Lismore

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

Lismore's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 13,726 people. This figure represents a decrease of 1,503 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 15,229. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,682 in June 2025 and an additional 56 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 216 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area's population is projected to decline by 1,429 persons. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 56 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 one additional home approved so far in FY26. The average value for new dwellings developed is $372,000.

In terms of commercial activity, $19.1 million in approvals have been registered this financial year. Compared to the rest of NSW, Lismore shows substantially reduced construction levels, with 65% 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. The area's development level is also below the national average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows a composition of 36% standalone homes and 64% townhouses or apartments. This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 77% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Lismore is 1986 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Lismore may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects likely impacting the region. Key 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 essential services sectors well represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 5.9%. Over the past year, there has been relative employment stability.

In December 2025, 6,535 residents are in work. The unemployment rate is 2.0% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, while workforce participation is on par with Regional NSW at 60.5%. According to Census responses, only 12.6% of residents work from home. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Lismore shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety has lower representation at 4.7% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. There is one worker for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.1%, while labour force decreased by 0.5%, resulting in a fall of unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, labour force fall by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Lismore. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Lismore SA2 has incomes below the national average. The median income is $44,745 and the average is $53,495. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $49,363 (median) and $59,016 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Lismore are between the 11th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 29.1% of residents (3,994 people), similar to broader trends across the area at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 12th percentile.

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 evaluation, 76.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 23.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lismore stood at 32.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented ones at 38.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,343, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Lismore was $300, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Lismore's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,343 versus 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 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 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 Regional 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 NSW standards, with 24.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common (16.6%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (27.6%). Educational participation is high, with 30.6% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (9.5%), secondary (8.0%), and tertiary (5.8%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Lismore has 434 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 111 different routes, providing a total of 2,075 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 110 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility in the area. As a predominantly residential region, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the primary mode of transport, used by 90% of residents, with walking accounting for 6%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.6% of Lismore residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 296 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this report, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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 of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably high percentages of common health conditions are observed across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 47% of Lismore's total population (~6,396 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 13.3% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.4%, with 59.8% declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Lismore has 19.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,705 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.9% of its population being citizens, 89.2% born in Australia, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Lismore, comprising 45.5% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which made up 1.1% compared to Regional NSW's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.7%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (10.9%). There were also notable differences 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%) groups.

Lismore's median age exceeds the national pattern

Lismore's median age is 42 years, similar to Regional NSW's average of 43 but older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are prominent at 13.4%, while the 75-84 group is smaller at 6.1% compared to Regional NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 0-4 age group has grown from 4.5% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 11.7% to 10.5%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.1% to 12.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Lismore. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 17%, adding 60 residents to reach 423. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 95% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts.