Lisarow

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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Lisarow is around 5366. This figure represents an increase of 67 people from the 2021 Census total of 5299, indicating a growth rate of approximately 1.3%. AreaSearch's analysis, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date, supports this estimation. The population density ratio is calculated at 494 persons per square kilometer. Comparing Lisarow's growth to its SA3 area, which grew by 2.6%, shows competitive fundamentals. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 69% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered areas, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 for uncovered areas. For all areas, growth rates by age group are applied from these aggregations for the years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Lisarow's population is expected to decline by 18 persons by 2041, with a notable increase of 122 people anticipated in the 75 to 84 age group.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Lisarow, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Lisarow has seen around 5 new homes approved each year from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling an estimated 27 homes. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 new residents arrived per new home annually over the past five financial years. However, this increased to 9.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting Lisarow's growing popularity and potential supply constraints. New properties are constructed at an average value of $319,000.

This year, $14.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lisarow records markedly lower building activity, which is 73.0% below the regional average per person. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated count of 1776 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Lisarow should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Lisarow has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely affecting this region: Narara Ecovillage, Narara District Master Plan, Gosford Bypass, and Pacific Highway And Manns Road Upgrade. The following details these key projects in order of relevance.

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

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

Lisarow has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1%. As of December 2025, 2,911 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.4% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 33.7% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Lisarow has a notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 6.9% of Lisarow's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 4.1% alongside labour force increasing by 3.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Greater Sydney where employment grew by 2.2%, labour force expanded by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lisarow's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Lisarow had a median taxpayer income of $52,465 and an average of $67,830. Nationally, the median is approximately $52,000 with an average of around $71,000. Greater Sydney's median is $60,817 and average is $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes by March 2026 are approximately $57,879 (median) and $74,830 (average). Census data ranks Lisarow's household income at the 71st percentile ($2,087 weekly), with personal income at the 51st percentile. The suburb has a significant portion (32.6%, or 1,749 individuals) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to surrounding regions (30.9%). Lisarow displays considerable affluence with 30.9% earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting premium retail services. Housing accounts for 15.1% of income, with residents ranking in the 73rd percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking placing it in the 7th decile.

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

In Lisarow, as per the latest Census evaluation, 82.7% of dwellings were houses while 17.3% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Sydney metro's dwelling structure of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Lisarow's home ownership rate was 34.5%, higher than Sydney metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 51.1% in Lisarow, with rented properties making up 14.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,139, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Lisarow stood at $435, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Lisarow's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 constitute 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, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 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.

Advanced diplomas account for 12.0%, while certificates make up 27.6%. Educational participation is 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.

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 different routes, collectively facilitating 1,473 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 326 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward due to Lisarow's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 33.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 210 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

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, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high, particularly among older age cohorts.

Private health cover is more prevalent than average at approximately 54% of Lisarow's total population (~2,884 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 9.3% and asthma impacting 8.2% of residents. Conversely, 66.5% report being completely free from medical ailments, lower than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Lisarow has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 15.5% (971 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Lisarow ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Lisarow, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 82.3% of residents born in Australia, 93.3% being citizens, and 92.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Lisarow's religion (56.9%), higher than Greater Sydney's average of 49.2%. Top ancestral groups were English (31.3%, regional avg 19.0%), Australian (29.9%, regional avg 17.8%), and Irish (8.2%).

Notable ethnic group divergences included Korean at 0.6% in Lisarow (regional avg 1.1%), Maltese at 0.5% (regional avg 1.0%), and Russian at 0.3% (regional avg 0.4%).

Lisarow's median age exceeds the national pattern

Lisarow's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and slightly above Australia's median of 38. The 55-64 age group is notably over-represented in Lisarow at 13.3%, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 25-34 cohort is under-represented at 7.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.6% to 14.3%, and the 75-84 cohort has grown from 5.0% to 6.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 9.5% to 7.9%. By 2041, Lisarow's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 34%, adding 114 residents to reach 447. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 72% of the population growth. However, declines are projected for the 65-74 and 25-34 cohorts.