Lyons (NT)

Lyons lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Lyons's population was around 6,995 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 989 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,006. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,989 in June 2024 and an additional 108 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 993 persons per square kilometer, which is similar to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lyons's growth of 16.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 7.6%, as well as the national average, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 55.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for national areas. Lyons is projected to increase by 1,753 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 25.0% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Lyons when compared nationally

Lyons has averaged approximately 35 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 177 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 5.7 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built over these past five financial years.

This has resulted in supply substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $377,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaling $800,000 have been recorded, indicating the area's residential focus. Compared to Greater Darwin, Lyons records 201.0% more development activity per person.

Recent construction comprises 91.0% detached dwellings and 9.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 380 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Lyons is projected to grow by 1,747 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Lyons has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 1stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Lee Point Master-planned Urban Development, Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, Edgeview Court Water Main Replacement, and Casuarina Square Redevelopment. The following list details those most pertinent.

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 conditions in Lyons rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Lyons has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 0.5%, having seen a 2.3% employment growth over the past year as of September 2025.

In this month, 4,165 residents were employed at an unemployment rate of 2.6%, below Greater Darwin's 3.1%. Workforce participation was high at 77.6%, compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Major employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Lyons shows a strong specialization in public administration & safety with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

However, construction has limited presence at 5.7% compared to the regional 9.2%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to September 2025, Lyons's employment increased by 2.3%, while labour force grew by 2.4%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.6%. In contrast, Greater Darwin saw a 1.9% employment rise and a marginal unemployment increase. State-level data from November 25 shows NT employment contracted by 1.13% (losing 4,100 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.4%, aligning with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lyons's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Lyons SA2 has one of the highest incomes nationally. The median income is $81,309 and the average income stands at $94,692. This contrasts with Greater Darwin's median income of $65,522 and average income of $75,260. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $91,074 (median) and $106,065 (average). Census data reveals that Lyons' household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 96th and 96th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 39.3% of residents, consistent with surrounding regional trends at 36.7%. Notably, 49.3% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. Lyons' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Lyons' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Darwin metro's figures of 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lyons was at 8.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.6% and rented ones at 51.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lyons was $2,600, higher than Darwin metro's average of $2,028. The median weekly rent figure for Lyons was recorded at $280, lower than Darwin metro's $350. Nationally, Lyons' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Lyons features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 89.3% of all households, including 58.8% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 10.7%, consisting of 8.4% lone person households and 2.6% group households. The median household size is 3.3 people, which is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.7.

Lyons shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Lyons has a notably higher proportion of residents with university qualifications than both the Northern Territory (NT) and Australia as a whole. As of 2016 data, 40.9% of Lyons' residents aged 15 years and over held such qualifications, compared to 27.3% in NT and 30.4% nationally. This educational advantage is driven by Bachelor degrees (25.5%), postgraduate qualifications (11.6%), and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.6% of residents aged 15 years and over holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.7%, while certificates make up 19.9%. Educational participation is high in Lyons, with 39.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.1% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 7.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Lyons has seven active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 different routes that together facilitate 1,004 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is moderate, with residents on average located 436 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 143 daily trips, which amounts to approximately 143 weekly trips per individual stop.

Lyons's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Lyons, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 69% of the total population (4,847 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Darwin and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 5.1 and 5.0% of residents respectively, while 83.7% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.0% across Greater Darwin.

Lyons has 4.0% of residents aged 65 and over (282 people), lower than the 12.3% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Lyons is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Lyons has a high level of cultural diversity, with 39.3% of its population born overseas and 40.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Lyons, making up 46.5% of people there. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, comprising 6.2% of Lyons' population versus 5.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (19.6%), English (17.1%), and Other (16.5%). Notably, Filipino (5.1%) and Greek (4.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Lyons compared to regional averages of 4.7% and 3.7%, respectively. Sri Lankan ethnicity is also notably present at 1.0%, higher than the regional average of 0.4%.

Lyons hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Lyons's median age is 30 years, which is notably below the Greater Darwin average of 34 years and substantially under Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Darwin, Lyons has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (18.4%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (5.6%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has increased from 12.2% to 13.2%, while the proportion of those aged 0-4 has decreased from 9.9% to 8.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Lyons, with the 45-54 age group projected to grow by 52% (477 people), reaching a total of 1,401 residents from its current figure of 923.