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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Leura is around 4,526. This figure reflects a growth of 23 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,503. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 4,517 in June 2025, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 407 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 0.5% since the census is comparable to its SA3 area's growth of 1.6%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of Leura's population growth during recent periods.

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 for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Future population trends project an above median growth for the suburb until 2041, with an expected increase of 646 persons, reflecting a gain of 14.1% over the 16-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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Leura averaged around 13 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 67 homes. As of FY26, one approval has been recorded. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $530,000, targeting the premium market segment.

This year, Leura has seen $245,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting its residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Leura has slightly more development (46.0% above regional average per person over the five-year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. However, this is lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 57.0% detached dwellings and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges. This shows a shift from the current housing mix (currently 84.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 388 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Leura adding 637 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Leura has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Two projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable projects include Katoomba Cultural Centre and Civic Precinct Upgrade (2021-2023), Echo Point Precinct Upgrade (scheduled for 2022), Great Western Highway Upgrade from Katoomba to Lithgow (commenced in 2021, completion expected in late 2024), and Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements (ongoing).

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

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While Leura retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.5%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Leura has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 2,082 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Leura is at 53.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Census responses indicate that 48.0% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training has a notably high concentration with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Finance & insurance has limited presence, with only 3.1% employment compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, Leura's labour force decreased by 4.9%, while employment declined by 4.6%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment rose by 2.2% and the labour force grew by 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. Applying these projections to Leura's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Leura's suburb income level aligns with national averages, as per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Leura's median income among taxpayers is $49,140 and average income stands at $67,407, compared to Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Leura are approximately $54,211 (median) and $74,363 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Leura rank modestly, between the 25th and 39th percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 25.5% of locals (1,154 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting broader area patterns where 30.9% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 25th percentile. The area'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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 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 properties 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 were 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 comprise 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 exceeds broader standards. Among residents aged 15+, 42.7% have university qualifications, compared to SA4 region's 23.9% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.2% of residents holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 14.0% and certificates make up 17.2%.

Notably, 24.4% of the population is actively 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 are served by 29 routes, collectively providing 1,269 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically located 328 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward daily. Cars are the dominant mode at 85%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 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 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 demonstrates superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low incidence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is more prevalent here at approximately 54% (~2,425 people) compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.9%) and mental health concerns (8.8%). Notably, 62.0% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age residents have a higher-than-average chronic condition prevalence. Leura has a larger senior population at 36.6% (~1,656 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average and align 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 shows 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, accounting for 42.5%. Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 0.7% of Leura's population versus 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, English (31.3%) and Irish (12.5%) are substantially higher than regional averages of 19.0% and 6.1%, respectively. Additionally, Hungarian (0.7%), Scottish (10.3%), and Polish (1.1%) groups are notably overrepresented compared to regional figures.

Leura ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Leura's median age is 55, which is higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Leura has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (18.5%) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (5.8%). The 65-74 age group is also significantly larger than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and the present, Leura's population has seen an increase in the 75 to 84 age group from 11.1% to 13.6%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 8.1% to 10.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 16.3% to 15.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Leura's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 280 people (46%), from 615 to 896. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute to 88% of the population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, populations in the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to decline.