Lismore Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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' population is around 16,173 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 387 people 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 124 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 13.1 persons per square kilometer. Lismore Surrounds' growth rate of 2.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 0.2%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 55.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. By 2041, an above median population growth is projected nationally for regional areas, with Lismore Surrounds expected to increase by 2,179 persons, reflecting a total increase of 13.0% 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 approximately 51 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides development approval data on a financial year basis, totalling 258 approvals from FY-21 to FY-25 and 9 so far in FY-26. On average, 1.9 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over the past five years. This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions.

The average construction cost of new homes is $419,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26, $2.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Lismore Surrounds has shown moderately higher construction activity, 15.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. However, this activity has eased recently.

Nationally, it is below average, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists predominantly of detached houses (95.0%) with a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (5.0%), preserving the area's low-density nature. This emphasis on detached housing attracts space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 564 people, indicating a quiet and low-activity development environment. Future projections estimate Lismore Surrounds will add 2,097 residents by 2041. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, although increasing competition among buyers may arise as the population expands.

Lismore Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 51 projects potentially affecting the region. Notable ones are 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 relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.1%, Lismore Surrounds has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Lismore Surrounds has an educated workforce with a 3.1% unemployment rate as of June 2025. It has 8,063 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 0.6% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation at 59.4%.

Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is notably concentrated, being 2.3 times the regional average. Public administration & safety, however, is under-represented with only 4.2% of Lismore Surrounds' workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 7.5%. From Jun-24 to Jul-25, labour force decreased by 4.8% and employment by 4.1%, lowering the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 4.3%. National forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lismore Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4%% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Lismore Surrounds had a median taxpayer income of $44,275 and an average income of $56,482 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are below the national averages of $49,459 for median income and $62,998 for average income. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.6% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $48,968 (median) and $62,469 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Lismore Surrounds ranked modestly, between the 29th and 35th percentiles. Income brackets showed that 31.3% of the population (5,062 individuals) had incomes within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is consistent with broader metropolitan trends at 29.9%. Housing costs allowed for retention of 86.8% of income, but disposable income was below average at the 38th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

Lismore Surrounds' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.9% houses and 3.1% other dwellings (including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' types). This is in contrast to Non-Metro NSW's structure, which was 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings. Home ownership levels in Lismore Surrounds stood at 48.7%, with mortgaged properties making up 36.3% and rented dwellings comprising 15.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,452. Median weekly rent in Lismore Surrounds was recorded at $334, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Lismore Surrounds were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 account for 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 Rest of 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 university qualification rates are notably high at 28.9%, surpassing both the SA3 area average of 20.9% and the Rest of NSW average of 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 common, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (27.4%). Educational participation is high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This comprises 10.9% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education. There are 22 schools serving 1,061 students in the area, which has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1009) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 20 primary schools and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity is limited locally at 6.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.3, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: for schools marked 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to their parent campus.

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

Lismore Surrounds has 945 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 98 individual routes, providing a total of 1,088 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 175 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 155 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Lismore Surrounds's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows Lismore Surrounds residents have a relatively positive health status with common conditions seen across both young and old age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~7,763 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.6% and 8.5% of residents respectively. A majority, 68.4%, report being completely free from medical ailments, which is higher than the Rest of NSW average of 61.9%. The area has a senior population of 22.5% (3,635 people), with health outcomes among seniors particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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 have below average cultural diversity, with 87.8% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (87.3%), and speaking English only at home (95.2%). Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 44.6% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Rest of NSW, with 0.2% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (30.6%), Australian (28.7%), and Irish (11.1%). Other ethnic groups show notable variations: Scottish at 9.7%, French at 0.6%, and German at 3.7%, all higher than regional averages of 8.5%, 0.4%, and 3.4% respectively.

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

Lismore Surrounds' median age in 2021 was 47 years, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and the national average of 38 years. The age profile showed that those aged 45-54 were prominent at 15.2%, while the 25-34 group was smaller at 7.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 4.8% to 6.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 18.0% to 15.9%. By 2041, Lismore Surrounds is projected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 49%, reaching 1,461 people from 980. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 cohort is projected to decline by 24 people.