Lismore Surrounds

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Lismore Surrounds's population is around 16,208 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 422 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,786 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,091 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 130 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 13.1 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Lismore Surrounds's 2.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (0.6%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 55.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth for regional areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to increase by 2,179 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 12.7% in total over the 17 years.

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 experienced around 51 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 258 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 21 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $285,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $2.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Lismore Surrounds records somewhat elevated construction (15.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. This is still below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 564 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Lismore Surrounds will gain 2,062 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Lismore Surrounds has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 49 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key 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, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most 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.

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

Lismore Surrounds possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.6%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 8,352 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (64.7% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 23.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels 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 area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 0.2% while employment declined by 0.3%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Lismore Surrounds. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Lismore Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Lismore Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers is $46,706, with an average of $55,759. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,844 (median) and $60,699 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Lismore Surrounds, between the 29th and 34th percentiles. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.3% of residents (5,073 people), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. Housing costs are manageable with 86.8% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 38th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Lismore Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.9% houses and 3.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Lismore Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 48.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.3%) or rented (15.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Regional NSW average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $334, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Lismore Surrounds's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 73.2% of all households, comprising 28.8% couples with children, 33.0% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 22.7% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is 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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (28.9% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA3 area average of 20.9% and that of Rest of NSW (21.3%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (27.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 952 active transport stops operating within Lismore Surrounds, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 97 individual routes, collectively providing 1,103 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 174 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 23.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 157 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, though the rate of private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~7,682 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.6% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 68.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 22.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,656 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.8% of its population being citizens, 87.3% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Lismore Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 44.6% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Lismore Surrounds are English, comprising 30.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.7% of Lismore Surrounds (vs 8.0% regionally), French at 0.6% (vs 0.4%) and German at 3.7% (vs 3.1%).

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

At 47 years, Lismore Surrounds's median age is significantly above the Regional NSW average of 43 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 45 - 54 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.9%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (7.9%) than in Regional NSW. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.8% to 6.3% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 18.0% to 15.7%. By 2041, Lismore Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 43% (438 people), reaching 1,461 from 1,022. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 cohort is projected to decline by 1 person.