VIC · South Gippsland Council

Leongatha, 3953

Est. population · Jun 2025

5,944

Growth (1 yr)

+0.5%

Growth (5 yr)

+2.3%

Median age

45

Median income

$1,183/wk

Employment rate

51.7%

Median house price · 4th Quarter 2025

$585,000

Languages at home

5.5%non-English

Most common: Malayalam, Italian, Mandarin

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

60.7/100
Good

Top 22% of Victoria's suburbs

Verified 100% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Green suburb
  • National parks
  • High desirability
  • Excellent transport
  • Education hub
What Leongatha is known for: Green suburb, National parks, High desirability, Excellent transport, Education hub

Suburb profile

Away from the major hubs, Leongatha is a mid-sized suburb in South Gippsland Council with its own quieter rhythm. Long-term locals and family households define much of the community, with plenty of young families in the mix. Everyday shopping is a local strength, with enough shops and services to cover most weekly needs close to home.

Parks and open space are a real strength relative to many regional towns, easy for walks, sport and weekend downtime. Daily life works well on foot, with buses also serving the suburb. Housing is more affordable than in many parts of the state.

Crime reports are up on the previous period. A busy pipeline of new development is gradually changing the look and feel of the streets.

Schools and education, plus community and employment push the suburb to a good desirability read, even as growth momentum look more ordinary among similar regional towns.

At a glance

Leongatha snapshot

A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk

Median house price

$585k

-0.8% change

Median rent

No data available

Population (ERP)

5,944

+0.5% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

8.4%

Census unoccupied dwellings

Livability profile

Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)

How it compares

Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles

Desirability

#8

among Country & regional · Mature

Safety

82nd

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

54th

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

3/10

national SEIFA decile

School ICSEA

51st

percentile among schools with ICSEA

Population growth

Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years

Housing mix

Dwelling types from the 2021 Census

Risks & flags

Quick scan — open a section below for full context

Living here

Desirability

Ranks & confidence
Desirability score
60.7/100 — Good
State standing
Top 22% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
950th in Australia
State rank
277th in VIC
Peer rank
#8 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#40 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
100%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability indexSuburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated

Housing

Median house price (4th Quarter 2025)
$585,000
Median price change
-0.8%

Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)

Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum

Data sources & freshness

Population

Estimated resident population

5,944(June 2025)

+0.5% annual · +2.3% over 5 years · 54th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+0.5%
5-year growth
+2.3%
Change in 1 year
+32
Change in 5 years
+133
Growth rank in VIC
54th percentile

ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.

Methodology

Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.

The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~6,150), extrapolated at +0.7% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
5,869
Median age
45
Median household income / week
$1,183
Dwelling vacancy
8.4%
Unoccupied private dwellings
222 of 2,644
Median monthly mortgage
$1,430
Employment rate
51.7%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
2,296 / 71 / 32 (+ 22 other)

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community ProfileAustralian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

  • Estimated Resident PopulationAustralian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries

Community & culture

No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community ProfileAustralian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2026)
768
Against the person
293
Against property
314
Rate per 1,000 residents
129.2
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 20 residents
State safety percentile
82.2th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+12.3%

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage57
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle56
  • B49 Other Theft43
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Order81
  • Other Crimes Against The Person223

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Schools & preschools

Schools within 2 km
5
Median school ICSEA (5 schools)
1,008
Median ICSEA percentile
51th
School list
  • St Laurence O'Toole SchoolPrimary · Catholic · ICSEA 1041 · 65th percentile · LBOTE 19% · 180 students · Top SEA quarter 20% · 1.0 km awayView on My School →
  • South Gippsland Specialist SchoolSpecial · Government · ICSEA 952 · 26th percentile · LBOTE 9% · 67 students · Top SEA quarter 6% · 1.2 km awayView on My School →
  • Leongatha Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1008 · 51th percentile · LBOTE 3% · 582 students · Top SEA quarter 10% · 1.3 km awayView on My School →
  • Leongatha Secondary CollegeSecondary · Government · ICSEA 991 · 43th percentile · LBOTE 2% · 607 students · Top SEA quarter 8% · 1.5 km awayView on My School →
  • Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional CollegeSecondary · Catholic · ICSEA 1032 · 61th percentile · LBOTE 3% · 544 students · Top SEA quarter 16% · 1.8 km awayView on My School →

