Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Leopold has an estimated 13,882 residents, up from 13,272 at the 2021 Census — a change of 610 people, or 4.6%. Growth has averaged 0.9% a year over five years. 418 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. That puts 497 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the resident count in Leopold stands at approximately 13,882 as of Aug 2026. This represents an addition of 610 people (4.6%) compared to the 2021 Census tally of 13,272 people. This figure is derived from the ABS estimated resident population figure of 13,869 recorded as of June 2025, alongside 418 validated new addresses registered following the Census. With this demographic scale, human density settles at 497 persons per square kilometer, offering generous personal territory and scope for further building. Outpacing the Rest of Vic.
benchmark of 4.4%, Leopold's 4.6% expansion since the 2021 census positions it at the forefront of regional expansion. Net population gains were predominantly underpinned by interstate migration, which accounted for around 57.0% of recent inflows, complemented by positive contributions from natural increase and overseas arrivals. For individual SA2 locations, AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia demographic projections published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. Where SA2 units lack direct coverage, AreaSearch employs 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections, applying population growth adjustments through weighted aggregation from LGA down to SA2 boundaries. Age-specific expansion trajectories calculated from these aggregates are extended to all regions for 2032 to 2041. Based on expected demographic patterns, the locality is projected to sit in the highest quartile for population growth among regional districts nationwide, expanding by 3,984 persons to 2041 under latest annual ERP figures, which constitutes an overall climb of 28.6% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
440 new dwellings have been approved in Leopold over the past five years, an average of 88 a year. That places the area in the 73rd percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 6 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 88 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 93% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals in Leopold have tracked at approximately 88 dwellings per annum, amounting to 440 homes across the past 5 financial years. Factoring in an average absorption rate of 1.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed across the previous 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), local supply and demand appear well balanced, fostering steady conditions as new homes are constructed at an average build cost of $361,000, aligning with regional standards. Concurrently, $7.2 million in commercial building permits has been logged this financial year, underscoring the suburb's predominantly residential fabric.
Compared to Rest of Vic., Leopold registers roughly 67% of per-capita construction volume, ranking in the 79th percentile among assessed territories across the country. Recent construction approvals comprise 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, upholding the low-density profile of the community with detached properties appealing to buyers seeking room. Yielding roughly 134 people per dwelling approval, the neighborhood retains distinct low-density hallmarks. Demographic projections suggest Leopold will expand by 3,971 residents through to 2041 (anchored to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should development persist at existing volumes, new housing delivery could find it difficult to keep pace with population expansion, potentially intensifying competition among purchasers and placing upward pressure on property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Leopold
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 6 current infrastructure and development projects inside Leopold, worth an estimated $721 million. A further 151 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $28.9 billion. 43 are already under construction and 56 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local economic and spatial trajectories are strongly shaped by major projects, planning policies, and public works programs. A total of 16 key developments have been recorded by AreaSearch as having a probable influence on the locality, featuring prominently Caspian Estate, Estuary Estate, Allegra Estate, and Leopold Green Estate, with detailed profiles of the most significant works outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Sanctuary Springs Estate, Leopold
Boutique residential estate in Leopold delivering approximately 536 lots with waterways, wetlands, parks and a display village. Current stages are sold out, with the next land release anticipated in 2026. The estate is developed by Granite Projects with project sales and marketing by RPM Group.
Estuary Estate
Established in 2009, Estuary is a master-planned residential community near Bellarine's beaches and 10km from Geelong CBD. Originally comprising 651 lots that sold out in record time, the development has expanded with multiple phases including Estuary II (200 lots) and River Cove (225 lots). The community features sports ovals, parks, playgrounds, wetlands, sculptural art, and over 1500 residents. Stage 17C is the final stage, titling in May 2026, with ongoing construction connecting Estuary Boulevard to Ash Road amenities.
Caspian Estate
New residential estate in Leopold offering approximately 70 residential lots ranging from 390m2 to 520m2, nestled between country and ocean on the outskirts near Lake Connewarre. The land has recently been rezoned to residential by the City of Greater Geelong, offering an exciting opportunity for new residents to create a vibrant community. Close to shopping, playgrounds, childcare, cafes, wineries, sporting clubs, and wildlife reserves.
