Lyons (ACT)

Population growth drivers in Lyons are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Lyons's population was approximately 3,271 people according to the 2021 Census. As of Nov 2025, it is around 3,332 people, reflecting an increase of 61 individuals (1.9%) since the Census date. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,273 as of June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. Lyons's population density is approximately 1,474 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lyons's growth rate of 1.9% since the Census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.4%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, Lyons is expected to increase by approximately 271 persons to reach around 3,643 people by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 6.4% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Lyons, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Lyons has seen approximately 9 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 46 homes. As of FY-26, there has been 1 approval recorded so far. The average number of new residents arriving per new home in Lyons over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25) is around 0.

This indicates that supply meets or exceeds demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value for new dwellings during this period was $229,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Lyons shows substantially reduced construction levels, at 83.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings in the area. This level is also lower than the national average, reflecting a mature market and possible development constraints. New development in Lyons consists of an equal split between detached dwellings (50.0%) and attached dwellings (50.0%).

This balance towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Lyons indicates a mature market with around 508 people per approval. Future projections estimate that Lyons will add approximately 212 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Lyons has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

The total number of projects identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area is 22. Among these key projects are Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, Woden Experiment Stage 2 - Public Realm & Active Travel Upgrades, Ivy by Morris (Section 54 Phillip), and The Hunter. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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.

Employment performance in Lyons exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Lyons has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.4%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 3.6%. In September 2025, 1,854 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below ACT's rate.

Workforce participation in Lyons is 69.5%, somewhat below ACT's 72.5%. According to Census responses, only 10.8% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. Lyons has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 8.3% compared to the regional 11.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment in Lyons increased by 2.3% while labour force increased by 0.9%, causing a 1.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In comparison, ACT's employment grew by 1.4%, labour force expanded by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Lyons's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The median taxpayer income in Lyons SA2 is $62,799, with an average of $76,205, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $68,614 (median) and $83,262 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, individual earnings at the 85th percentile nationally are $1,097 weekly. In Lyons SA2, 30.9% of the population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 34.3% in the same category. A substantial proportion of high earners (32.7%) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the district. High housing costs consume 15.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 71st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Lyons displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Lyons, as per the latest Census, 51.7% of dwellings were houses while 48.3% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lyons stood at 27.5%, similar to the Australian Capital Territory's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (27.1%) or rented (45.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lyons was $2,383, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure for Lyons was $360, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Lyons's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,383 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $360 than the national figure of $375.

Lyons features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 61.2% of all households, including 26.2% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.8%, with lone person households at 35.1% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Lyons demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Lyons has a notably high educational attainment rate among residents aged 15 and above, with 51.4% holding university qualifications compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This educational advantage is largely driven by bachelor degrees (26.4%), postgraduate qualifications (19.3%), and graduate diplomas (5.7%). Vocational pathways also play a significant role in Lyons' educational landscape, with advanced diplomas accounting for 11.1% and certificates for 11.7%. Educational participation is particularly high in the area, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (8.2%), tertiary education (7.1%), and secondary education (6.8%).

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Lyons has 17 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 51 different routes that collectively facilitate 3,383 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as good, with residents typically living within 210 meters of the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 74% of residents, while buses are used by 14% and walking by 7%. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 483 trips per day, equating to approximately 199 weekly trips per individual stop.

Lyons's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Lyons' health outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch, show notable results with younger cohorts having low prevalence rates for common health conditions. The private health cover rate stands at approximately 57%, or about 1,899 people, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 62.4%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in Lyons, affecting 8.1% and 7.4% of residents respectively. Around 70.5% of residents report being free from medical ailments, similar to the ACT's 70.2%. The under-65 population in Lyons has better health outcomes than average. Lyons has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 18.4%, or 614 people, compared to the ACT's 14.1%. However, this percentage is lower than the national average for the broader population.

Lyons was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Lyons has a high level of cultural diversity, with 36.8% of its population born overseas and 30.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Lyons, making up 36.2% of people. However, Buddhism is overrepresented in Lyons compared to the Australian Capital Territory, comprising 6.7% versus 3.0%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (23.2%), Australian (21.0%), and Other (17.3%), which is higher than the regional average of 12.2%. Notably, French (0.8% vs 0.5%), Sri Lankan (0.7% vs 0.4%), and Polish (1.0% vs 0.8%) groups are also overrepresented in Lyons compared to the region.

Lyons's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Lyons's median age is 37 years, which is slightly older than Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligned with Australia's national average of 38 years. The percentage of people aged 85 and above in Lyons is 4.1%, higher than in the Australian Capital Territory. However, the percentage of children aged 5 to 14 is lower at 9.6%. Between 2021 and the present, the population aged 55 to 64 has increased from 9.0% to 9.9%. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 19.0% to 16.5%, and the percentage of children aged 5 to 14 has dropped from 11.0% to 9.6%. Population forecasts for Lyons in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The number of people aged 65 to 74 is projected to increase by 102 people (44%), from 234 to 337. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting Lyons's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the age groups of 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 are projected to have reduced numbers.