Leongatha

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Leongatha's population is around 12,270 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 768 people (6.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,502 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,677 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 157 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 15.3 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Leongatha's 6.7% growth since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the Rest of Vic. (8.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 65.9% of overall population gains 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 941 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to expand by 268 people. See the age section for more details.

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 around 54 new homes approved each year, with 272 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 25 so far in FY-26. Given an average of only 1 new resident per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new homes are being built at an average value of $321,000. There has also been $16.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against the Rest of Vic., Leongatha shows substantially reduced construction (59.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Recent construction comprises 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 326 people per dwelling approval, Leongatha shows characteristics of a low density area.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Leongatha should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the 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, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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

Leongatha possesses a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and 5.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,802 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.2% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is on par with Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 14.8% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 16.8%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 5.4% while the labour force increased by 5.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6%, a labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Leongatha. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Leongatha's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Leongatha SA2's income level is lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Leongatha SA2's median income among taxpayers is $46,388 and the average income stands at $58,936, compared to Regional Vic.'s figures of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,215 (median) and $63,798 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Leongatha all fall between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.6% of the community (3,631 individuals), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. While housing costs are modest with 87.6% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Leongatha, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.3% houses and 3.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Leongatha was well beyond that of Regional Vic. at 48.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.1%) or rented (17.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Vic. average at $1,457, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $270, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Leongatha's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 69.0% of all households, comprising 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%, with lone person households at 29.3% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional Vic. average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.7%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (28.2%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 14 active transport stops operating within Leongatha. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 115 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 670 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. Some 19.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 16 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~5,938 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6% and 8.2% of residents, respectively, while 63.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 26.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,196 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.4% of its population born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Leongatha is Christianity, which makes up 45.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Leongatha are English, comprising 33.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 3.1% of Leongatha (vs 1.7% regionally), Scottish at 9.3% (vs 8.8%) and Italian at 3.4% (vs 2.9%).

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

At 47 years, Leongatha's median age is significantly above the Regional Vic. average of 43 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.1%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (8.4%) than in Regional Vic.. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.7% to 11.6% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 12.0%. By 2041, Leongatha is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 37% (140 people), reaching 523 from 382. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 52% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts.