It is named for St Leonards-on-Sea, a neighbouring town to Hastings' own English namesake.

The suburb is located immediately north and northwest of the city centre, with the city's main road, Heretaunga Street, passing through its centre.

St Leonard's Park is a sports field used for touch rugby in summer and football in winter.

The percentage of people born overseas was 23.8, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 43.4% had no religion, 39.9% were Christian, 2.9% had Māori religious beliefs, 2.0% were Hindu, 2.4% were Buddhist and 3.3% had other religions.