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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Lisarow is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends
As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Lisarow is around 5,471, reflecting an increase of 172 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.2% rise from the previous figure of 5,299 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,333 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 503 persons per square kilometer. Lisarow's growth rate of 3.2% since the census is within 0.5 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 3.7%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch adopts 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 64 persons to reach 5,535 by 2041, reflecting a reduction of 1.4% in total over the 17-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Lisarow is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers derived from statistical area data, Lisarow has averaged approximately 5 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Between financial years FY21 and FY25, around 27 homes were approved, with a further 3 approved in FY26 to date. Over the past five financial years, an average of 0.7 people have moved to the area per dwelling built.
This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings in Lisarow is $319,000. In FY26, there have been $14.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lisarow records significantly lower building activity, at 73.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes.
Nationally, Lisarow's building activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development in Lisarow has been exclusively detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (83.0% at Census), indicating persistent strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. The estimated population count of 1774 people per dwelling approval reflects Lisarow's quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Lisarow may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Lisarow has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally
Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects expected to influence the region. Notable initiatives include Narara Ecovillage, Narara District Master Plan, Gosford Bypass, and Central Coast Local Roads Package. The following details projects most likely to be relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Mardi Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
An $82.5 million major upgrade to the Mardi Water Treatment Plant to enhance drinking water quality and security for over 210,000 residents. Key works include the construction of a new Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) clarifier, flocculation tanks, and upgraded chemical dosing facilities to handle poor raw water conditions such as algal blooms and high turbidity. The project will ensure a reliable supply of up to 160 million litres of water per day.
Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy
State-wide NSW planning reforms to enable diverse low and mid-rise housing, including dual occupancies, terraces, townhouses, and apartment buildings up to 6 storeys. The policy applies to residential zones within 800m of 171 nominated transport hubs and town centres. Stage 1 (dual occupancies) commenced 1 July 2024, and Stage 2 (mid-rise apartments and terraces) commenced 28 February 2025. In June 2025, further amendments adjusted aircraft noise thresholds and clarified storey definitions to expand the policy's reach. The initiative is expected to facilitate approximately 112,000 additional homes by 2030.
Sydney Metro
Australia's largest public transport project, comprising four main lines. As of February 2026, the City & Southwest M1 line is operational to Sydenham, with the Sydenham-to-Bankstown conversion reaching 80% completion and intensive dynamic train testing underway for a late 2026 opening. Sydney Metro West has achieved major tunneling milestones at Westmead, with fit-out contracts worth $11.5 billion signed to target a 2032 opening. The Western Sydney Airport line remains under heavy construction with stations and viaducts progressing for an opening aligned with the airport in late 2026.
Mariyung Fleet (New Intercity Fleet)
The Mariyung Fleet is a 610-carriage double-deck electric train fleet (D sets) replacing the aging V-set fleet across the NSW intercity network. Delivered by the RailConnect consortium, the trains feature 2x2 seating, charging ports, dedicated luggage/bicycle spaces, and enhanced accessibility with wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets. The fleet operates in 4, 6, 8, or 10-car formations. Passenger services commenced on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line on 3 December 2024 and the Blue Mountains Line on 13 October 2025. South Coast Line services are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026. The project includes the Kangy Angy Maintenance Facility and extensive corridor upgrades such as platform extensions and signaling modifications.
Narara District Master Plan
Development and delivery of master plans for the Narara District including Lisarow, Wyoming, and Niagara Park to support housing and urban development. The district is within the Central Coast Council local government area.
Newcastle-Sydney and Wollongong-Sydney Rail Line Upgrades
Program of upgrades to existing intercity rail corridors linking Newcastle-Central Coast-Sydney and Wollongong-Sydney to reduce travel times and improve reliability. Current scope includes timetable and service changes under the Rail Service Improvement Program, targeted network upgrades (signalling, power, station works) and the introduction of the Mariyung intercity fleet on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line, alongside Federal planning led by the High Speed Rail Authority for a dedicated Sydney-Newcastle high speed corridor.
