St Leonards (Tas.)

Population growth drivers in St Leonards are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of St Leonards (Tas.) as of Feb 2026 is around 2,624. This reflects an increase of 273 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,351. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 2,527 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 59 persons per square kilometer. St Leonards' 11.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (4.2%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 56.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 and to estimate growth by age group post-2032, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to expand by 147 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall decrease of 0.8% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within St Leonards when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in St Leonards shows an average of 18 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 92 homes. As of FY-26, 23 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, there was an average of 1.8 people moving to the area for each dwelling built, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this has decreased to 0.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting more balanced supply conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $458,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This year, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to Rest of Tas., St Leonards has 75.0% higher construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. Recent construction comprises 94.0% detached houses and 6.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 136 people per dwelling approval, St Leonards shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population projections indicating stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

St Leonards has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Cedar Grove Estate, Dwelling and Shed at 18 Casuarina Dr, Summerhill 7250, Residential dwelling and vegetation removal at 38 Casuarina Dr, Summerhill, and Peacehaven Aged Care Redevelopment. The following list details projects likely most relevant.

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

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The exceptional employment performance in St Leonards places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

St Leonards has a diverse workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.1%.

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data, 1,313 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.7% lower than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.8%. The workforce participation rate in St Leonards is higher at 65.3%, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 58.6%. Census responses reveal that only 6.0% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Major industries employing residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

St Leonards has a particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 2.5% of local workers, lower than Rest of Tas.'s 8.4%. While there are local employment opportunities, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, St Leonards' labour force decreased by 2.0% and employment declined by 1.7%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Tas., where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 0.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to St Leonards' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, St Leonards' median income among taxpayers is $53,285. The average income in the suburb is $67,014. Nationally, this is approximately average. In comparison, Rest of Tas.'s median income is $49,689 with an average of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since financial year 2023, current estimates for St Leonards' median and average incomes are approximately $58,400 and $73,447 respectively as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in St Leonards rank modestly, between the 39th and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 35.0% (918 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region at 28.5%. Housing costs are manageable with 87.2% retained, but disposable income ranks below average at the 44th percentile.

St Leonards is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

St Leonards' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.0% houses and 6.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in St Leonards stood at 32.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (45.6%) or rented (21.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, above Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,274. The median weekly rent figure was $290, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $250. Nationally, St Leonards' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

St Leonards has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.1% of all households, including 30.9% couples with children, 29.2% couples without children, and 15.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.9%, with lone person households at 22.2% and group households making up 1.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in St Leonards fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (30.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

St Leonards has 23 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus services. These stops are served by 123 different routes that facilitate a total of 10,303 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically situated 304 meters away from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commuters travel outward; cars remain the primary mode at 96%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 1,471 trips daily, equating to approximately 447 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

St Leonards faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is more prevalent in St Leonards at approximately 54% of the total population (~1,409 people), compared to 49.1% across Rest of Tas.. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (10.5%) and asthma (9.4%), with 65.0% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 62.0% in Rest of Tas.. Working-age population health is particularly challenging due to elevated chronic condition rates. St Leonards has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.4%, compared to 24.9% in Rest of Tas.. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, with national rankings higher than the general population.

St Leonards is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

St Leonards' cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.2% of its population born in Australia, 93.0% being citizens, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in St Leonards, comprising 46.8% of its population. Islam's representation is notably higher than the regional average, with 0.9% compared to Rest of Tas.'s 0.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (34.7%), Australian (34.0%), and Scottish (7.9%). Dutch (2.0%) and Russian (0.3%) are overrepresented in St Leonards compared to regional averages of 1.7% and 0.1%, respectively, while Croatian is also notably higher at 0.5% versus the region's 0.1%.

St Leonards's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in St Leonards is 38 years, which is lower than Rest of Tas.'s average of 45 but equal to Australia's median age of 38. The 35-44 age cohort is notably higher at 16.5% locally compared to the Rest of Tas. average, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 9.1%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 14.8% to 16.5%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 11.2% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 14.8% to 13.6%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 12.0% to 10.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that St Leonards' 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow by 85 people (30%), from 286 to 372. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.