Lismore (NSW)

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

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Lismore (NSW) is estimated at around 3,369. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 3,656 people, indicating a drop of 287 individuals or approximately 7.9%. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses since the Census date and their analysis of the resident population using ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024, which put the figure at 3,352 plus an additional 5 validated new addresses. The population density ratio for Lismore stands at approximately 965 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration has been the primary driver of population growth in recent periods, contributing around 87% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch's projections for the suburb are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a 2022 base year for covered SA2 areas. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. Looking ahead to the years 2032 to 2041, demographic trends indicate an overall population decline of 323 persons. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25-34 age group which is projected to increase by 42 people over this period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Lismore averaged around 5 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 25 homes. As of FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, suggesting new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering buyers good choice. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $522,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This year, $9.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Rest of NSW, Lismore has significantly less development activity (50.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, though construction activity has intensified recently. Nationally, building activity in Lismore is lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This indicates a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 70.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Lismore has around 447 people per approval, indicating a mature market.

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

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include the Lismore Flood Recovery and Resilience Program, Wade Park Masterplan, East Lismore Build-to-Rent Apartments, and Airforce Road Residential Apartment Development. 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.

The labour market performance in Lismore lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Lismore has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 7.9% as of an unspecified date based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,437 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 4.0% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 55.5%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, only 11.6% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area had particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

In contrast, construction employed just 6.5% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 9.7%. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident indicated a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.3%, combined with employment decreasing by 0.7%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Lismore. These projections suggested that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Lismore's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Lismore suburb was $39,223 and the average was $50,206 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Regional NSW's median being $52,390 and average income at $65,215. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median would be approximately $42,698 and the average $54,654, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. Census figures from 2021 show incomes in Lismore fall between the 4th and 11th percentiles nationally. Incomes in Lismore are concentrated in the $400 - $799 range, with 29.4% of individuals earning within this bracket, compared to Regional NSW where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Financial pressure is evident, with 40.3% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability is severe, with only 79.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

Lismore displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Lismore, as per the latest Census evaluation, 69.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 30.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lismore stood at 24.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.1% and rented ones at 49.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Lismore was recorded as $280, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Lismore's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 51.6% of all households, including 14.8% couples with children, 16.5% couples without children, and 18.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 48.4%, with lone person households at 41.3% and group households making up 7.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Lismore aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Lismore residents aged 15+ have 25.3% university degree holders, compared to NSW's 32.2%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent with 37.2%, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (27.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 32.5% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary (10.2%), secondary (8.5%), and tertiary (6.2%) education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 106 operational public transport stops in Lismore, offering a variety of bus services. These stops are served by 98 distinct routes, facilitating 1,850 weekly passenger journeys. Transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents residing an average of 105 metres from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most inhabitants commute outward, favouring cars at 84%, while 12% walk. Vehicle ownership stands at 0.9 per dwelling, lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 11.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 264 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 17 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Lismore is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Lismore faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions are high, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at 47%, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, impacting 14.7% and 9.0% respectively. However, 57.4% claim to be clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over (606 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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

Lismore, as per the findings, had a lower than average cultural diversity level with 84.7% of its population being citizens born in Australia who spoke English exclusively at home (93.8%). Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 42.3% of Lismore's population. Notably, Buddhism was overrepresented in Lismore compared to Regional NSW, comprising 2.1% versus 0.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (28.9%), English (28.5%), and Irish (10.4%). Some other ethnic groups showed significant differences: Scottish at 9.1% (versus 8.0% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 4.8% (versus 4.6%), and German at 3.6% (versus 3.1%).

Lismore's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Lismore is 40 years, which is slightly below Regional NSW's average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 cohort makes up 15.0% of Lismore's population, higher than the regional average, while those aged 75-84 are under-represented at 5.1%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of people aged 25 to 34 has increased from 13.9% to 15.0%, while the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 11.3% to 9.9%. By 2041, Lismore's population is projected to see significant changes. The number of people aged 85 and above is expected to increase by 22 (a rise of 24%) from 94 to 117. Those aged 65 and over are projected to account for 97% of the population growth, while the 0-4 and 75-84 age groups are expected to decrease in population.