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Childcare

1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap

  • kindergartenkindergarten

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare servicesOpenStreetMap · current · Updated

Public transport

10 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Horn Rd/Ogilvy St
  • Horn St/Ogilvy St
  • Leongatha Railway Station/Long St
  • Leongatha Railway Station/Long St
  • St Laurences Memorial School/Ogilvy St

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

171 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

3 restaurants · 6 cafes · 2 pubs · 3 supermarkets · 2 pharmacies · 7 fast food · 3 bakeries · 1 libraries

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • Highly walkable for everyday errands
  • Good local dining options21 food & drink venues nearby
  • Great for outdoor family life7 parks mapped in suburb, 4 playgrounds nearby
  • Reasonable bus and transport access10 public transport stops
  • Good everyday shopping nearby8 shops and services
  • Strong local sport and recreation12 sport and outdoor facilities nearby
Walkability proxy
85/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
1.02
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
3.58
Parks per 1,000 residents
1.19
Food & drink(21)
  • Bakers DelightBakery
  • Bakery
  • Thornton's BakeryBakery
  • Central CafeCafe
  • Le CafeCafe

    14 McCartin Street

  • Little Bros CoffeeCafe
  • Mighty CafeCafe
  • Number 9 Dream CafeCafe
  • Sweet Life Cafe & CakesCafe
  • Blayke's Pizza Pasta & MoreFast food
  • KFCFast food
  • McDonald'sFast food
  • Mighty KebabFast food
  • Papa Rich NoodleFast food

    Unit 6 18 Smith Street

  • SubwayFast food
  • The Corals Fish & ChipsFast food

    53 Bair Street

  • Bairs Otago HotelPub
  • McCartin's HotelPub
  • Punjabi Pantry LeongathaRestaurant

    57 Bair Street

  • Swardi DeeRestaurant
  • WakachiRestaurant

    18 McCartin Street

Shopping(10)
  • Butcher
  • BP ShopConvenience store
  • EG AustraliaConvenience store
  • Kats KornerConvenience store
  • UnitedConvenience store
  • AldiSupermarket

    8-10 Bruce Street

  • Michael's Supa IGASupermarket
  • WoolworthsSupermarket
Community(9)
  • Leongatha Men's ShedCommunity centre

    9 Wild Dog Valley Road

  • Mesley HallCommunity centre
  • Kindergarten
  • Leongatha LibraryLibrary
  • Leongatha Education PrecinctSchool
  • Leongatha Primary SchoolSchool

    115 Nerrena Road

  • Leongatha Secondary CollegeSchool

    Nerrena Road

  • South Gippsland Specialist SchoolSchool

    13 Horn Street

  • St Laurence O'Toole Primary SchoolSchool

    27-39 Ogilvy Street

Health & services(4)
  • Leongatha Healthcare ServicesClinic
  • AmcalPharmacy
  • TerryWhite ChemmartPharmacy
  • Gippsland Veterinary GroupVeterinary
Sport & outdoors(19)
  • Woorayl Golf ClubGolf course
  • Pilates ChoiceGym
  • Leongatha Croquet ClubPark

    Roughead Street, Leongatha

  • Mary Checkley ReservePark
  • Park (5)
  • Playground (4)
  • Splash Pools and StadiumSports centre
  • Sports centre
  • Leongatha Skate ParkSports field
  • Leongatha Small Bore Rifle ClubSports field
  • Sports field
  • South Gippsland SplashSwimming pool
Entertainment(1)
  • Stadium 4 CinemaCinema
Transport(7)

7 bus stops

Other(68)
  • Alcohol
  • IGA LiquorAlcohol
  • ANZBank
  • Bendigo BankBank
  • Commonwealth BankBank
  • NABBank
  • WestpacBank
  • Beauty salon
  • Bench (4)
  • Car
  • AutobarnCar Parts
  • RepcoCar Parts

