Leura

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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of Leura is around 4,546, reflecting a growth of 43 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 1.0% change from the previous census figure of 4,503 residents. The population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, which indicated a resident population of 4,464. This results in a population density ratio of 408 persons per square kilometer. Leura's growth rate since the census is 1.0%, which is within 0.7 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 1.7%. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where ABS data is not available, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Future population trends suggest an above median growth for national statistical areas, with Leura projected to grow by 649 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Leura, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Leura has seen approximately 13 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 67 homes. In FY-26 so far, there has been one recorded approval. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.1 people. This indicates that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth.

The average construction cost value of new properties over these years was $530,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment. In this financial year, Leura has seen $245,000 in commercial development approvals, reflecting its residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Leura has had slightly more development activity, with 45.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. However, this is lower than the national average, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. The new developments consist of 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options and creating a mix of housing opportunities across different price brackets.

The current estimated population per dwelling approval in Leura is 397 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 567 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match this population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting property price increases.

Leura has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that may affect this region: Katoomba Cultural Centre and Civic Precinct Upgrade, Echo Point Precinct Upgrade, Great Western Highway Upgrade from Katoomba to Lithgow, and Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements. The following details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The employment landscape in Leura presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.4%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Leura has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.4% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 2,101 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.8% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Leura lagged significantly at 54.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Census responses showed that 48.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents was concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, employment levels in education & training were at 1.7 times the regional average.

Meanwhile, finance & insurance had limited presence with only 3.1% of employment compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and November 2025, Leura's labour force decreased by 4.9% alongside a 4.6% decline in employment, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Sydney, where employment rose by 2.2%, the labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Leura. These projections estimated that national employment would expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Leura's employment mix suggested that local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though these were simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Leura suburb's income level aligns with national averages per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY2023. Leura's median taxpayer income is $49,140 and average income stands at $67,407, compared to Greater Sydney's $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. By September 2025, estimates project median income of approximately $53,494 and average income of around $73,379 based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. Census data indicates Leura's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between the 25th and 39th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 25.5% (1,159 individuals) fall within the $1,500-$2,999 range, consistent with surrounding region trends of 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.6% income remaining post-housing costs, ranking at the 25th percentile. Leura's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Leura's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 84.2% houses and 15.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leura stood at 49.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.9% and rented ones at 21.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Leura was $430, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Leura's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 59.9% of all households, including 17.9% couples with children, 32.5% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.1%, with lone person households at 36.9% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Leura shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Leura's educational attainment is notably higher than broader standards. Among residents aged 15 and above, 42.7% possess university qualifications, compared to 23.9% in the SA4 region and 30.4% nationally. This notable educational advantage favours Leura for knowledge-based prospects. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 14.0% and certificates for 17.2%. Notably, 24.4% of Leura's population is currently engaged in formal education. This includes 7.1% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Leura has 93 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 29 routes, providing a total of 1,269 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 328 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 85%, while 6% walk to their destinations. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 48.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 181 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Leura is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Leura exhibits superior health outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with both young and elderly populations showing low prevalence of common health conditions. The private health cover rate is approximately 54% of Leura's total population (~2,436 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.9%) and mental health issues (8.8%), with 62.0% of residents reporting no medical ailments compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Leura has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 37.3% (1,695 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Leura records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Leura's population exhibits above-average cultural diversity, with 10.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Leura, comprising 42.5%. While Judaism makes up only 0.7%, this is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, English (31.3%) and Australian (19.8%) are the top groups, both substantially higher than regional averages. Irish ancestry also stands out at 12.5%, exceeding the regional average of 6.1%. Notably, Hungarian (0.7%), Scottish (10.3%), and Polish (1.1%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Leura compared to regional figures.

Leura ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Leura's median age is 55, surpassing Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Leura at 18.6%, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 5.3%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.1% to 13.9%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 6.7% to 5.3%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.3% to 15.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Leura's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to more than double, expanding by 278 people (128%) from 218 to 497. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 92% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.