Leopold Green Estate
A fantastic residential land subdivision nestled in a popular pocket of the thriving suburb of Leopold. Prime residential allotments ranging from 300m2 to 483m2 located in an established position close to Gateway Plaza Shopping Centre. Direct access to Central Geelong, the Waterfront and the Bellarine Peninsula. Selected allotments capturing views of Corio Bay and The Bellarine Rail Trail, positioned in a popular, established area with access to local schools, wineries, restaurants, Geelong Adventure Park, and world-famous Surf Coast beaches.
Allegra Estate
A picturesque community embodying the essence of coastal living, nestled beside future reserves and adjacent to the Bellarine Rail Trail, located 10km east of Geelong. Stage 1 construction is approximately 50% complete with 60% of Stage 1 lots already sold. Limited lots remaining with exclusive promotions available. Offers the perfect blend of coastal lifestyle and urban convenience, just 15 minutes from Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads beaches.
Lifestyle Bellarine
Lifestyle Bellarine is a masterplanned land lease community by Lifestyle Communities tailored for over-50s on the Bellarine Peninsula[cite: 1]. The community encompasses 200 low-maintenance resort-style dwellings alongside resident amenities including a multi-million-dollar clubhouse, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym, cinema, library, and bowling green[cite: 1].
Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan
Victorian Government framework guiding renewal and land use change across northern Moolap including Point Henry and the former saltworks. DEECA is leading the Environmental Management Masterplan for the Wetlands and Former Saltworks Precinct with planning underway.
Fathom Group Curlewis Project
A 250-lot subdivision and town centre development within the Curlewis growth area.
7,154 residents of Leopold are employed, from a labour force of 7,409. Unemployment sits at 3.4%, with participation at 64.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 11,282, about 81% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Leopold boasts a capable local labour base with robust representation across key service industries and a jobless rate sitting at just 3.4%. As of March 2026, 7,154 local citizens are employed, with unemployment tracking 0.2% below the Regional Vic. mark of 3.7%, while labour market participation remains standard (64.9% versus 61.1% in Regional Vic.). Census data showed a moderate 16.5% of working residents operating from home, an outcome that should be viewed in light of Covid-19 restrictions. Leading fields of employment among the local population include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.
Workforce concentration is notably elevated in construction, engaging 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for merely 1.0% of local jobs, trailing the 7.5% found across Regional Vic.. A comparison of Census workplace figures against the resident head count indicates that local employment opportunities within the immediate area remain limited. According to AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS figures over the 12 months to March 2026, the available workforce shrank by 0.9% alongside a 0.6% reduction in employed persons, driving a decrease in the jobless rate by 0.2 percentage points. Over the same timeframe across Regional Vic., total employment slipped by 0.1%, the workforce shrank by 0.3%, and unemployment contracted 0.2 percentage points. Broader employment projections released by Jobs and Skills Australia from Mar-26 provide additional context regarding future labour requirements in Leopold. These five- and ten-year projections have been applied against the local sector distribution to model future trajectory. Nationally, job numbers are expected to grow by 6.6% across five years and 13.7% over ten years, though industry variations are marked. Applying these sector-specific models to Leopold's workforce structure points to projected local employment gains of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (note that this reflects a basic weighted distribution for demonstration and excludes localized demographic forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Leopold is $1,589 a week (about $83,000 a year), with median personal income at $757 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $52,458 a year against an average of $62,091. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the most recent postcode ATO datasets released by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the median taxpayer income in the Leopold SA2 is $52,458, alongside an average earning figure of $62,091. These earnings sit below national benchmarks, comparing against a Regional Vic. median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Incorporating Wage Price Index increases of 9.62% recorded since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach approximately $57,504 (median) and $68,064 (average) as of March 2026. Across 2021 Census returns, personal, family, and household earnings within Leopold rank moderately between the 39th and 40th percentiles.
