Lismore

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

As of November 2025, Lismore's population is approximately 14,033, a decrease of 1,196 people (7.9%) from the 2021 Census figure of 15,229. This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures: 14,018 as of June 2024 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 221 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.7% of overall population gains in recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year.

By 2041, the population is projected to decline by 1,474 persons, but the 25 to 34 age group is expected to increase by 124 people.

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

Lismore granted approximately 14 residential property approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 73 homes were approved, with one more in FY26 so far. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, benefiting buyers as new dwellings are developed at an average cost of $372,000.

In the current financial year, $19.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Lismore shows significantly reduced construction levels, 65.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, with 36.0% standalone homes and 64.0% townhouses or apartments approved. This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The current housing stock is 77.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles. With an estimated 1986 people per dwelling approval, Lismore's development environment is quiet and low-activity.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, the area may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects that could impact this region. Notable initiatives include the Lismore Flood Recovery and Resilience Program, Wade Park Masterplan, East Lismore Build-to-Rent Apartments, and East Lismore Medium Density Precincts. The following list details those 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 drivers in Lismore are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Lismore has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 5.9% as of September 2025. It employs 6,438 residents, with an unemployment rate 2.1% higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to the regional level at 56.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Public administration & safety has limited presence at 4.7% compared to the regional 7.5%.

There is one worker for every resident, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.2%, with a 1.6% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts suggest a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lismore's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Lismore SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $42,438 and an average income of $54,320. These figures are lower than the national averages of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $47,789, while the average is estimated to be around $61,170. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Lismore fall between the 11th and 18th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. In Lismore, 29.1% of the population (4,083 individuals) have incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, similar to the 29.9% in this income bracket regionally. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

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

Lismore's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.8% houses and 23.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lismore was at 32.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented dwellings at 38.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,343, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,452. Median weekly rent in Lismore was $300, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Lismore's mortgage repayments were notably lower at $1,343 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 57.1% of all households, including 18.4% couples with children, 20.5% couples without children, and 16.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 42.9%, with lone person households at 36.8% and group households comprising 6.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

Lismore's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 24.1% hold university degrees compared to NSW's 32.2%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (27.6%). Educational participation is high, with 30.6% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (9.5%), secondary education (8.0%), and tertiary education (5.8%).

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

Lismore's public transport analysis shows 389 active stops operating within the city. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 111 individual routes. Together, they facilitate 2,041 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 112 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 291 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per stop.

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

Lismore faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% (6,623 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues affect 13.3% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.4%. Conversely, 59.8% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of NSW's 61.9%. Lismore has 19.1% (2,676 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of NSW's 22.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Lismore, as per the data, has a cultural diversity index below average. It's composed of 88.9% citizens, with 89.2% born in Australia and 94.1% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 45.5%.

The 'Other' category represents 1.1%, similar to Rest of NSW. Top ancestry groups are English (29.7%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (10.9%). Notably, Scottish representation is higher at 9.0% compared to the regional average of 8.5%. Australian Aboriginal and French representations also slightly exceed their regional averages by 4.8% vs 4.6% and 0.5% vs 0.4%, respectively.

Lismore's median age exceeds the national pattern

Lismore's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but older than Australia's average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are prominent at 13.4%, while the 75-84 group is smaller at 5.8% compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 12.5% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 11.7% to 10.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Lismore. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 14%, adding 53 residents to reach 424. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 57% of population growth, indicating aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.