Lismore Heights

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

The population of Lismore Heights is estimated at around 1,908 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 2,117 people, indicating a drop of 209 individuals (9.9%). AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population in Jun 2024 was 1,897, with an additional validated new address since the Census date contributing to the current total. This results in a density ratio of approximately 1,037 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver for population growth in recent periods has been overseas migration, accounting for about 87.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate an overall population decline of 198 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated within specific age cohorts, notably the 25 to 34 age group projected to increase by 13 people over this period.

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

Lismore Heights has seen minimal construction activity with fewer than one new dwelling approved annually on average over the five years from 2016 to 2020, inclusive. This period saw a total of four approvals. The low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where housing needs specific to the locality typically drive development rather than broader market demand.

It is important to note that the small sample size can significantly influence annual growth and relative statistics. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Lismore Heights naturally has much lower development activity.

This is also true when compared to national averages. With stable or declining population forecasts projected for the area, Lismore Heights may experience less housing pressure in the future, potentially creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

The area's performance is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified two projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include the Lismore Flood Recovery and Resilience Program, East Lismore Medium Density Precincts, Pineapple Road Sewerage Scheme, and Goonellabah Affordable Housing Project - Bristol Circuit & Cynthia Wilson Drive. The following list details those most 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 performance in Lismore Heights exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Lismore Heights has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% as of the past year, lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%. Workforce participation stood at 63.9%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 61.3%.

As of December 2025991 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below the regional average. A moderate 14.0% of residents worked from home in the Census response, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while construction employed only 6.9% of local workers compared to Regional NSW's 9.7%.

Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force remained stable at 0.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Lismore Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Lismore Heights had an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Lismore Heights was $48,669, with an average income of $62,295. This compares to regional NSW figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since June 2023, current estimates for Lismore Heights would be approximately $52,981 (median) and $67,814 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 37th percentile ($742 weekly), while household income sits at the 19th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 32.5% of locals (620 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 19th percentile.

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

In Lismore Heights, as per the latest Census data, 74.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 25.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Regional NSW's dwelling structure of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lismore Heights stood at 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.8% and rented ones at 32.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,404, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Lismore Heights was $338, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Lismore Heights's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 60.1% of all households, including 19.2% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.9%, with lone person households at 35.3% and group households comprising 4.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Lismore Heights shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 29.6% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 20.9% and the Rest of NSW rate of 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 11.0% and certificates account for 26.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in secondary education, 8.3% in primary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Lismore Heights has 61 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 25 different routes that together facilitate 384 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living within 98 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 95%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling in Lismore Heights, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 14% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 54 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Lismore Heights is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Lismore Heights faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (around 984 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues, impacting 13.5% of residents, and asthma, affecting 10.2%. Approximately 59.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of the latest data, 20.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (394 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. National rankings for some conditions are even higher than those of the general population.

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

Lismore Heights, as per the data provided, had a population with 88.7% born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.9% of the population. The category 'Other' was overrepresented compared to Regional NSW, with 1.9% versus 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.2%), Australian (26.3%), and Irish (11.8%). Notably, French (0.8%) and Russian (0.4%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively. Additionally, the representation of Australian Aboriginal was slightly lower at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 4.6%.

Lismore Heights hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Lismore Heights has a median age of 43, matching Regional NSW's figure and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 make up 13.9% of the population, while those aged 75-84 constitute 6.4%. Comparing Census data from 2021 to present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.6% to 12.4%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 11.8% to 10.3% and the 45-54 group has fallen from 13.2% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 85+ age group will grow by 3%, reaching 57 people from its current figure of 55. The combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 60% of total population growth, reflecting Lismore Heights's aging demographic trend. Conversely, both the 75-84 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.