Income profiling shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket accounts for 34.3% of local residents (4,761 individuals), matching broad regional proportions where this group comprises 30.3%. Following residential outlays, households retain 85.6% of income for living requirements, placing the community in the 5th decile on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Leopold had 5,021 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 92% detached houses and 0% apartments. 43% are owned with a mortgage, 19% rented and 39% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $375 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,603 a month. Rent absorbs 23.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census evaluation, the residential landscape in Leopold consisted of 92.3% houses alongside 7.8% other dwellings (encompassing units, semi-detached options, and 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Regional Vic. distributions of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Outright home ownership trailed Regional Vic. slightly at 38.5%, with remaining homes occupied under a mortgage (42.8%) or rented (18.7%). Monthly median mortgage costs stood considerably above the Regional Vic. baseline at $1,603, while median weekly rent was logged at $375, against Regional Vic. comparators of $1,430 and $285. In a nationwide context, Leopold mortgage commitments remain well below the Australian average of $1,863, with rental costs matching the broader Australian level of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Leopold counted 5,021 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.5 people each. 32% are couples with children, against 30% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the overwhelming majority of domestic arrangements at 74.3%, consisting of couples with offspring (31.5%), childless couples (30.1%), and single parent families (11.6%). Non-family setups make up the remaining 25.7%, comprising single-person households at 23.9% and shared group dwellings at 1.8%. The typical household size of 2.5 people sits above the Regional Vic. standard of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
19.7% of adults in Leopold hold a university qualification, including 13.9% with a bachelor degree and 3.1% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 29.4% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 882 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,019 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment presents specific hurdles within the district, as university completion rates (19.7%) sit substantially under the VIC benchmark of 33.4%, highlighting a distinct opening for targeted learning programs. Bachelor qualifications comprise the largest tertiary share at 13.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational qualifications are widely held, with 41.7% of citizens aged 15+ holding practical trade credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (29.4%). Participation across educational institutions is prominent, engaging 27.3% of the resident base in structured study. This cohort comprises 9.4% attending primary schools, 7.3% in secondary programs, and 3.6% enrolled in higher education courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Leopold reaches 70 stops on 15 routes, timetabled for about 2,700 services a week. The typical home sits about 220 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit infrastructure in Leopold comprises 70 active stops spanning 15 bus routes, which together provide 2,657 passenger departures each week. Local transit proximity is favorable, with residents averaging 221 meters to their nearest boarding location. Given the area's predominantly residential character, work travel is largely outbound, and private vehicles represent the main mode of travel at 95%. Households maintain an average of 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. Meanwhile, 16.5% of the labour force recorded working from home (2021 Census; potentially influenced by COVID-19 settings). Public transit scheduling delivers an average of 379 services daily across the route network, translating to roughly 37 departures per stop weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
63.6% of residents in Leopold report no long-term health condition. 6.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Leopold records meaningful public health considerations based on AreaSearch evaluations of chronic illnesses and mortality rates, with ailments common among younger as well as older demographics, while private medical insurance uptake remains comparatively low at approximately 50% of residents (~6,913 people), against a national figure of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health issues represent the most prevalent diagnosed conditions locally, affecting 8.5% and 10.3 of the population respectively, whereas 63.6% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, comparable to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Long-term ailments are elevated among residents of working age.
People aged 65 and over account for 22.5% of the community (3,116 people), lower than the 24.0% regional share. Health markers among older cohorts pose distinct difficulties, broadly tracking general population rankings nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Leopold is largely Australian-born, at 86.1% of residents, with 6.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (30.7%) and Australian (28.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures rank below average in Leopold, where 86.1% of the resident population was born in Australia, 92.0% hold Australian citizenship, and 93.1% speak exclusively English in the home. Christianity forms the dominant religious affiliation, embraced by 49.6% of residents, in comparison to 47.3% across Regional Vic.. Regarding family background (parents' country of birth), the primary ancestries declared across Leopold are English at 30.7%, Australian at 28.4%, and Irish at 8.9%. Other cultural groups exhibit noticeable proportional variations, with Dutch ancestry tracking above the wider area at 2.7% (compared to 1.7% regionally), Polish at 0.9% (versus 0.5%), and Scottish heritage matching regional levels at 8.8% (against 8.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Leopold is 41. 23.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Demographic age distributions across Leopold closely mirror Regional Vic., with the largest variance across the four broad life stages being just 1.9 percentage points. AreaSearch places the median age at 41 as at August 2026, identical to 2021 Census results and 2 years younger than the Regional Vic. baseline of 43 from that Census. The most notable movement since the Census occurred among mature adults and early retirees (45 - 64), who reduced from 25.0% to an estimated 23.1% of the population. Looking toward 2041, younger to middle-aged adults (25 - 44) will capture the bulk of demographic increases, expanding by 1,686 residents (48%) to reach 5,163.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Leopold
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jun 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 last month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 last month all 6 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 418 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (13,272 at the 2021 Census → 13,882 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (203021044). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.