East Lismore

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of East Lismore's population is estimated at around 4,513 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 467 people (9.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,980 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,493, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2025, and an additional 39 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 690 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 87.0% 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. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb of East Lismore's population expected to shrink by 458 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 27 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in East Lismore shows an average of around 5 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 29 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. The population decline over recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering buyers good choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $522,000, indicating a focus on the premium market by developers. In FY-26, there have been $2.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, East Lismore shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 58.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though recent construction activity has intensified. Nationally, this is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant departure from the current housing pattern of 79.0% houses. This trend suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

The estimated count of 614 people per dwelling approval reflects East Lismore's quiet development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, there should be reduced pressure on housing in the area, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could impact the region. Notable projects include 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 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.

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 was 5.0% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.5%.

In comparison to Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, East Lismore's unemployment rate is 1.1% higher, while workforce participation is similar at 63.2% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses in December 2025, only 12.5% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. East Lismore has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, construction is under-represented at 6.3% compared to Regional NSW's 9.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.5%, while the labour force decreased by 0.1%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

East Lismore's postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows median income at $43,946 and average income at $56,251. This is lower than Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. By March 2026, estimated median income would be approximately $48,481 and average $62,056, based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates East Lismore's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 15th and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 30.2% of locals (1,362 people) predominantly earn $1,500 - 2,999, similar to metropolitan regions at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 82.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 15th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in East Lismore, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.0% houses and 21.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Lismore was at 32.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.8% and rented ones at 38.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,430, lower than 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 at $1,430 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 39.9%, with lone person households at 34.5% and group households comprising 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 residents aged 15+ with university degrees comprise 23.6%, 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, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (28.5%). Current educational participation is high at 32.4%, with 9.7% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 7.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 64 different routes that together facilitate 821 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is considered excellent, with residents typically living just 97 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 92%, while walking accounts for 5%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 117 trips per day, equating to approximately six weekly trips per stop. A map accompanies this analysis, illustrating 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 cohorts exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 49% of the total population (around 2,221 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a 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. However, 61.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. East Lismore has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (907 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, as per a study conducted in June 2021, showed lower cultural diversity levels compared to the average. It had 89.1% citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, with 49.4% of East Lismore's population adhering to it.

However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation, comprising 0.2% compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups were English (29.5%), Australian (28.7%), and Irish (10.8%). Other ethnic groups with notable differences included Australian Aboriginal at 5.1% (vs regional 4.6%), Scottish at 8.9% (vs 8.0%), and French at 0.5% (vs 0.4%).

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

The median age in East Lismore is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, East Lismore has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (9.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 0-4 increased from 5.2% to 6.2%, while the 45-54 age group decreased from 11.5% to 10.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in East Lismore's age structure. The number of residents aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 21%, reaching 180 from 148. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 91% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. In contrast, both the 35-44 and 75-84 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.