Lyons (ACT)

Population growth drivers in Lyons are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the Lyons (ACT) statistical area (Lv2), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population is estimated at around 3,332 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 61 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,271 people in Lyons (ACT) (SA2). The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,273 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,474 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lyons (ACT) (SA2)'s 1.9% growth since census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area's 4.4%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected, with Lyons (ACT) (SA2) expected to increase by 271 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Lyons, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Lyons has recorded approximately nine residential properties granted approval annually, with an estimated 46 homes approved between FY21 and FY25, and one so far in FY26. Over the past five financial years, there has been an average of zero people moving to the area for each dwelling built, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction cost value of new homes over this period is $269,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Lyons has significantly less development activity, with 83.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, development activity in Lyons is also lower, reflecting a mature market and possible development constraints. New development consists of 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, providing options across different price points.

With around 467 people per dwelling approval, Lyons shows a developed market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Lyons is expected to grow by 212 residents through to 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Lyons 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 22 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, Woden Experiment Stage 2 - Public Realm & Active Travel Upgrades, Ivy by Morris (Section 54 Phillip), and The Hunter. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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 performance in Lyons exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Lyons has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.4% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3% over the past year.

This rate is 0.2% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Lyons was 66.9%, slightly below ACT's 69.6%. Key industries for residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Lyons specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employ only 8.3% of local workers, below ACT's 11.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 2.3%, labour force by 0.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, ACT experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lyons's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Lyons has an income level above the national average according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Lyons is $59,200 and the average income stands at $73,935. In comparison, the figures for the Australian Capital Territory are $72,206 (median) and $85,981 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $64,682 (median) and $80,781 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings in Lyons stand out at the 85th percentile nationally ($1,097 weekly). Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.9% of residents (1,029 people), mirroring the surrounding region where 34.3% occupy this bracket. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 32.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.2% of income, however strong earnings still place disposable income at the 71st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

In Lyons, as per the latest Census evaluation, 51.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 48.3% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lyons stood at 27.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented ones at 45.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,383, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Lyons was $360, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $440. Nationally, Lyons' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,383 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $360 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 61.2% of all households, including 26.2% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.8%, with lone person households at 35.1% and group households making up 3.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.4.

Lyons demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Lyons has a notably higher educational attainment than the national average, with 51.4% of its residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4%. This significant educational advantage is driven by bachelor degrees (26.4%), postgraduate qualifications (19.3%), and graduate diplomas (5.7%). Vocational pathways are also well-represented, with advanced diplomas accounting for 11.1% and certificates for 11.7% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and above. Educational participation is notably high in Lyons, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.2% in primary education, 7.1% in tertiary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Lyons has 17 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 51 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 3,383 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport in Lyons is rated as good, with residents typically living an average distance of 210 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 483 daily trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 199 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Lyons is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Lyons demonstrates above-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, although this is higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Lyons is very high, approximately 56% of the total population (around 1,879 people), compared to 69.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.1% and 7.4% of residents respectively. Approximately 70.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, which is similar to the 70.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. Lyons has 18.4% of its residents aged 65 and over (around 613 people), a cohort that may require more attention than the broader population.

Lyons was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Lyons' cultural diversity is notable, with 36.8% of its population born overseas and 30.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Lyons, accounting for 36.2% of the population. The most significant religious overrepresentation is Buddhism, comprising 6.7% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 3.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (23.2%), Australian (21.0%), and Other (17.3%). There are also notable differences in the representation of French (0.8% vs regional 0.6%), Polish (1.0% vs 0.8%), and Sri Lankan (0.7% vs 0.4%) ethnic groups.

Lyons's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Lyons' median age is 37 years, slightly older than Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligned with Australia's national average of 38 years. The 85+ age group comprises 4.1% of Lyons' population compared to Australian Capital Territory. However, the 5-14 cohort makes up only 9.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group grew from 9.0% to 9.9%, while the 25-34 cohort declined from 19.0% to 16.5% and the 5-14 group decreased from 11.0% to 9.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant changes in Lyons' demographics. The 65-74 age group is projected to increase by 103 people (44%), from 233 to 337. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.