Leongatha

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

Leongatha's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 11,771 people. This figure reflects a growth of 269 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,502. The increase was inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,699 in June 2025 and an additional 170 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 14.7 persons per square kilometer. Leongatha's growth rate of 2.3% since the Census places it within 2.0 percentage points of the Rest of Vic.'s 4.3%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53.6% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Leongatha's population is expected to decline by 1,042 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 25-34 group are projected to grow, with an increase of 195 people anticipated in this cohort.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Leongatha recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Leongatha has seen approximately 54 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 272 homes were approved, with an additional 36 approved so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years accommodates about one new resident per year.

This supply meets or exceeds demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth beyond projections. The average construction value of new homes is $321,000. In the current financial year, there have been $16.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Leongatha shows reduced construction levels, with 59.0% fewer approvals per person.

This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Recent construction comprises predominantly detached dwellings (92.0%) and a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (8.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With around 326 people per dwelling approval, Leongatha exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Given expectations for stable or declining population, Leongatha may see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Leongatha has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the Leongatha Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Great Southern Rail Trail Leongatha Precinct Development, Leongatha Business Precinct (Bair Street) Redevelopment, and Parr Street Leongatha Rezoning and Subdivision. The following list details those projects most relevant.

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

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Leongatha ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Leongatha has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% as of December 2025, which is lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 5.4% over the past year.

As of December 2025, there were 5,802 residents in work and workforce participation was at 61.0%, on par with Regional Vic. A moderate 19.1% of residents worked from home based on Census responses. The dominant employment sectors among Leongatha residents include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, employing 1.8 times more than the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 14.8% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s rate of 16.8%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment in Leongatha increased by 5.4%, while labour force increased by 5.2%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6% and labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Leongatha's employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Leongatha SA2 had a lower than average national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ending June 30, 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $46,388 and the average income stood at $58,936. These figures compared to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728 respectively. Based on a 9.62% growth in wages since financial year ending June 30, 2023, current estimates for Leongatha SA2 would be approximately $50,851 (median) and $64,606 (average) as of March 2026. According to the Census conducted on August 10, 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Leongatha all fell between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile showed that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captured 29.6% of the community (3,484 individuals), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 30.3% similarly occupied this range. While housing costs were modest with 87.6% of income retained, the total disposable income ranked at just the 26th percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Leongatha, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.3% houses and 3.7% other dwellings. This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leongatha stood at 48.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.1% and rented ones at 17.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,457, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Leongatha was $270, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Leongatha's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,457 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Leongatha has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 69.0% of all households, including 26.2% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.0%, consisting of 29.3% lone person households and 1.8% group households. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional Vic. average.

Educational attainment in Leongatha aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 19.7%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (28.2%). Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, broken down as follows: primary education (11.3%), secondary education (9.1%), and tertiary education (2.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Leongatha has 14 active public transport stops. These are served by three routes offering a total of 115 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited with residents typically living 670 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outwards daily and cars remain the primary mode at 91%, while 7% walk. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 19.1% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Each route has an average service frequency of 16 trips per day, resulting in about 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Leongatha is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Leongatha faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 5,697 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic., and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.6 and 8.2% of residents respectively, while 63.9% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 26.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,159 people), higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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

Leongatha had a cultural diversity level below average, with 88.4% of its population born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.3% of people in Leongatha. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.2%), Australian (30.8%), and Irish (9.4%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Dutch at 3.1% (regional average 1.7%), Scottish at 9.3% (regional average 8.8%), and Italian at 3.4% (regional average 2.9%).

Leongatha hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Leongatha's median age is 47 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 14.2%, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 8.1% of the population, both figures differing from Regional Vic.'s averages. Between 2021 and now, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.7% to 11.7%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 8.2% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 11.8%. By 2041, Leongatha's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 17%, adding 159 people to reach 1,116 from 956. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.