Lismore Heights

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Lismore Heights is around 1,980 people. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 2,117 people, marking a decline of 137 individuals (6.5%) in four years. AreaSearch's estimation, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of new addresses since the Census date, indicates this decrease. The population density ratio is approximately 1,076 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages observed across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed significantly to population growth in recent periods, accounting for around 87.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch's projections for Lismore Heights are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year for covered SA2 areas. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are utilised. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 209 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow; notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to expand by 17 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 had five dwelling approvals between 2015 and 2019, averaging one approval annually. This low development activity reflects the rural nature of the area, where housing needs drive development rather than broad market demand. The small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Compared to Rest of NSW and national averages, Lismore Heights has much lower development activity. With a stable or declining population expected, there may be reduced pressure on housing in Lismore Heights, potentially benefiting buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Lismore Heights should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Lismore Heights has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely influencing the region: 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.

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The labour market in Lismore Heights shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Lismore Heights has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 1,008 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation stands at 60.3%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, health care & social assistance is particularly strong with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while construction has a limited presence at 6.9% compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 4.0%, employment declined by 3.1%, leading to a fall in unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Lismore Heights's median income among taxpayers was $48,669 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $62,295 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $54,806 (median) and $70,150 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, personal income ranked at the 37th percentile ($742 weekly), while household income sat at the 19th percentile. Income brackets indicated that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominated with 32.5% of residents (643 people). Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining, 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 per the latest Census, consisted of 74.8% houses and 25.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lismore Heights stood at 34.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (33.8%) or rented (32.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,404, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,452. Median weekly rent was $338, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Lismore Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 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 educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 29.6% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 20.9% and the Rest of NSW average 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 also prominent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.0% and certificates 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. Lismore Heights Public School serves the area, with an enrollment of 199 students as of a recent report. The school's ICSEA value is 972, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. There is one school focusing exclusively on primary education in the area, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 10.1, below the regional average of 15.3, suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

The analysis of public transport in Lismore Heights shows that there are 56 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 25 individual routes providing service to the area. The combined weekly passenger trips across all routes amount to 369.

The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 102 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 52 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% (1,021 people), slightly below the average SA2 area's 47.4%.

Mental health issues affect 13.5%, while asthma impacts 10.2%. Around 59.3% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.9%. The area has 20.6% aged 65 and over (407 people), lower than Rest of NSW's 22.9%.

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, surveyed in 2016, had 88.7% of its population born in Australia, with 91.3% being citizens and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 47.9%. The 'Other' category showed overrepresentation at 1.9%, compared to 1.1% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (30.2%), Australian (26.3%), and Irish (11.8%). Notably, French (0.8%) and Russian (0.4%) groups were overrepresented, while Australian Aboriginal showed a slight divergence at 4.3%.

Lismore Heights hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Lismore Heights has a median age of 43, matching Rest of NSW's figure and exceeding the national average of 38. The age distribution shows that individuals aged 55-64 make up 14.2% of the population, while those aged 75-84 constitute 6.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 11.6% to 12.6%, whereas the share of individuals aged 45-54 has decreased from 13.2% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Lismore Heights's age structure. Notably, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 5%, reaching a total of 58 people. The combined age groups of 65 and above are expected to account for 51% of the population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.