Leichhardt (NSW)

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Based on demographic evaluations by Districts using ABS releases and fresh address checks, the suburb of Leichhardt (NSW) has an estimated residency of 15,973 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 815 people (5.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the headcount was 15,158 people. The estimate is calculated from a base population of 15,969 determined by Districts through the ABS ERP release from June 2025, combined with an extra 223 validated new addresses identified after the Census. The resulting population density stands at 6,143 persons per square kilometer, positioning the area within the top 10% of all countrywide districts assessed by Districts and highlights the high demand for local property. The 5.4% expansion rate of the suburb of Leichhardt (NSW) since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 region's rate of 4.1%, establishing it as a local growth frontrunner. The main driver of this population growth was overseas migration, which accounted for approximately of the total demographic increase in recent times.

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The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education, with the technology sector being exceptionally well-represented, and the area registers an unemployment rate of 4.1% based on statistical area data compiled by Districts. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 9,913, matching the Greater Sydney unemployment rate of 4.1%, while the labor participation rate of 77.2% was significantly higher than the Greater Sydney benchmark of 69.1%. Census records show a substantial 62.6% of workers performed their duties from home, though this figure should be interpreted in the context of pandemic restrictions.

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According to tax data from the ATO at the postcode level for financial year 2023 compiled by Districts, the median taxpayer income in Leichhardt was $78,986, while the average stood at $110,287. These figures are exceptionally high by national standards and compare to averages of $60,817 and $83,003 in Greater Sydney. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, the current figures are estimated to be approximately $87,137 for the median and $121,669 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows that household, family, and individual incomes in the area are positioned between the 93rd and 96th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket contains 32.4% of residents (5,175 people) earning $4000+ weekly, which differs from the broader region where the - range is the most common at . The suburb shows high affluence, with of earners making more than weekly, which supports high-end retail and local services. Mortgage and rent payments absorb of household incomes, yet strong overall earnings keep disposable income in the th percentile, placing the area in the th decile on the SEIFA index.

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The distribution of residential properties in Leichhardt at the time of the latest Census consisted of 36.6% detached houses and 63.5% other options, such as terraces, townhouses, and apartments, compared to Greater Sydney where houses made up 55.9% and other dwellings accounted for 44.1%. Home ownership rates in the suburb were lower than the metropolitan average, standing at 24.3%, while the rest of the market was divided between mortgaged properties (34.8%) and rentals (40.9%). The median mortgage payment of $3,400 monthly was significantly higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,427, and the median weekly rent was $600 compared to the metropolitan benchmark of $470. On a national scale, local mortgage payments are much higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are well above the countrywide figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 67.6%, with couples raising children representing 30.9%, couples without children at 25.7%, and single parents making up 9.8%. The remaining 32.4% are non-family households, consisting of single-person households at 26.4% and group homes at 6.1%. The median household size is 2.4 residents, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Residents of Leichhardt display high levels of educational attainment, with 53.8% of those aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to NSW averages of 32.2% and national averages of 30.4%. This concentration of higher education positions the local workforce well for knowledge-based employment. Among these degrees, bachelor level studies are the most common at 33.6%, followed by postgraduate study at 15.7% and graduate diplomas at 4.5%. Vocational training is held by 22.5% of the population aged 15+, which includes advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 11.7%.

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Analysis of local transit options shows 80 active public transport stops in Leichhardt, consisting of light rail and bus services. These stops support 31 distinct routes, delivering 7,776 passenger journeys weekly. Transit access is excellent, with homes located an average of 161 meters from the nearest stop. The neighborhood is mostly residential, meaning most workers travel outward; private vehicles are the primary mode of travel at 66%, while 10% walk and 10% ride the bus. Car ownership is lower than the metropolitan average, standing at 0.7 per household. A high proportion of residents, 62.6%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may be reflective of pandemic-era conditions.

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An analysis of health indicators reveals strong outcomes in Leichhardt, based on Districts assessments of mortality and chronic illnesses, showing a low occurrence of common diseases among both younger and older cohorts, alongside a high rate of private health insurance coverage at approximately 70% of the population (11,240 people). This is higher than the Greater Sydney coverage rate of 59.9% and the national benchmark of 55.7%.

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Leichhardt displays higher levels of cultural diversity than most local property markets, with 29.8% of the population born outside Australia and 20.5% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religion, representing 41.4% of local residents. The most noticeable religious overrepresentation is in Judaism, which makes up 0.5% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

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The median age of Leichhardt residents is 37, matching the Greater Sydney average of 37 and sitting close to the national figure of 38 years. The 35 - 44 demographic is highly represented at 17.8% relative to the Greater Sydney benchmark, while the 15 - 24 age bracket is less common at 11.1%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has expanded from 9.3% to 11.1% of the population, and the 75 to 84 bracket has increased from 3.6% to 5.2%. Conversely, children aged 0 to 4 have decreased from 6.7% to 5.4%, and those aged 5 to have fallen from to . Projections to suggest notable shifts in the local age distribution, led by a increase in the to cohort ( people), which is expected to rise from to . This shift reflects an aging demographic trend, with residents aged + accounting for of all projected population growth. In contrast, the to and to age brackets are projected to contract.

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Leichhardt currently has an estimated 862 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 512 children aged 0-2 and 341 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 15% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 9% by 2041 (to approximately 785 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,464. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.7 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.