    64 Bair Street

  • BeaurepairesCar repair
  • Easyas Car WashCar wash
  • Carpet CourtCarpet
  • Charity
  • VinniesCharity
  • Char & Co.Clothes
  • Panthers MenswearClothes
  • Compressed Air
  • Courthouse
  • K HubDepartment Store
  • Home HardwareDoityourself
  • Beta ElectronicsElectronics
  • JaycarElectronics
  • Charging the RegionsEV charging
  • Evie NetworksEV charging
  • Leongatha CFAFire station
  • Hobie FishingFishing
  • Elsies FloristFlorist
  • Garden (2)
  • Gas
  • AW Smith & SonsGift
  • Gift
  • Hairdresser
  • Maccoco Hair and BeautyHairdresser
  • The Gatha HardwareHardware
  • Health WholefoodsHealth Food

    33 Bair Street, Leongatha

  • Parking (30)
  • Party PlanetParty
  • BPPetrol station
  • BP WestsidePetrol station
  • EG AustraliaPetrol station
  • UnitedPetrol station
  • Gippsland Physiotherapy Group LeongathaPhysiotherapist

    49 Bair Street, Leongatha

  • Grippland PhysiotherapyPhysiotherapist
  • Picnic Table
  • Leongatha Presbyterian ChurchPlace of worship
  • Place of worship
  • Leongatha PodiatryPodiatrist
  • Police
  • Leongatha Post OfficePost office
  • Public toilets
  • RSLReturned Serviceman'S League
  • Leongatha Sew & KnitSewing
  • Shelter (2)
  • SportsPowerSports
  • Leongatha Gymastics ClubSports Hall
  • MFLSports Hall
  • Telephone
  • BMX trackTrack
  • Middy'sTrade
  • Vacant
  • Bargins PlusVariety Store
  • The Reject ShopVariety Store
  • Waste Basket
  • B & L Window TintingYes

    Unit 10 Koonwarra Road, Leongatha

  • Leongatha Health HubYes

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • Local amenity insightsSuburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
  • OpenStreetMap amenitiesOpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated

Parks & reserves

3 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Leongatha Croquet ClubPark
  • Leongatha H6 Bushland ReserveNature reserve
  • Mary Checkley ReservePark

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
105
Parks (OSM)
7

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

Places of worship

2 places of worship within ~1.5 km

  • Leongatha Presbyterian Church
  • Place of worship

From OpenStreetMap within ~1.5 km of the suburb centre.

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics in suburb
8
Nearest hospital
Leongatha Memorial Hospital (1.6 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department
Emergency department in suburb
On site
  • AmcalPharmacy
  • Gippsland Physiotherapy Group LeongathaBair StreetPhysiotherapist
  • Grippland PhysiotherapyPhysiotherapist
  • Leongatha Health HubYes
  • Leongatha Healthcare ServicesClinic
  • Leongatha Memorial HospitalHospital
  • Leongatha PodiatryPodiatrist
  • TerryWhite ChemmartPharmacy

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
183
Participants per 1,000 residents
30.8

Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.

For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.

Data sources & freshness

Weather

Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Usual max / min
25° / 12°
Rainfall
197 mm · ~25 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
20° / 9°
Rainfall
228 mm · ~28 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
13° / 5°
Rainfall
261 mm · ~33 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
18° / 7°
Rainfall
304 mm · ~38 rainy days

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Temperature and humidity comfort

Data sources & freshness

  • Seasonal climate normalsWorldClim 2.1 · Updated

Future & Planning

Planning & development

Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).

45 planning-related records

2022· 1 proposal
  • June 2022

  • Remove reserve status and amend easements
    6A WARRALONG COURT LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by the RA
2021· 25 proposals
  • September 2021

  • Resubdivision of existing lots
    77 GIBSON STREET LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Remove easement. Certification.
    17 ANDERSON STREET LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of land for Industry
    9 CURTIS CLOSE LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Variation to the liquor licence increasing the liquor to outdoor seating (footpath) and development of permanent lighting, umbrellas and fixed screening to the footpath
    2-4 BAIR STREET LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • August 2021

  • Develop land with a domestic outbuilding
    8 RACECOURSE ROAD LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of land for an office
    49 LONG STREET LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Develop land with an extension to existing building (warehouse) and reduction of car parking requirement
    21-23 HUGHES STREET LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Develop of land with business Identification signage and internally illuminated signage, total waiver of car parking requirements.
    25 MCCARTIN STREET LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of land for a warehouse
    11 MICHAEL PLACE LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Develop land with two dwellings
    21 VALLEY VIEW CRESCENT LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Reduction of car parking requirement
    45A BAIR STREET LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • July 2021