Narara Ecovillage
Narara Ecovillage is a 64 hectare community title eco housing development on the former Gosford horticultural research station at Narara, planned for around 150 low impact homes plus shared community facilities, food growing spaces and integrated energy and water infrastructure. Stage 1 is largely complete and occupied, while Stage 2 civil works finished at the end of 2023 with most of the 40 plus new lots sold, owners preparing development applications and a growing number of homes under construction or already occupied; a planning proposal and amended planning agreement are progressing to support a future Stage 3 with more diverse housing types and small scale local services. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
M1 Pacific Motorway Kariong to Somersby Widening
Widening of M1 Pacific Motorway between Kariong and Somersby interchanges to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on this critical corridor between Sydney and Newcastle.
Employment
The exceptional employment performance in Lisarow places it among Australia's strongest labour markets
Lisarow has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.7% and it experienced an estimated employment growth of 3.8% in the past year. As of December 2025, there are 2,886 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 2.5%, below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.
Workforce participation is at 68.1%, slightly lower than Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 33.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, with a strong specialization in the former (1.3 times the regional level). Professional & technical services have limited presence at 6.9%, compared to the regional average of 11.5%.
Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8% and labour force grew by 3.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lisarow's employment mix indicates local employment should grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localised population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment
The suburb of Lisarow has an average national income level according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Lisarow is $52,465 and the average income stands at $67,830. For Greater Sydney, these figures are $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,113 (median) and $73,840 (average). Census data shows household income ranks at the 71st percentile ($2,087 weekly), while personal income sits at the 51st percentile. In Lisarow, 32.6% of locals (1,783 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income category, similar to regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 30.9% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 15.1% of income, and residents rank in the 73rd percentile for disposable income. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Lisarow is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
The dwelling structure in Lisarow, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.7% houses and 17.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasted with Sydney metro's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lisarow stood at 34.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.1% and rented ones at 14.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,139, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Lisarow was $435, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Lisarow's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,139 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Lisarow features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 81.2% of all households, including 43.1% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.8%, with lone person households at 17.1% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Lisarow performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes
The area's university qualification rate is 23.9%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (16.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (27.6%). Educational participation is high, with 30.2% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.3% in primary, 9.2% in secondary, and 4.3% in tertiary education.
Educational participation is notably high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Lisarow has 37 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 43 individual routes, facilitating 1,473 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents, on average, located 326 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commuters travel outward, predominantly by car at a rate of 93%. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.8 per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. Notably, 33.7% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census; this figure may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions).
Service frequency averages 210 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 39 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Lisarow is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts
Lisarow faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.
The rate of private health cover in Lisarow is approximately 54% of the total population (~2,940 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 9.3 and 8.2% of residents respectively. However, 66.5% of Lisarow residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Lisarow has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,034 people), higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Lisarow ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Lisarow's population was found to be less culturally diverse, with 82.3% born in Australia, 93.3% being citizens, and 92.6% speaking English only at home as of 2016 Census data. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 56.9%, compared to Sydney's 49.2%. Top ancestry groups were English (31.3%), Australian (29.9%), and Irish (8.2%).
Korean (0.6%) was notably higher than regional average of 1.1%, Maltese at 0.5% (regional: 1.0%), and Russian at 0.3% (regional: 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Lisarow's median age exceeds the national pattern
Lisarow's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney's average, Lisarow has a notably over-represented cohort of individuals aged 55-64 (13.1%) and an under-represented cohort of individuals aged 25-34 (7.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the population of individuals aged 15-24 has increased from 12.6% to 14.1%, while the population of individuals aged 75-84 has grown from 5.0% to 6.5%. Conversely, the population of individuals aged 25-34 has decreased from 9.5% to 7.7%. Demographic projections suggest that Lisarow's age profile will undergo significant changes by 2041. The cohort aged 75-84 is projected to grow by 32%, adding 114 residents to reach a total of 470. This demographic aging trend continues as individuals aged 65 and older represent 74% of the anticipated population growth. However, population declines are projected for the cohorts aged 25-34 and 65-74.