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 the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Lyons's population is estimated at around 2,465 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 246 people (11.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,219 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,439, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,541 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lyons's 11.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.4%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 55.00000000000001% 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 each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is applying growth rates by age cohort to each area, as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the Lyons (NT) SA2 expected to increase by 717 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 34.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Lyons has received approximately three dwellings with development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 17 homes. So far in FY26, one dwelling approval has been recorded. Each year, around 22.6 people have moved to the area for each new dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $635,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY26, there have been $107,000 in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Darwin, Lyons records about three-quarters the building activity per person, placing it among the 10th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This is under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining Lyons' 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. With around 1697 people per dwelling approval, Lyons reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Lyons will gain 843 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Lyons has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified two projects that may impact the area's performance: Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade (scheduled for completion in 2018), and Edgeview Court Water Main Replacement (commencing in March 2019). Other significant projects include Lee Point Master-planned Urban Development, and Casuarina Square Redevelopment.

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

Lyons has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 0.3% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%. The unemployment rate is lower than Greater Darwin's by 2.8%, with a workforce participation rate of 75.9% compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Major employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Lyons specializes in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

However, construction employs only 5.0% of local workers, below Greater Darwin's 9.2%. Employment opportunities may be limited locally due to the predominantly residential nature of the area. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5%, while unemployment remained broadly flat. In comparison, Greater Darwin recorded employment growth of 1.9% with a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NT employment contracted by 1.13%, with an unemployment rate of 4.4%. National forecasts suggest employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Lyons's employment mix suggests local employment should grow accordingly.

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

The suburb of Lyons has an exceptionally high income level nationally, per the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data compiled by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Lyons is $80,349, with an average income of $93,574. These figures compare to those for Greater Darwin's median and average incomes of $66,956 and $77,199 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $87,130 (median) and $101,472 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Lyons all rank highly nationally, between the 95th and 96th percentiles. Income brackets show that the predominant cohort spans 38.3% of locals (944 people) with weekly earnings between $1,500 and $2,999, which is similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 36.7%. A substantial presence of higher earners is noted, with 48.5% exceeding $3,000 weekly, suggesting strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 88.7% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power and 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

Lyons' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.0% houses and 18.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Darwin metro's 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Lyons' home ownership rate was 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 $2,028. Median weekly rent in Lyons was $265, lower than Darwin metro's $350. Nationally, Lyons' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863, and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, which is 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 educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 35.6% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Northern Territory average of 27.3% and the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (23.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 40.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.7% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 7.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Lyons has six operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 18 distinct routes that together facilitate 959 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system in Lyons is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located 170 meters from their nearest transport stop.

Across all routes, there is an average of 137 trips per day, which equates to approximately 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 show excellent results across both younger and older age groups. Common health conditions have a low prevalence in Lyons. Private health cover is exceptionally high at around 64%, or 1568 people, compared to Greater Darwin's 57.4% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 6% of residents, while asthma impacts 5.4%. 82.2% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Darwin's 77%. Lyons has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 5.2%, or 128 people, compared to Greater Darwin's 12.3%. However, health outcomes among seniors require more focus 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 has a higher level of cultural diversity compared to 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, accounting for 45.0% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented in Lyons at 5.1%, compared to 4.1% across Greater Darwin.

The top three ancestry groups in Lyons are Australian (23.1%), English (19.1%), and Other (13.6%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Greek (4.9% vs regional 3.7%), Sri Lankan (1.1% vs 0.4%), and Filipino (3.7% vs 4.7%) are notably overrepresented in Lyons.

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

Lyons has a median age of 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 proportion 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 notably higher than the national average of 12.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has increased from 12.7% to 13.7%, while the proportion of those aged 0-4 has decreased from 10.1% to 8.4%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Lyons, with the 45-54 age group projected to grow by 61% (206 people), reaching a total of 544 from the current figure of 337.