Leongatha
Statistical Area - sa2

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 August 2025, is approximately 11,878. This figure reflects a growth of 376 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,502. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 11,739 as of June 2024 and an additional 145 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 14.8 persons per square kilometer. Leongatha's growth rate of 3.3% since the census is within 2.2 percentage points of the non-metro area (5.5%). Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.9% 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, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. These projections indicate a decline in overall population by 941 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group, projected to increase by 268 people over this period.

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, a total of 272 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved so far in FY26. This averages out to around one new resident per year per dwelling constructed over these years, suggesting that supply is meeting or exceeding demand and facilitating population growth while offering greater buyer choice.

The average construction cost value for new homes in Leongatha is $544,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In the current financial year, there have been $16.4 million worth of commercial development approvals recorded, indicating balanced commercial development activity. However, compared to the rest of Victoria, Leongatha shows a significant reduction in construction activity, with 59.0% fewer new properties being built per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

The majority of new building activity in Leongatha consists of standalone homes at 92.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 8.0%. This maintains the area's traditional low-density character, focusing on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. With around 326 people per dwelling approval, Leongatha exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Leongatha may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Leongatha has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include 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 most likely to be relevant.

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

AreaSearch assessment positions Leongatha ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Leongatha had an unemployment rate of 2.6% as of June 2025. It employed 5,603 residents with a participation rate similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%.

The dominant sectors were health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance was lower at 14.8% compared to the regional average of 16.8%. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work in June 2025.

In the previous year, Leongatha's labour force decreased by 0.7%, employment declined by 1.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. Comparatively, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.9%, labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-wide in Victoria, employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year to Sep-25, adding 39,880 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Leongatha's employment could increase by approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

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

Leongatha had a median taxpayer income of $45,523 and an average income of $56,837 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This was lower than the national average, with Rest of Vic.'s median income being $48,741 and average income $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Leongatha would be approximately $50,125 (median) and $62,583 (average) as of March 2025. The 2021 Census showed household, family, and personal incomes in Leongatha falling between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that 29.6% of locals (3,515 people) had incomes in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting broader area patterns where 30.3% similarly occupied this range. Housing costs were modest with 87.6% of income retained, but 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Leongatha's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 96.3% houses and 3.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leongatha was 48.0%, similar to Non-Metro Vic.'s rate. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 34.1%, while rented dwellings were 17.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Leongatha was $1,457, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,450. The median weekly rent figure in Leongatha was $270, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s $295. 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 higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 31.0%, with lone person households at 29.3% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

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 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% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (11.3%), secondary (9.1%), and tertiary (2.3%).

Leongatha has a robust network of 10 schools educating approximately 2,731 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1012) and balanced educational opportunities. The mix includes 4 primary, 4 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. It functions as an education hub with 23.0 school places per 100 residents, above the regional average of 13.0, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 5 different routes that together offer 185 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents generally living 670 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 26 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 13 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 with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~5,737 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6% and 8.2% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 63.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 61.6% across Rest of Vic.. The area has 25.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,075 people), which is lower than the 28.6% in Rest of Vic.. However, Leongatha performs better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Leongatha, as per the findings, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. The population born in Australia constituted 88.4%, with 90.8% being citizens and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion, comprising 45.3% of Leongatha's population.

Notably, Judaism, though a minor component, showed an overrepresentation in Leongatha at 0.1%, compared to the rest of Victoria where it constitutes 0.1%. In terms of parental ancestry, English was the largest group at 33.2%, followed by Australian at 30.8% and Irish at 9.4%. Dutch ethnicity showed notable overrepresentation in Leongatha at 3.1%, matching the regional figure of 2.5%. Similarly, Scottish ethnicity was also notably represented at 9.3%, aligning with the regional percentage of 9.3%. Italian ethnicity, however, did not show significant divergence, with both Leongatha and the region reporting 3.4%.

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

Leongatha's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 years make up 14.2%, while those aged 25-34 years constitute 8.2%. From 2021 to present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.7% to 11.6%, while the age group of 5-14 has declined from 13.5% to 12.2%. By 2041, Leongatha's age composition is expected to change notably. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 20%, increasing from 971 to 1,168 people. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.