Lyons (NT)

Lyons has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Lyons, as of November 2025, the estimated population is around 2,451. This reflects an increase of 232 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,219. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,450 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,526 persons per square kilometer, placing Lyons in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lyons's growth rate of 10.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area average of 7.6%. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Lyons, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, growth rates by age cohort are applied to each area as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in Lyons' population, with an expected rise of 715 persons to reach 3,166 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 34.9% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Lyons according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Lyons has received around 1 dwelling approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately seven homes. So far in FY26, one approval has been recorded. This results in an average of 55 people moving to the area per dwelling built annually between FY21 and FY25, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New dwellings are developed at an average construction cost value of $635,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Darwin, Lyons has significantly less development activity, 69.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, although building activity has accelerated in recent years. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development in Lyons has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (82.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. Lyons reflects a highly mature market with around 1273 people per dwelling approval. Future projections show Lyons adding 855 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Lyons has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 2ndth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified two projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, Edgeview Court Water Main Replacement, Lee Point Master-planned Urban Development, and Casuarina Square Redevelopment. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Lyons rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Lyons has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 0.3% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0% over the preceding year.

The area's unemployment rate is 2.7% lower than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.0%, and its workforce participation rate is higher at 75.9%. Key employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Lyons has a particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share nearly twice the regional level. Conversely, construction employs only 5.0% of local workers, lower than Greater Darwin's 9.2%.

Employment opportunities may be limited locally as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.0%, while the labour force also grew by 3.0%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Darwin saw employment growth of 2.9% with a marginal decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lyons' employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for local population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Lyons's median income among taxpayers was $80,349 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $93,574 during the same period. This compares to figures for Greater Darwin of $65,522 and $75,260 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $89,999 (median) and $104,812 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Lyons, between the 95th and 96th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 38.3% of locals (938 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category. This aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 36.7%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 48.5% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.7% of income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Lyons is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Lyons, as per the latest Census evaluation, 82.0% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 18.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Darwin metro had 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lyons stood at 10.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.7% and rented ones at 62.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lyons was $2,600, higher than Darwin metro's average of $2,028. The median weekly rent in Lyons was $265, lower than Darwin metro's $350. Nationally, Lyons' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $265 versus the national figure of $375.

Lyons features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 88.6% of all households, including 57.3% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 5.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 11.4%, with lone person households at 8.4% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 3.3 people, larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.7.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 35.6% among residents aged 15+, which exceeds the Northern Territory average of 27.3% and the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (23.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 40.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 15.7% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 7.1% pursuing tertiary education. Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Lyons has six active public transport stops in operation. These stops serve a mix of bus routes totaling 18. Together, these routes facilitate 959 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system is rated excellent, with residents on average being located 170 meters from their nearest stop. On a daily basis, there are an average of 137 trips across all routes, which equates to around 159 weekly trips per individual stop.

Lyons's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Lyons' health outcomes data shows excellent results across age groups. Both younger and older cohorts have a low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 64% (1,559 people) have private health cover, which is higher than Greater Darwin's 56.7%.

Nationally, the average is 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions in Lyons, affecting 6.0 and 5.4% of residents respectively. 82.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 77.0% in Greater Darwin. As of 12 July 2021, Lyons has 5.2% (127 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Darwin's 12.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors 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 was found to have a higher level of cultural diversity than most local markets, with 31.1% of its population born overseas and 29.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Lyons, comprising 45.0% of the population. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented in Lyons, making up 5.1% of the population compared to the regional average of 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups in Lyons are Australian (23.1%), English (19.1%), and Other (13.6%). Notably, Greek, Sri Lankan, and Filipino ethnic groups are overrepresented in Lyons: Greeks comprise 4.9% compared to the regional average of 3.7%, Sri Lankans make up 1.1% versus 0.4%, and Filipinos account for 3.7%.

Lyons hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Lyons's median age is 30 years, which is lower than Greater Darwin's average of 34 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Lyons has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (18.8%) compared to Greater Darwin, but fewer residents aged 55-64 (6.1%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 45 to 54 has increased from 12.7% to 13.7%, while the percentage of residents aged 0 to 4 has decreased from 10.1% to 8.4%. Population forecasts for Lyons in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 45 to 54 age group projected to grow by 61%, reaching 542 people from the current 335.