Lismore (NSW)

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

As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of Lismore (NSW) is estimated at around 3,230, a decrease of 426 people (11.7%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,656. This estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of resident population data from the latest ERP release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 925 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed around 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

These projections indicate a decline in overall population over the period from 2026 to 2041, with an expected contraction of 317 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth is anticipated within specific age cohorts, particularly the 85 and over age group which is projected to increase by 22 people during this period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Lismore averaged around 5 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years ended FY26. This totals an estimated 25 homes. As of FY26, 0 approvals have been recorded so far. During this period, Lismore experienced population decline, suggesting that new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

The average value of new homes being built is $522,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, $9.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to Rest of NSW. Lismore has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person nationally and ranks among the 37th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. However, construction activity has intensified recently. New building activity shows 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium and high-density housing, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix (currently 70.0% houses). This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

The estimated count of 452 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. 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

AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could impact the area's performance. 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 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 drivers in Lismore are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Lismore has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate was 8.2%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

In comparison to Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, Lismore shows room for improvement. Workforce participation in Lismore was somewhat below standard at 57.1% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, a low 11.6% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

Lismore shows particular strength in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, construction has limited presence with 6.5% employment compared to 9.7% regionally. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12-month period ending December 2025, Lismore's labour force decreased by 1.3% while employment declined by 0.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Lismore. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific 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 latest AreaSearch postcode level ATO data for the financial year ended June 2023 shows that Lismore's median income is $39,223 and average income is $50,206. This is lower than national averages of $47,185 median and $62,354 average as reported by the ATO for the same period. In Regional NSW, median income was $52,390 with an average of $65,215 during this time. Assuming a 10.32% increase based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes for Lismore would be approximately $43,271 median and $55,387 average by that date. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, income levels in Lismore fall between the 4th and 11th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 29.4% of Lismore residents earn between $400 - $799 weekly, compared to regional trends where 29.9% earn between $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. This indicates a higher concentration in lower income brackets, with 40.3% earning less than $800 per week. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Lismore, as only 79.1% of income remains after housing costs, 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

Lismore's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 69.9% houses and 30.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 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 $280, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Lismore's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 vs Australia's 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 48.4%, with lone person households at 41.3% and group households comprising 7.1% of the total. 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's residents aged 15+ have a university degree attainment rate of 25.3%, compared to NSW's 32.2%. This gap suggests potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common (17.5%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.2% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (27.5%).

Educational participation is high at 32.5%, with 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

A total of 106 active public transport stops operate within Lismore. These are served by 98 individual routes, facilitating a combined 1,850 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 105 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 84%, while 12% of residents walk. On average, there are 0.9 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 11.6% of residents work from home, which may be reflective of COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 264 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops in relation 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 through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions impact both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1513 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 14.7% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.0%. Conversely, 57.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age adults face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (600 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are generally in line 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 2016 Census, had a population with 84.7% being citizens, 87.4% born in Australia, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 42.3%. Buddhism, at 2.1%, was overrepresented compared to Regional NSW's 0.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (28.9%), English (28.5%), and Irish (10.4%). Notably, Scottish (9.1% vs regional 8.0%), Australian Aboriginal (4.8% vs 4.6%), and German (3.6% vs 3.1%) groups were also overrepresented.

Lismore's median age exceeds the national pattern

Lismore's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but higher than Australia's national average of 38. The age group of 25-34 years has a strong representation in Lismore at 14.4%, compared to Regional NSW. Conversely, the 75-84 age group is less prevalent in Lismore at 5.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 0-4 age group has increased from 4.5% to 5.6% of the population, while the 5-14 age group has decreased from 11.3% to 9.8%. Demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Lismore's age profile by 2041. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow strongly at a rate of 24%, adding 22 residents, reaching a total of 116. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 96% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, declines are projected for the 0-4 and 75-84 age cohorts.