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 broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Lyons' population is estimated at around 3,332 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 61 people (1.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,271 people. 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' 1.9% growth since census positions it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb of Lyons was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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 the suburb of Lyons 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 recorded approximately 9 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 46 homes were approved, with 1 more approved in FY-26 so far.

On average, no people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years, indicating supply meeting or exceeding demand and supporting potential population growth while offering greater buyer choice. The average construction value of new homes was $269,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Lyons had significantly less development activity, 83.0% below the regional average per person as of AreaSearch data. This limited supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, development activity in Lyons is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development consisted of 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, providing options across different price points from family homes to more affordable compact living. With around 467 people per dwelling approval, Lyons indicates a developed market. Looking ahead, Lyons is expected to grow by 212 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

The influence of local infrastructure changes on an area's performance is significant. AreaSearch has identified a total of 22 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, Woden Experiment Stage 2 - Public Realm & Active Travel Upgrades, Ivy by Morris (Section 54 Phillip), and The Hunter. The following list details those projects most relevant to the area.

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 high representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, 1,854 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%.

Workforce participation is lower at 69.6%, versus the ACT's 72.5%. Home-based work is low, at 10.8% (Census data). Key industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Lyons specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employ only 8.3%, below the ACT's 11.1%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities (Census data). Between September 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 2.3% and labour force by 0.9%, reducing unemployment by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, the ACT saw employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts (May-25) indicate potential future demand within Lyons. Applying these projections to Lyons' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified 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. This compares to figures for the Australian Capital Territory of $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. From the 2021 Census data, 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, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 71st percentile nationally. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Lyons displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Lyons, as per the latest Census evaluation, 51.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 48.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) dwelling structure, which was 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lyons stood at 27.5%, similar to the ACT's level. Mortgaged dwellings made up 27.1%, while rented properties accounted for 45.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lyons was $2,383, exceeding the ACT average of $2,080. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Lyons was $360, compared to the ACT's $450. Nationally, Lyons' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than 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 constitute 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 2.5.

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 higher educational attainment than the national average. Among residents aged 15 and above, 51.4% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally. The area's most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 26.4%. Postgraduate qualifications follow at 19.3%, with graduate diplomas at 5.7%.

Vocational pathways account for 22.8%, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (11.7%). Educational participation in Lyons is high, 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 serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 51 different routes, offering a total of 3,383 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 210 meters, indicating good accessibility. In this residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 74%, followed by buses at 14% and walking at 7%. On average, there's one vehicle per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 483 trips per day, equating to around 199 weekly trips per individual stop.

Lyons's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Lyons' health data shows positive results, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Both young and old age groups experience common health issues at standard levels.

Private health cover is high, with 56% of Lyons residents (~1,879 people) having it, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 62.4%. Mental health issues affect 8.1% and arthritis impacts 7.4%, while 70.5% report no medical ailments, similar to the ACT's 70.2%. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. Lyons has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (633 people), higher than the ACT's 14.3%, but its national rankings are broadly in line with the general 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' population shows high cultural diversity, with 36.8% born overseas and 30.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Lyons, comprising 36.2%. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 6.7% compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 3.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.2%), Australian (21.0%), and Other (17.3%), which is higher than the regional average of 12.2%. Notably, French (0.8%) and Polish (1.0%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 0.8%, respectively, while Sri Lankan representation is also higher at 0.7% versus 0.4%.

Lyons's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Lyons's median age is 37 years, slightly older than Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligned with Australia's national average of 38 years. The percentage of people aged 85 and above in Lyons is 4.3%, higher than in Australian Capital Territory, while the percentage of those aged 15 to 24 is 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 55 to 64 has increased from 9.0% to 10.3%, and the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 6.5% to 7.6%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 25 to 34 has declined from 19.0% to 15.9%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 11.0% to 9.6%. By 2041, Lyons's population is forecasted to experience significant demographic changes. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to increase by 83 people (33%), from 253 to 337. Notably, the combined 65 and above age groups are expected to account for 52% of total population growth, indicating an aging demographic trend in the area. In contrast, both the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.