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 Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Leura statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,526, reflecting an increase of 23 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 0.5% change from the previous population count of 4,503. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 4,464 as of June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, with an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 407 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Leura has demonstrated a compound annual growth rate of 0.1%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during this period.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth for the area, with an expected increase of 661 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 16.2% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Leura has averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 71 homes. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 0.3 new residents arrive per new home annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that new construction is matching or outpacing demand. The average expected construction cost of new properties is $530,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $245,000 in commercial approvals, demonstrating Leura's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Leura has 55.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, this is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 57.0% detached dwellings and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating an increasing blend of attached housing types to cater to various price ranges. This marks a significant change from the current housing mix of 84.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands. Leura reflects a low density area with around 339 people per approval.

Future projections estimate Leura adding 735 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 likely affecting the area: Katoomba Cultural Centre and Civic Precinct Upgrade, Echo Point Precinct Upgrade. Major roadworks include Great Western Highway Upgrade from Katoomba to Lithgow, and Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements.

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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 strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 2,125 residents are employed and the unemployment rate stands at 1.3% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Leura lags behind Greater Sydney at 48.6%, compared to 60.0%. The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, education & training has an employment concentration 1.7 times the regional average, while finance & insurance has limited presence with only 3.1% employment compared to the regional average of 7.3%.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.2%, accompanied by a 3.4% decrease in employment, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment rose by 2.1% and unemployment increased slightly. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. 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 nationally. Applying these projections to Leura's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Leura's income level aligns with national averages according to the 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 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Leura as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,494 (median) and $73,379 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Leura rank modestly, between the 25th and 39th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the predominant cohort spans 25.5% of locals (1,154 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 30.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.6% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Leura, 84.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Sydney metropolitan area had 92.3% houses and 7.7% 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's average of $2,033. Median weekly rent in Leura was $430, slightly higher than Sydney's $400. Nationally, Leura's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 40.1%, with lone person households at 36.9% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.4.

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

Leura's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 42.7% hold university qualifications, compared to 23.9% in the SA4 region and 30.4% nationally. This high level of educational attainment positions Leura favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most common 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+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 14.0% and certificates for 17.2%. Additionally, 24.4% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.1% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, 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 individual routes, offering a total of 1,269 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 328 meters, indicating good accessibility.

On average, there are 181 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 13 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Leura is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Leura faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across younger and older age groups. Private health cover is more common here at approximately 54%, affecting around 2,425 people, compared to Greater Sydney's 55.6%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.9%) and mental health concerns (8.8%), with 62% reporting no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Sydney's 64.1%. Leura has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 35.8%, or around 1,620 people, compared to Greater Sydney's 24.3%. Senior health outcomes in Leura are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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 cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 10.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 25.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Leura, comprising 42.5% of people. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Leura compared to Greater Sydney, making up 0.7% versus 0.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.3%), Australian (19.8%), and Irish (12.5%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Hungarian at 0.7% in Leura compared to 0.5% regionally, Scottish at 10.3% versus 9.0%, and Polish at 1.1% versus 0.9%.

Leura ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Leura has a median age of 55, which is higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably overrepresented in Leura at 18.3%, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 25-34 year-olds are underrepresented at 5.5%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.1% to 13.0%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 8.1% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.3% to 15.1%, and the 25 to 34 group has dropped from 6.7% to 5.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Leura's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to increase markedly by 334 people (57%), from 588 to 923. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 90% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.