East Lismore

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

The population of East Lismore is estimated at around 4,555 as of February 2026, reflecting a decrease of 425 people since the 2021 Census. The suburb's population was recorded as 4,980 in the 2021 Census. This estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, which resulted in an estimated resident population of 4,536. The population density ratio for East Lismore is approximately 696 persons per square kilometer, in line with averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed around 87% 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections indicate a decline over this period, with East Lismore's population expected to shrink by 468 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group, projected to increase by 38 people.

The level of residential development activity in East Lismore is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, East Lismore averaged around 5 new dwelling approvals per year from financial years FY21 to FY25, with an estimated total of 29 homes approved during this period. No dwelling approvals have been recorded in FY26 so far. The population has declined over recent years, suggesting that the supply of new dwellings has kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value for new properties is $522,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, there have been $2.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, East Lismore has shown substantially reduced construction activity, with 58.0% fewer approvals per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, construction activity has intensified recently. Nationally, East Lismore also reflects lower construction activity, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments consist of 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 79.0% houses. This trend towards denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, potentially responding to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 618 people, reflecting East Lismore's quiet, low activity development environment. With a stable or declining population expected in the future, there should be reduced pressure on housing, creating potential opportunities for buyers.

East Lismore has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of an area can greatly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of seventeen projects that are expected to impact the area significantly. Notable among these are the Lismore Flood Recovery and Resilience Program, Wade Park Masterplan, Eastwood Estate Precinct 2 Subdivision, and East Lismore Build-to-Rent Apartments. The following list provides details on those projects deemed most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in East Lismore remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

East Lismore has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of December 2025 is 5.1%. Over the past year, there has been relative employment stability based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 2,189 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.0% (1.1% above Regional NSW's rate). Workforce participation is at 61.3%, comparable to Regional NSW's figure. According to Census responses, only 12.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among East Lismore residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area has a specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, construction is under-represented, with only 6.3% of East Lismore's workforce compared to Regional NSW's 9.7%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.2% while labour force decreased by 0.4%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to East Lismore's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 shows that in East Lismore, median income is $43,946 and average income is $56,251. This is lower than Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $47,840 (median) and $61,235 (average). Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in East Lismore fall between the 15th and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 30.2% of locals (1,375 people) predominantly earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in East Lismore, with only 82.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 15th percentile nationally.

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

East Lismore's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.0% houses and 21.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Lismore stood at 32.3%, with mortgaged properties at 28.8% and rented ones at 38.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in East Lismore was $310, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, East Lismore's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

East Lismore features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 60.1% of all households, including 20.9% couples with children, 21.8% couples without children, and 16.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 39.9%, with lone person households at 34.5% and group households at 5.7%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in East Lismore fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

East Lismore's residents aged 15+ have 23.6% university degrees, compared to NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 37.7% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 28.5%. Current educational participation is high at 32.4%, including primary education (9.7%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (7.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.7% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 7.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

East Lismore has 123 active public transport stops serving buses. These stops are covered by 64 routes, offering a total of 821 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to transport is rated excellent, with an average distance of 97 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of travel at 92%, while 5% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 12.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 117 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this analysis, showing the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in East Lismore is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

East Lismore faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 2,241 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 11.8% and 9.3% of residents respectively. About 61.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The working-age population faces significant health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. East Lismore has 19.7% of residents aged 65 and over (897 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

East Lismore showed lower cultural diversity, with 89.1% being citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 49.4%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (29.5%), Australian (28.7%), and Irish (10.8%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (5.1%) and Scottish (8.9%) were overrepresented, while French was slightly higher at 0.5% compared to the regional average of 0.4%.

East Lismore's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

East Lismore's median age is 38, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group makes up 15.2% of East Lismore's population, higher than Regional NSW's percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort comprises 9.6%, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.1% to 14.4%. However, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 11.5% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests East Lismore's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 20%, reaching 180 people from the current 150. This growth will be driven entirely by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above accounting for all projected growth. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.