Lismore
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Lismore's population was approximately 14,033 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents a decrease of 1,196 people, or 7.9%, since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,229 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,018 in June 2024 and an additional 40 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 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, AreaSearch uses the 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. Projections indicate an overall population decline over this period, with the area's population expected to decrease by 1,474 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated within specific age cohorts, notably 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, with no approvals so far in FY26. The population has fallen during this period, indicating adequate development activity relative to population change, which is positive for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $372,000. In the current financial year, $19.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Lismore shows substantially reduced construction levels, with 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 36.0% standalone homes and 64.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift towards compact living options that offer affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 77.0% houses. The estimated count of 1986 people per dwelling approval reflects Lismore's quiet, low activity development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, Lismore may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Lismore has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects that could impact the area. Key projects include the Lismore Flood Recovery and Resilience Program, Northern Rivers Conservatorium Flood Resilience Upgrades, East Lismore Build-to-Rent Apartments, and Wade Park Masterplan. 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's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in Lismore as of June 2025 was 5.3%.

In this month of the same year, 6598 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.6% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Lismore was similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for employment among Lismore 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 in Lismore with 4.7% employment compared to 7.5% regionally. There is one worker for every resident in Lismore as at the Census, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data during the year to June 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.8% alongside a 3.3% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Lismore. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with differing growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Lismore's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 2022, Lismore had a median income among taxpayers of $42,438 with average level standing at $54,320. This is lower than national averages and compares to levels of $49,459 and $62,998 across Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $47,789 (median) and $61,170 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Lismore all fall between the 12th and 19th percentiles nationally. The data shows 29.1% of population (4,083 individuals) fall within $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at 12th percentile.

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

Lismore's dwelling structure, 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 ones at 38.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lismore was $1,343, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,452. The median weekly rent in Lismore was recorded at $300, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Lismore's mortgage repayments were substantially lower than the Australian 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 constitute 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 42.9%, comprising 36.8% lone person households and 6.1% group households. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4 people.

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

Educational qualifications in Lismore trail regional benchmarks, with 24.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 32.2% in NSW. The gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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% 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. As of 2016, there are 15 schools serving 4,618 students in the area, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 978) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 7 primary, 5 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. As of 2020, the area functions as an education hub with 33.0 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 15.3 – attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

Lismore has 389 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 111 different routes that together facilitate 2,041 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 112 meters from their nearest transport stop.

Across all routes, buses operate at an average frequency of 291 trips per day, which works out to about five weekly trips per individual 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 stands at approximately 47%, covering around 6,623 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

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

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

Lismore's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.9% of its population being citizens and 89.2% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 94.1%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.5%.

The 'Other' category had an overrepresentation in Lismore compared to Rest of NSW, with 1.1% versus 1.1%. In terms of ancestry, English (29.7%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (10.9%) were the top three groups represented. Notable divergences included Scottish at 9.0%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.8%, and German at 3.6%, all slightly higher than regional averages of 8.5%, 4.6%, and 3.4% respectively.

Lismore hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 that individuals aged 15-24 are prominent, comprising 13.4% of the population, while those aged 75-84 make up a smaller proportion at 5.8%. Between 2021 and present day, the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 12.5% to 13.2%, while the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 11.7% to 10.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Lismore. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 14%, adding 53 residents and reaching a total of 424. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 57% of the population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 0-4 and 35-44.