Lismore

Lismore has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Lismore is approximately 13,726 as of May 2026. This represents a decline of 1,503 individuals (9.9%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 15,229 residents. This shift is calculated using the estimated resident population of 13,682 reported by the ABS as of June 2025 alongside an extra 56 validated new addresses registered after the Census. This population level translates to a density of 216 persons per square kilometer, offering ample space per individual and potential capacity for future growth. The primary driver of population expansion in the region was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 75.9% of total population increases in recent times.

AreaSearch implements the demographic projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for each SA2 region, which were published in 2024 utilizing 2022 as the baseline year. For any SA2 regions where this data is unavailable, projections from the NSW State Government at the SA2 level are utilized, which were published in 2022 with 2021 as the baseline. The growth rates for different age cohorts derived from these sources are also applied across all regions for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Based on these projected changes, the total population is expected to shrink over this timeframe, with a projected reduction of 1,429 residents by 2041 using this approach. Even so, specific age groups are projected to expand, particularly the cohort aged 85 and over, which is expected to rise by 56 individuals. Additional information can be found in the age-specific section.

The level of residential development activity in Lismore is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Lismore averages approximately 14 housing approvals annually, with a total of 73 residential properties approved over the last 5 financial years (spanning FY-21 to FY-25) and 51 approvals recorded during the current FY-26 period. In light of the recent population decline, this level of building activity has been relatively sufficient, which is beneficial for buyers, and the average estimated construction cost for these new residences is $372,000. Furthermore, commercial approvals valued at $19.1 million have been documented during the current financial year, demonstrating ongoing investment in the local commercial sector.

Construction levels in Lismore are significantly lower than in the Rest of NSW, coming in at 65.0% below the regional per capita average. While building activity has picked up lately, this constrained supply of new builds tends to bolster demand and sustain values for existing homes. This volume of construction is also lower than the national average, indicating a mature local market and highlighting potential planning barriers. The mix of new construction consists of 36.0% detached houses and 64.0% multi-unit developments such as townhouses or apartments. This focus on denser housing configurations provides more affordable pathways to homeownership and appeals to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This trend marks a shift from the current local housing stock, where standalone houses make up 77.0% of properties, signaling a declining availability of vacant land, changing consumer preferences, and a growing demand for diverse, cost-effective residential options. The calculated ratio of 1935 residents for every single housing approval highlights a quiet development environment with minimal building activity.

Faced with projections of a steady or contracting population, Lismore might see reduced pressure on housing, which could create favorable buying conditions.

Lismore has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

An area's performance is closely linked to local infrastructure changes, major developments, and planning policies. AreaSearch has identified a total of 30 projects expected to influence the local area. Notable projects include the Lismore Flood Recovery and Resilience Program, the Wade Park Masterplan, the East Lismore Build-to-Rent Apartments, and the East Lismore Medium Density Precincts, with the details of the most significant projects listed below.

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 Lismore has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Lismore possesses a qualified labor force with strong representation in key service industries, an unemployment rate of 6.5%, and an estimated job growth rate of 3.1% over the prior year. In March 2026, there were 6,616 employed residents, while the unemployment rate was 2.4% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, and labor force participation was close to the Regional NSW level of 60.6%. Census data indicates that a modest 12.6% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been affected by pandemic-related lockdowns.

The local workforce is largely employed in healthcare & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The region exhibits a strong concentration in healthcare & social assistance, with its share of employment reaching 1.5 times the regional benchmark. On the other hand, public administration & safety is underrepresented, accounting for 4.7% of jobs compared to the regional benchmark of 7.5%. With a ratio of 1.0 workers for every local resident at the time of the Census, the area serves as a regional employment center, containing more jobs than working residents and drawing commuters from neighboring districts.

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the year ending March 2026 saw employment expand by 3.1% and the labor force grow by 4.0%, leading to a 0.9 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. This trend diverged from Regional NSW, where employment shrank by 0.9%, the labor force decreased by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. The national employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide additional context regarding future demand trends in Lismore. These five-year and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. While national employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rate of change varies widely across different industries. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the local industry mix suggests Lismore's employment could grow by 6.8% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighted calculation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population trends.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The most recent ATO postcode data analyzed by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year indicates that incomes in the Lismore SA2 are below national averages, showing a median income of $44,745 and an average income of $53,495. This is lower than the Regional NSW median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be roughly $49,363 for the median and $59,016 for the average as of March 2026. According to the Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Lismore all sit between the 11th and 18th percentiles nationally. The income distribution is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which accounts for 29.1% of residents (3,994 people), matching the broader regional pattern where 29.9% of households fall into this bracket. Affordability pressures are high, with residents retaining only 82.4% of their income, which places the area in the 12th percentile for this metric.

Lismore is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The mix of housing in Lismore at the time of the latest Census consisted of 76.8% separate houses and 23.2% other types of dwellings, such as townhouses, apartments, or alternative structures, compared to Regional NSW where separate houses made up 82.6% and other dwellings accounted for 17.4%. Home ownership rates in Lismore stood at 32.1%, which was lower than the Regional NSW average, with the remaining properties being held under a mortgage (29.5%) or occupied by tenants (38.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,343, which was below the Regional NSW average, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $300, compared to the regional figures of $1,733 and $330. On a national scale, mortgage payments in Lismore are notably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent levels are also considerably below the national figure of $375.

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

Family units account for 57.1% of all local households, consisting of 18.4% couples with children, 20.5% couples without children, and 16.9% single-parent households. Non-family households represent the remaining 42.9%, which includes single-person households at 36.8% and group living situations at 6.1%. The median household size is 2.2 individuals, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Lismore shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The proportion of residents with tertiary qualifications in Lismore is lower than regional averages, with 24.1% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 32.2% across NSW. This variance points to opportunities for expanding educational options and building local skills. Among university graduates, Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational education is common, with 37.5% of the population aged 15 and over holding technical qualifications, which include advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 27.6%.

Enrolment in education is relatively high, with 30.6% of the population currently undertaking formal studies. Of these students, 9.5% are in primary school, 8.0% are in secondary school, and 5.8% are enrolled in tertiary programs.

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

Analysis of the local transit network shows 434 active public transport stops in Lismore, consisting of various bus options. These stops are served by 111 distinct routes, which generate a combined total of 2,075 passenger trips per week. Access to transit is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 110 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and the majority of workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel for 90% of commuters and 6% walking to work. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 cars per household, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 12.6% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

Services run at an average frequency of 296 trips per day across the network, which equates to roughly 4 weekly trips for each stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 closest stops to the center of the area.

Health performance in Lismore is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health assessments show that Lismore faces notable difficulties, as indicated by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses across younger and older age brackets, combined with a low level of private health insurance coverage at roughly 47% of the population (about 6,396 people). This rate is lower than the 51.9% coverage seen in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health conditions and asthma are the most frequently reported issues in the area, affecting 13.3% and 9.4% of residents, respectively, while 59.8% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Chronic illness rates are elevated within the working-age cohort. Residents aged 65 and over make up 19.7% of the population (2,705 people), which is lower than the 23.4% representation in Regional NSW. Health measures among seniors show some difficulties, with national performance percentiles generally matching those of the broader population.

Lismore is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Lismore exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 88.9% of the population, 89.2% of residents born in Australia, and 94.1% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 45.5% of the population. The most notable religious overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.1% of residents compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestral backgrounds, the three most common ancestries in the area are English at 29.7%, Australian at 28.0%, and Irish at 10.9%. There are also distinct differences in other groups, with Scottish ancestry overrepresented at 9.0% of the population compared to 8.0% regionally, Australian Aboriginal representation at 4.8% compared to 4.6%, and French ancestry at 0.5% compared to 0.4% regionally.

Lismore's median age exceeds the national pattern

Lismore has a median age of 42 years, which is close to the Regional NSW average of 43 years but older than the national median of 38 years. The demographic profile features a notable share of 15 - 24 year-olds (13.4%), while the 75 - 84 age cohort is smaller (6.1%) than is typical for Regional NSW. Since 2021, the 0 to 4 age group has risen from 4.5% to 5.7% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 10.5% and the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 12.1%. Long-term projections for 2041 point to significant changes, with the 85+ group expected to grow the most at 17%, adding 60 residents to reach 423. Residents aged 65 and over are projected to account for 95% of all population growth, highlighting the aging trend, while declines are anticipated in the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts.