Lyons (ACT)

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

The population of the suburb of Lyons (ACT) is estimated at around 3,312 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 41 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,271 people. The change is inferred from a resident population estimate of 3,310 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,465 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, with 2022 as a base. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected for Lyons (ACT). The suburb is expected to increase by 274 persons to reach a total of 3,586 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 8.2% over the 16-year period.

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 each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 46 homes were approved, with nine more approved in FY26 so far.

Despite a declining population in recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which is positive for buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes is $269,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Lyons has significantly less development activity, 83.0% below the regional average per person. This limited 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 developments consist of 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, offering options across different price points. With around 467 people per dwelling approval, Lyons shows a developed market. By 2041, Lyons is expected to grow by 272 residents, with construction maintaining a reasonable pace alongside projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as population increases.

Lyons has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 22 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, Ivy by Morris (Section 54 Phillip), The Hunter, and CIT Woden Campus. Below is a list detailing 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 performance in Lyons has been broadly consistent with national averages

Lyons has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.1% as of a recent period, with estimated employment growth of 1.0%. As of December 2025, 1,845 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.2% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Lyons was 68.1%, slightly below the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 10.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Lyons had a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

In contrast, professional & technical employed only 8.3% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 11.1%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0%, and labour force increased by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested potential future demand within Lyons. These projections indicated national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Lyons's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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, with an average income of $73,935. These figures compare to those for the Australian Capital Territory, which are $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $65,380 (median) and $81,654 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, individual earnings 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 (1,023 people), mirroring the surrounding region where 34.3% occupy this bracket. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 32.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 15.2% of income, though 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Lyons' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 51.7% houses and 48.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lyons was at 27.5%, similar to the Australian Capital Territory's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (27.1%) or rented (45.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lyons was $2,383, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Lyons was $360, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's $450 and the national average 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 account for the remaining 38.8%, with lone person households at 35.1% and group households comprising 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' residents aged 15+ have a higher university qualification rate of 51.4%, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. The area's education advantage is evident in its Bachelor degree holders (26.4%), postgraduate qualifications (19.3%), and graduate diplomas (5.7%). Vocational pathways account for 22.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 11.7%. Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.2% in primary, 7.1% in tertiary, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education.

Educational participation is notably 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a total of 51 different routes that together facilitate 3,383 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is considered good, with residents on average being located just 210 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transport, used by 74% of residents, while 14% use buses and 7% walk. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 483 trips per day, equating to approximately 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

Health data for Lyons shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 56%, compared to 62.4% nationally. Mental health issues and arthritis are most common, affecting 8.1 and 7.4% respectively. About 70.5% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the national average of 70.2%. Under-65s have better-than-average health outcomes. Lyons has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (616 people), higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%, with national rankings generally 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, 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, comprising 36.2% of the population. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented in Lyons compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, making up 6.7% versus 3.0%.

The top three ancestry groups in Lyons are English (23.2%), Australian (21.0%), and Other (17.3%), which is higher than the regional average of 12.2%. There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups, with French at 0.8% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Polish at 1.0% versus 0.8%, and Sri Lankan at 0.7% compared to 0.4%.

Lyons's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Lyons' median age of 37 years is slightly older than Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligns with the national average of 38 years. The 85+ age group comprises 4.4%, higher than Australian Capital Territory, while the 5-14 cohort stands at 9.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 55 to 64 age group grew from 9.0% to 10.3%, and the 85+ cohort increased from 3.3% to 4.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 19.0% to 16.6%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 11.0% to 9.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Lyons. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to increase by 85 people (37%) from 235 to 321. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 0-4 cohorts.