Lismore (NSW)

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, Lismore's estimated population is around 3,360. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 3,656 people, a drop of 296 (8.1%). The current estimate is derived from AreaSearch's resident population count of 3,351 as of June 2024 and three additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of approximately 962 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed around 87% of recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year are utilized. These projections indicate a population decline of 322 persons by 2041 in the Lismore (NSW) area. However, specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 group are projected to grow by 31 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 shows Lismore averaging around 5 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 25 homes. As of FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. Population decline has likely kept up with demand for new supply, offering good choice to buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $522,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial 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. Limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, though construction activity has intensified recently. Nationally, building activity in Lismore is also 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 marks a considerable change from the current housing mix of 70.0% houses. Lismore indicates a mature market with around 447 people per approval.

Population projections showing stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could impact the local area. Key projects 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 likely to be 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 conditions in Lismore face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Lismore has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 8.0%.

According to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data, 1,410 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.2% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags significantly at 50.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among Lismore residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction employs only 6.5% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 9.7%. As at the Census, there is a ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident, indicating a higher than normal level of local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.1% combined with employment decreasing by 2.1%, causing unemployment to fall by 1.9 percentage points in Lismore. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and a rise in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov shows 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 suggest that while national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Lismore's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Lismore had a median taxpayer income of $39,223 and an average income of $50,206 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $42,698 (median) and $54,654 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. In Lismore, household, family, and personal incomes all fell between the 4th and 11th percentiles nationally in 2021 Census figures. Income distribution showed that 29.4% of individuals earned within the $400 - $799 range, contrasting with the regional lead of the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket at 29.9%. Economic circumstances indicated financial pressure, with 40.3% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 79.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile.

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

Lismore's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 69.9% houses and 30.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lismore was at 24.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.1% and rented ones at 49.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lismore was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,452. The median weekly rent figure in Lismore was recorded as $280, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Lismore's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 48.4%, with lone person households at 41.3% and group households comprising 7.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

Lismore's residents aged 15 and above have a university degree attainment rate of 25.3%, compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 37.2% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 27.5%. Current educational participation is high at 32.5%, including primary education at 10.2%, secondary education at 8.5%, and tertiary education at 6.2%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Lismore has 105 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 98 different routes that collectively facilitate 1,850 weekly passenger trips. The city's public transportation system is highly accessible, with residents living an average of 105 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 264 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% (~1,574 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 14.7% and 9.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 57.4% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW's 61.9%. The area has an 18.3% senior population (614 people), lower than the Rest of NSW's 22.9%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Lismore's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.7% of its population being citizens and 87.4% born in Australia. The majority, 93.8%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 42.3% of Lismore's population.

Buddhism, however, was overrepresented at 2.1%, compared to 1.1% across Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, Australian (28.9%), English (28.5%), and Irish (10.4%) were the top three groups represented in Lismore's population. Notably, Scottish (9.1%), Australian Aboriginal (4.8%), and German (3.6%) groups were slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages of 8.5%, 4.6%, and 3.4% respectively.

Lismore's median age exceeds the national pattern

Lismore's median age is 41 years, slightly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but modestly higher than Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years has a strong representation in Lismore at 14.4%, compared to Rest of NSW. Conversely, the 75-84 age cohort is less prevalent in Lismore at 5.2%. According to data from the 2021 Census and post-Census updates, the population aged 15 to 24 years has increased from 12.1% to 12.9%, while the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 11.3% to 10.3%. By 2041, Lismore's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is expected to grow by 18%, adding 17 residents and reaching a total of 115. Residents aged 65 years and above will drive 63% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age cohorts.