Lismore Heights

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch's analysis, as of Nov 2025, Lismore Heights' estimated population is around 1900. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 2117 people, a drop of 217 (10.3%). By Jun 2024, AreaSearch estimated the resident population at 1898 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release and validation of additional addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1032 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 87% of overall gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, projections indicate a decline of 209 persons overall, but growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated. The 25-34 age group is projected to expand by 17 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 has had minimal residential development activity with less than 1 dwelling approval annually over the past five years (4 approvals in total). This low level of development reflects the rural nature of the area, where housing needs driven by local demand typically dictate development rather than broader market forces. It is important to note that due to the small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Compared to Rest of NSW and national averages, Lismore Heights has much lower development activity. Given a stable or declining population projection, housing pressure in Lismore Heights is expected to remain low, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Lismore Heights should see reduced pressure on housing, 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 two projects likely affecting the area: Lismore Flood Recovery and Resilience Program and Pineapple Road Sewerage Scheme. Other notable projects include East Lismore Medium Density Precincts and Goonellabah Affordable Housing Project - Bristol Circuit & Cynthia Wilson Drive. The following list details those most relevant.

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The labour market in Lismore Heights demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Lismore Heights has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 978 residents employed, with the unemployment rate at 0.8% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 60.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Construction employment stands at 6.9%, compared to the regional figure of 9.7%. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.6% and employment declined by 1.7%, leading to a 0.9 percentage point drop in unemployment. By comparison, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.6% over ten years in Lismore Heights, based on simple weighting extrapolations of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

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 the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Lismore Heights was $48,669 and the average income stood at $62,295. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW which were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,981 (median) and $67,814 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, personal income ranks at the 37th percentile ($742 weekly), while household income sits at the 19th percentile. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.5% of residents (617 people). 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

Lismore Heights' dwelling structure, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 74.8% houses and 25.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro NSW's 86.8% houses and 13.2% 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, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,452. Median weekly rent in Lismore Heights was $338, higher than Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Lismore Heights' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,404 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $338 versus 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 account for 60.1 percent of all households, including 19.2 percent couples with children, 24.5 percent couples without children, and 15.0 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 39.9 percent, with lone person households at 35.3 percent and group households comprising 4.7 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 29.6%, higher than the SA3 average of 20.9% and the Rest of NSW figure at 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common 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+, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 26.2%.

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

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 are served by 25 different routes that together facilitate 384 weekly passenger trips. The transport system in the area is considered excellent, with residents on average being just 98 meters away from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 54 trips per day across all routes, which breaks down to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Lismore Heights is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Lismore Heights faces significant health challenges, with common conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% (around 980 people), lower than the 46.8% average across Rest of NSW.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent, impacting 13.5 and 10.2% respectively. About 59.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 61.9% in Rest of NSW. The area has 20.6% (391 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 22.9% average across Rest of NSW.

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 cultural diversity index below average, with 88.7% of its population born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 47.9%. The category 'Other' showed an overrepresentation at 1.9%, compared to 1.1% across Rest of NSW.

For 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 in Lismore Heights compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.1%, respectively. Additionally, the representation of Australian Aboriginal was slightly lower at 4.3%.

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

Lismore Heights has a median age of 43, matching Rest of NSW's figure and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age distribution shows that those aged 55-64 are notably prominent at 14.2%, while those aged 75-84 are relatively smaller at 6.4% compared to Rest of NSW. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of 15-24 year-olds has increased from 11.6% to 12.6%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 13.2% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial changes in Lismore Heights's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 group is expected to grow by 5%, adding 12 people and reaching a total of 242 from its current figure of 229. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 75-84 and 45-54.