  • Use and development of the land for a dwelling and ancillary outbuilding AMEND CURRENT CONDITIONS OF THE PERMIT AND AMEND ENDORSED PLANS
    16 BAZLEY STREET LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Develop land with a warehouse building
    2 WATSON ROAD LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • June 2021

  • Two (2) lot subdivision adjacent to a road in Road Zone, Category 1 (RDZ1)
    89 MCCARTIN STREET LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Develop land with three (3) dwellings
    44 HASSETT STREET LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Two lot (2) subdivision
    46 HORN STREET LEONGATHA 3953NOD issued by a delegate
  • May 2021

  • Use of land to Sell and Consume Liquor, Business Identification Signage and Waiver of Car Parking and Bicycle Parking
    48 BAIR STREET LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of land for a restricted recreational facility (gymnastics studio) and waiver of car parking requirement
    65-75 BAIR STREET LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • April 2021

  • Extension of commercial building - amend condition 6
    50-60 McCartin StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • March 2021

  • Develop land with a domestic outbuilding
    407 Old Korumburra RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Develop land with two dwellings
    13 TREASE STREET LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • February 2021

  • Vegetation removal
    195 NERRENA ROAD LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • January 2021

  • Use and development of the land for a dwelling and ancillary outbuilding
    16 Bazley StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of the land for a Major Promotion Sign & Promotion Sign
    54 ANDERSON STREET LEONGATHA 3953Refusal issued by a delegate
  • Construction of an outbuilding ancillary to a dwelling - amend endorsed plans
    55 Carmodys RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 14 proposals
  • December 2020

  • Develop land with an extension to existing building (car wash & laundrette)
    14 STOCKYARD LANE LEONGATHA 3953Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Two (2) lot subdivision
    11 Jeffrey StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alterations and additions to the existing building (restaurant) and upgrading and display of advertising signage
    9 Anderson StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Develop land with a building
    1 Watt StreetNOD issued by a delegate
  • November 2020

  • Develop land with a building and an extension to an existing building
    34 Yarragon RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Develop land with works (concrete) associated with Emergency Service Use
    12A Watson RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • October 2020

  • Develop land with business identification signage and internally illuminated signage
    50-60 McCartin StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of land as a restricted recreation facility and waiver of car parking requirement
    37 Bair StreetPermit issued by the RA
  • Develop land with a habitable outbuilding
    225 Old Korumburra RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Develop land with lighting
    1-15 Yarragon RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Retirement village with 45 units and staged subdivision - Amend endorsed plans to include a patio at unit 2.
    Unit 1-50 / 1 Dale DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • July 2020

  • Develop land with two dwellings. Two lot subdivision.
    61 McCartin StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • June 2020

  • Extension to existing milk factory (replacement CIP facility) - amend endorsed plans
    1-15 Yarragon RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • May 2020

  • Two lot subdivision
    9 Jeffrey StreetNOD issued by a delegate

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

1 heritage place

  • LEONGATHA SECONDARY COLLEGENH0949

Data sources & freshness

  • State heritage registerState heritage authority · current · Updated

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
No overlay at centroid

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlaysState government hazard layers · current · Updated

Politics & representation

Federal electorate
Monash
Member of Parliament
Mary ALDRED (Liberal)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
116,463
Turnout (2025)
93.5%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
-1.2 pp toward Coalition

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 54.1%Labor 45.9%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 12.6 km away).

Coalition 59.9%Labor 40.1%

5.8 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +0.3 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • LeongathaLabor 39.9% · Coalition 60.1% TPP (2025)0.7 km away
  • Leongatha EastLabor 42.6% · Coalition 57.4% TPP (2025)1.8 km away
  • NerrenaLabor 27.2% · Coalition 72.8% TPP (2025)6.7 km away
  • Leongatha SouthLabor 27.9% · Coalition 72.1% TPP (2025)8.1 km away
  • KoonwarraLabor 45.8% · Coalition 54.2% TPP (2025)8.4 km away

Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic

IRSAD decile (2021)
3/10
IRSD decile (2021)
3/10

ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).

What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?

IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.

IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.

A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

This suburb ranks highly for

More in South Gippsland Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.