Lismore Heights

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Lismore Heights is around 1,885, reflecting a decrease of 232 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated at 1,875 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, with an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,024 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting 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 the 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. By 2041, projections indicate an overall population decline of 203 persons in the suburb of Lismore Heights. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to expand by 8 people.

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

Lismore Heights had minimal residential development activity from 2016 to 2020 with less than one dwelling approval annually. Over this period, there were four dwelling approvals in total. This low level of development reflects the rural nature of the area, where housing needs are typically met through specific local projects rather than broader market demand.

It is important to note that due to the small number of approvals, individual development projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Lismore Heights naturally has much lower development activity.

Development levels in Lismore Heights are also below national averages. With a stable or declining population expected, there should be reduced pressure on housing in Lismore Heights, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 2 projects that could affect the region. Major initiatives include 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. Below are details of those most relevant.

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

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The employment environment in Lismore Heights shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Lismore Heights has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% as of a recent period. Over the past year, employment stability was relatively high.

As of December 2025979 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was 63.7%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 14.0% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade, with a notable specialization in health care & social assistance (1.5 times the regional level).

Construction employment was lower at 6.9%, compared to Regional NSW's 9.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending recently, employment increased by 0.1% while labour force decreased by 0.3%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment decline by 1.2%, labour force decrease by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of Lismore Heights has an income level below the national average, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Lismore Heights is $48,669, with an average income of $62,295. These figures compare to Regional NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on a 10.32% increase in wages since financial year 2023, as indicated by the Wage Price Index, current estimates for Lismore Heights would be approximately $53,692 (median) and $68,724 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census figures, personal income in Lismore Heights ranks at the 37th percentile ($742 weekly), while household income sits at the 19th percentile. Income brackets show that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.5% of residents (612 people), which is similar to the regional figure of 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Lismore Heights, 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

Lismore Heights' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.8% houses and 25.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This contrasts with Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lismore Heights was at 34.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (33.8%) or rented (32.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,404, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Lismore Heights was $338, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Lismore Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,404 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $338 compared to 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 constitute 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 39.9%, with lone person households at 35.3% and group households comprising 4.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, 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 at 29.6%, surpassing the SA3 area average of 20.9% and Rest of NSW's 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 held by 37.2% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (26.2%).

Educational participation is high at 28.6%, with 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 as excellent, with residents typically located 98 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the primarily residential nature of the area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 95% of residents. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.0% 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 somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~972 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 13.5 and 10.2% of residents respectively. However, 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 with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (403 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW, but national rankings are even higher than 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 had a lower cultural diversity, with 88.7% born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 47.9%. The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 1.9%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (30.2%), Australian (26.3%), and Irish (11.8%). French (0.8%) and Russian (0.4%) were notably overrepresented, while Australian Aboriginal was slightly underrepresented at 4.3%.

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

Lismore Heights has a median age of 43, which is equal to the figure for Regional NSW and higher than the national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent, making up 14.1% of the population, while those aged 5-14 are comparatively smaller at 10.5%, compared to Regional NSW. According to the 2021 Census, the 0-4 age group has grown from 4.4% to 5.5% of the population. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.5%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 13.2% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Lismore Heights's age structure. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 4 people, reaching 57 from the current figure of 54. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.