South Lismore

South Lismore has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of South Lismore as of May 2026 is around 1,611. This reflects a decrease of 164 people (9.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,775 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,606 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 219 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for South Lismore was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with South Lismore's population expected to reduce by 196 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 5 people.

The level of residential development activity in South Lismore is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

South Lismore had minimal residential development activity between 2015 and 2019 with only 2 dwelling approvals annually, totaling 10 over the five-year period. This low level of development is typical in rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures can vary significantly based on individual projects.

South Lismore had substantially lower development levels compared to the Rest of NSW during this period. This activity level was also below national patterns. Recent building activity since 2015 has consisted entirely of townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing stock which is currently 88.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The estimated population density in South Lismore is 372 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. With population projections indicating stability or decline, housing demand pressures in South Lismore are expected to remain relatively low, benefiting potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, South Lismore should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

South Lismore has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area, significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure. Key projects include the Lismore Flood Recovery and Resilience Program, East Lismore Build-to-Rent Apartments, Lismore Flood Restoration - Roads and Bridges, and Northern Rivers Conservatorium Flood Resilience Upgrades. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in South Lismore has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

South Lismore has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar employment. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 5.7% and there has been an estimated employment growth of 0.5% over the past year.

This information is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In South Lismore, as of December 2025784 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.7% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. The workforce participation rate in South Lismore is fairly standard at 63.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses from South Lismore, only 7.2% of residents work from home.

However, the impacts of Covid-19 lockdowns on this figure should be considered. Employment among residents in South Lismore is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction sectors. The area has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times higher than the regional level. Conversely, education & training shows lower representation at 6.9% compared to the regional average of 9.6%. South Lismore functions as an employment hub with 1.2 workers for every resident, as recorded in the Census. This indicates that the area hosts more jobs than residents and attracts workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment in South Lismore increased by 0.5% while labour force decreased by 0.4%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with an increase in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. For further insight into potential future demand within South Lismore's job market, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can be considered. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to South Lismore's employment mix suggests that local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of South Lismore had an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in South Lismore was $41,847, with an average income of $53,564. These figures compare to regional NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the financial year ending June 2023, estimated current incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $46,166 (median) and $59,092 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in South Lismore all fell between the 17th and 17th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile showed that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominated with 34.1% of residents (549 people), similar to metropolitan regions where this cohort represented 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe in South Lismore, with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

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

South Lismore's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.3% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Lismore was at 29.5%, with the rest either mortgaged (38.3%) or rented (32.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent was $300, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, South Lismore's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $300.

South Lismore features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 61.4% of all households, including 21.1% couples with children, 18.0% couples without children, and 19.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households making up 31.5% and group households comprising 7.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional NSW average.

South Lismore faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 9.6% and certificates for 31.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

South Lismore has 54 operational public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by 45 different routes, offering a total of 604 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 116 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes in this primarily residential zone are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 91%, with walking accounting for 6%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.2% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 86 trips per day, equating to roughly 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in South Lismore is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

South Lismore faces substantial health challenges, as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Only approximately 48% of the total population (~776 people) have private health cover, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 14.2% of residents, while asthma impacts 10.4%. Conversely, 60.2% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The working-age population faces significant health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. South Lismore has 15.0% of residents aged 65 and over (241 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW but still higher than national rankings.

The latest Census data sees South Lismore placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

South Lismore's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.8% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in South Lismore, comprising 43.9% of people. Notably, the 'Other' category comprises 1.3% of South Lismore's population, compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (30.9%), English (29.3%), and Irish (10.0%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Scottish is overrepresented at 8.9%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.7%, and German at 4.3%.

South Lismore's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in South Lismore is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but closely matches Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, South Lismore has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group increased from 3.6% to 4.4%, while the 5-14 age group decreased from 14.3% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in South Lismore's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 6 people, reaching 24 from the current 22. Notably, all population growth will come from the combined 65+ age groups, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. In contrast, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.