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 was approximately 12,268 as of November 2025, reflecting a growth of 766 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was reported to be 11,502. This increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 11,677 in June 2024 and an additional 154 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 15.3 persons per square kilometer. Leongatha's growth rate of 6.7% since the census is within 1.2 percentage points of the Rest of Vic's 7.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.9% of overall population gains in 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. 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 decrease by 941 persons by 2041, with the area experiencing overall demographic decline over this period. However, specific age cohorts such as the 25 to 34 group are anticipated to grow, with a projected expansion of 268 people in this age group.

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 23 approved in FY26 so far. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years has attracted one new resident.

This supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above 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 Vic., Leongatha shows a significantly reduced rate of construction, 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%) with 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 a developing market. Given the expected stable or declining population, housing pressure in Leongatha is likely to remain reduced, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Leongatha has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could impact the area, with key ones being Leongatha Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Great Southern Rail Trail Leongatha Precinct Development, Leongatha Business Precinct (Bair Street) Redevelopment, and Mitchell's Rise Residential Development. The following list details those likely to be 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.

Employment conditions in Leongatha demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Leongatha has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1%. As of September 2025, 5766 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3%, below Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation was at par with Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 19.1% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. Leongatha shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 14.8% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, while labour force increased by 3.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%, with unemployment rising marginally. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Leongatha's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

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

The Leongatha SA2 has a lower income level compared to national averages based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Leongatha SA2 is $46,388 with an average income of $58,936. These figures compare to Rest of Vic.'s median and average incomes of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $50,215 (median) and $63,798 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Leongatha fall between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 29.6% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range (3,631 individuals), similar to surrounding regions where 30.3% fall into this bracket. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.6% income retention, total disposable income ranks at the 26th percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Leongatha's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.3% houses and 3.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leongatha stood at 48.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (34.1%) or rented (17.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,457, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Weekly rent in Leongatha averaged $270, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Leongatha's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise the remaining 31.0%, with lone person households at 29.3% and group households making up 1.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Vic.

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 them - advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 28.2%. Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.3% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 2.3% in 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 that together offer 115 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited with residents typically living 670 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward using cars, which are dominant 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.

Service frequency averages 16 trips per day across all routes, equating to about eight 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be high for common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~5,937 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (8.2%), while 63.9% reported being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. Working-age residents had an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.9%, with 3,176 people, compared to 23.5% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors were above average, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Leongatha, surveyed in 2016, had a predominantly Australian-born population with 88.4% born there. Citizenship was high at 90.8%, and English-only speakers were 95.6%. Christianity dominated religiously at 45.3%.

Judaism, though small at 0.1%, was slightly overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.1%. Ancestrally, English (33.2%) and Australian (30.8%) were top, followed by Irish at 9.4%. Notably, Dutch (3.1%), Scottish (9.3%), and Italian (3.4%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.7%, 8.8%, and 2.9% respectively.

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

Leongatha's median age is 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic average of 43 years and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 55-64 years are particularly prominent, comprising 14.2% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years form a comparatively smaller group at 8.2%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of individuals aged 15-24 years has grown from 9.7% to 11.6%, while the proportion of those aged 5-14 years has declined from 13.5% to 12.2%. By 2041, Leongatha's age composition is expected to see notable shifts. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 16%, adding 164 people and reaching a total of 1,168 from the current 1,003. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.