Lismore Surrounds

Lismore Surrounds has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Lismore Surrounds' population, as of May 2026, is approximately 16,190. This figure represents a 404-person increase (2.6%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 15,786. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 16,160 in June 2025 and an additional 135 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 13.1 persons per square kilometer. Lismore Surrounds' growth since the 2021 Census (2.6%) outpaced the SA3 area's growth (0%), indicating it as a region leader in population increase. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.9% 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 employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022, using 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population projections indicate an above-median growth for regional areas nationally. Lismore Surrounds is expected to increase by 2,094 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 12.8% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Lismore Surrounds recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Lismore Surrounds has received approximately 51 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totaling 258 homes. As of FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling were added between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost of new properties is $285,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year has seen $2.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Lismore Surrounds shows elevated construction levels, 14.0% above the regional average per person over five years. However, recent periods have shown a moderation in development activity. This is below the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations.

New developments consist of 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density nature. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 564 people. By 2041, Lismore Surrounds is forecasted to gain 2,064 residents. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 49 projects that could affect the area. Notable projects include North Lismore Plateau Urban Subdivision (Allura Parklands), Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Lismore to Bentley, Goonellabah Affordable Housing Project - Bristol Circuit & Cynthia Wilson Drive, and Pineapple Road Sewerage Scheme. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

While Lismore Surrounds retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.6%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Lismore Surrounds has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. As of December 2025, its unemployment rate is 3.6%. Over the past year, it maintained relative employment stability.

In December 2025, 8,352 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is at 64.0%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 23.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (18.5%), agriculture, forestry & fishing (16.2%), education & training (9.4%), and other sectors.

Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing employment is at 2.3 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 4.2% versus the regional average of 7.5%. The labour force decreased by 0.2% over a 12-month period ending in December 2025 while employment declined by 0.3%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. 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 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Lismore Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Lismore Surrounds SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $46,706 and an average of $55,759. This was lower than the national average. Regional NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $51,526 and an average of $61,513 as of March 2026. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Lismore Surrounds rank modestly, between the 29th and 34th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.3% of residents (5,067 people). Housing costs are manageable with 86.8% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 38th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Lismore Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Lismore Surrounds, as per the latest Census, 96.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 3.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lismore Surrounds stood at 48.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.3% and rented ones at 15.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average, while the median weekly rent was $334 compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Lismore Surrounds' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Lismore Surrounds features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.2% of all households, including 28.8% couples with children, 33.0% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 22.7% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Lismore Surrounds exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 28.9% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 20.9% and that of Rest of NSW (21.3%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 27.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (10.9%), secondary (9.2%), and tertiary (3.6%) levels.

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

Lismore Surrounds has 952 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 97 different routes that collectively facilitate 1,103 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 174 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 94%, while walking accounts for 4%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 157 trips per day, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

The level of general health in Lismore Surrounds is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Lismore Surrounds shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and elderly age groups exhibit low incidence of common health conditions. Private health cover is quite low at approximately 47% (~7,674 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 8.6% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Notably, 68.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. The area has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,772 people), with seniors showing particularly strong health outcomes that rank higher than the general population nationally.

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

Lismore Surrounds, as per the census conducted on 29 August 2016, had a lower than average cultural diversity. The population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 87.8% holding citizenship, and 87.3% having been born in Australia. English was the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents.

Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 44.6% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to regional NSW, with 0.2% of Lismore Surrounds residents identifying as such, compared to 0.1% regionally. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.6%), Australian (28.7%), and Irish (11.1%). Other ethnic groups also showed variations in representation: Scottish was overrepresented at 9.7%, French at 0.6%, and German at 3.7%.

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

Lismore Surrounds has a median age of 47 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 45-54 year-old group makes up 14.9% of the population, while the 25-34 year-old group comprises only 7.5%, both figures differing from Regional NSW's averages. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.8% to 6.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 18.0% to 15.7%, and the 5 to 14 year-old group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.6%. By 2041, Lismore Surrounds is projected to experience notable changes in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 43%, reaching 1,540 people from the current 1,078. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 year-old cohort is projected to decrease by 3 people.