Lismore

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

Lismore's population was 14,028 as of February 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents a decrease of 1,201 people, or approximately 7.9%, since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 15,229. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 13,960 in June 2024 and an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 221 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth, contributing approximately 86.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to projected demographic shifts, the area's population is expected to decline by 1,474 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably in the 25 to 34 age group which is projected 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 has recorded approximately 14 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 73 homes were approved, and one more has been approved so far in FY26. The population has fallen during this period, yet development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which is positive for buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $372,000. This financial year has seen $19.1 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity in the area. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Lismore shows substantially 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. Nationally, this level is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows a skew towards compact living, with 36.0% standalone homes and 64.0% townhouses or apartments.

This offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently at 77.0% houses. The estimated count of 1986 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Lismore may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

AreaSearch has identified 30 infrastructure projects that could impact a specific area. 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 expected to have significant relevance.

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 essential services sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 5.9%. In comparison, Rest of NSW's unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is 2.1% lower than Lismore's rate.

Workforce participation in Lismore is 58.2%, somewhat below Rest of NSW's rate of 61.5%. According to Census responses, a low 12.6% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

Public administration & safety has limited presence with 4.7% employment compared to 7.5% regionally. There is one worker for every resident, indicating Lismore functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.2%, alongside 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 during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lismore's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

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 ended June 30, 2023, Lismore SA2 had median income among taxpayers at $44,745 with average level at $53,495. This is lower than national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 for Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ended June 30, 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $48,709 and average at $58,235. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data for 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Lismore fall between the 11th and 18th percentiles nationally. Data shows 29.1% of population (4,082 individuals) have income range $1,500 - 2,999, similar to regional average of 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at 12th percentile nationally.

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

In Lismore, as per the latest Census, 76.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 23.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Lismore was 32.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented ones at 38.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,343, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for Lismore was $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Lismore's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially 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 households comprise 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 account for 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

Educational qualifications in Lismore lag behind regional benchmarks, with 24.1% of residents aged 15 and over holding university degrees compared to the state average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15 and over holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 27.6%. Educational participation is high in Lismore, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.5% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Lismore indicates that there are 434 active transport stops currently operating. These stops service a mix of bus routes, totaling 111 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide approximately 2,075 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as excellent, with residents typically located around 110 meters from their nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transportation remains the car, used by 90% of residents, while 6% walk to their destinations.

On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling in Lismore, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 12.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect the conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The service frequency averages around 296 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the locations of the 100 nearest transport stops to the specified centrepoint.

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 according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~6,537 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 13.3% of residents and asthma impacting 9.4%. Conversely, 59.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,654 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

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. Its population is predominantly citizens, with 88.9% holding citizenship, and born in Australia, at 89.2%. English is spoken exclusively at home by 94.1% of residents.

Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 45.5% of Lismore's population. The category 'Other' religion shows an overrepresentation in Lismore compared to the rest of NSW, with 1.1% versus 0.8%. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.7%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (10.9%). Notable differences exist in the representation of Scottish (9.0% vs regional 8.0%), Australian Aboriginal (4.8% vs 4.6%), and French (0.5% vs 0.4%) ethnic groups.

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 median age of 38. The age profile shows a prominent group aged 25-34 (13.6%) while the 75-84 group is smaller at 5.8% compared to Rest of NSW. From 2021 to present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 12.5% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 10.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Lismore. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 16%, adding 59 residents to reach 424. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts.