Leura

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around the suburb of Leura, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Leura's population is estimated at around 4,546 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 43 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,503 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,464, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 408 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Leura has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.1% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected for Leura, with the suburb expected to grow by 659 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 15.6% in total over the 17 years.

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 indicates Leura averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years (FY21-FY25), totalling an estimated 71 homes. As of FY26, one approval has been recorded. On average, 0.3 new residents arrived per new home each year between FY21 and FY25. This suggests new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more options while enabling population growth.

The average construction value of new properties was $530,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. In FY26, there have been $245,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting Leura's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Leura has 55.0% more construction activity per person. However, this is lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and potential development constraints. New developments consist of 57.0% detached dwellings and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix (84.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Leura's population density is approximately 339 people per approval. AreaSearch projects Leura will add 708 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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 identified two projects expected to 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.

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 employment landscape in Leura presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 2.9%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Leura has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2,141 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Leura is at 56.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Census responses show that 48.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Leura has a notably high concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

However, finance & insurance has limited presence, with only 3.1% of employment compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.0%, with employment decreasing by 3.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.8 percentage points in Leura. This contrasts with Greater Sydney, where employment rose by 2.1% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific 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 take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Leura's median income among taxpayers was $49,140 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $67,407 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Sydney's median and average incomes were $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Leura would be approximately $53,494 and $73,379 based on an 8.86% wage growth since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 data, household, family, and personal incomes in Leura ranked modestly between the 25th and 39th percentiles. Income distribution showed that 25.5% of locals (1,159 people) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket. This was similar to the broader area where 30.9% occupied this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Leura, with only 83.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 25th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

In Leura, as per the latest Census evaluation, 84.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Sydney metro's dwelling structure of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leura stood at 49.8%, higher than Sydney metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 28.9% and rented ones for 21.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The 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 account for 59.9 percent of all households, including 17.9 percent that are couples with children, 32.5 percent that are couples without children, and 8.9 percent that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.1 percent, with lone person households at 36.9 percent and group households comprising 3.0 percent of the total. 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 residents aged 15+ have a high level of educational attainment. University qualifications are held by 42.7%, surpassing the 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 held by 31.2%, with advanced diplomas at 14.0% and certificates at 17.2%.

A significant 24.4% of the population is actively pursuing education, including 7.1% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 4.9% in 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 serving a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are covered by 29 different routes, offering a total of 1,269 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 328 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward due to Leura's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 85%, while 6% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 48.0% of residents work from home, possibly reflecting 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 demonstrates health outcomes that exceed area averages based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is held by approximately 54% of Leura's total population (~2,436 people), which leads the average SA2 area but falls short of Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.9%) and mental health issues (8.8%). Notably, 62.0% of residents report being completely free from 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 36.4% (1,654 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 showed above-average cultural diversity, with 10.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Leura, making up 42.5%. Judaism, at 0.7%, was slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (31.3%), Australian (19.8%), and Irish (12.5%). Notably, Hungarian (0.7%) was overrepresented in Leura versus regionally (0.3%), as were Scottish (10.3% vs 4.8%) and Polish (1.1% vs 0.6%).

Leura ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Leura's median age is 55, exceeding Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's 38 years. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Leura at 18.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 5.2%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above Australia's national figure of 9.5%. Between 2021 and the present, Leura's population has seen changes in various age groups: the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 11.1% to 13.4%, while the 15 to 24 group rose from 8.1% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 6.7% to 5.2%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.3% to 14.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Leura's age structure: the 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 298 people (49%), from 609 to 908. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 88% of population growth, reflecting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.