benchmark of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
19.7% of adults in Leopold hold a university qualification, including 13.9% with a bachelor degree and 3.1% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 29.4% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 882 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,019 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 in the area trails wider benchmarks, with university qualification levels at 19.7% compared to the VIC standard of 33.4%, highlighting a target for educational engagement. Bachelor degrees represent 13.9% of adult attainment, alongside postgraduate qualifications at 3.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%. Vocational education is strongly represented, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ possessing trade or technical credentials, including 12.3% holding advanced diplomas and 29.4% possessing certificates. Engagement with formal study is substantial, with 27.3% of the resident population actively participating in education. This proportion includes 9.4% attending primary school, 7.3% enrolled in secondary school, and 3.6% engaged in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Leopold reaches 70 stops on 15 routes, timetabled for about 2,700 services a week. The typical home sits about 220 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.6 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
Local public transit infrastructure comprises 70 active transport stops across Leopold, served by 15 separate bus routes that collectively operate 2,657 weekly passenger trips. Stop accessibility is favorable, with residents living a typical distance of 221 meters from their nearest transit point. Because the suburb is largely residential, outward commuting predominates, with private vehicles serving as the primary travel choice at 95%. Households maintain an average of 1.6 vehicles, while 16.5% of residents worked from home at the 2021 Census under potential COVID-19 pandemic influences. Transit services maintain an operational frequency of 379 trips per day across the network, translating to roughly 37 weekly trips for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
63.6% of residents in Leopold report no long-term health condition. 6.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 50.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Assessment of mortality figures and chronic disease rates by AreaSearch indicates below-average general health outcomes in Leopold, with chronic illnesses observed across older as well as younger age groups. Furthermore, private health insurance coverage is comparatively subdued, held by approximately 51% of the population (~7,013 people) relative to the 55.7% national benchmark. Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent reported illnesses, diagnosed in 8.5% and 10.3% of residents respectively, while 63.6% reported having no medical ailments, matching the 63.4% proportion recorded across Regional Vic.. Chronic ailments display higher than average rates among working-age residents.
Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 22.5% of the community (3,123 people), below the 24.0% regional share, with health metrics among older residents mirroring broader national patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Leopold is largely Australian-born, at 86.1% of residents, with 6.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (30.7%) and Australian (28.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics for Leopold track below wider averages, with 86.1% of residents Australian-born, 92.0% holding Australian citizenship, and 93.1% speaking only English at home. Christianity forms the predominant religious affiliation, encompassing 49.6% of the population compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic.. Looking at parental country of birth, the three most common ancestries in Leopold are English (30.7%), Australian (28.4%), and Irish (8.9%). Specific community representations also diverge from wider regional distributions: Dutch heritage represents 2.7% of residents (compared to 1.7% regionally), Polish accounts for 0.9% (vs 0.5%), and Scottish ancestry stands at 8.8% (vs 8.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Leopold is 41. 23.4% 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
Age distribution across the suburb of Leopold closely tracks Regional Vic., with the greatest variance across the four primary age tiers being 2.0 percentage points. AreaSearch estimates a median age of 41 as at August 2026, identical to the 2021 Census mark and 2 years younger than the Regional Vic. median of 43 at that Census. The most noticeable demographic shift since the Census occurred in the 45 - 64 age group, which fell from 25.0% to an estimated 23.2% of residents. Projections to 2041 suggest that individuals aged 25 - 44 will account for the bulk of population gains, increasing by 1,681 residents (48%) to reach 5,165.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Leopold
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 6 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 — 418 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (13,272 at the 2021 Census → 13,882 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 (SAL21493). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.