South Lismore

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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of South Lismore is around 1,665. This figure reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census count of 1,775 people, indicating a reduction of 110 individuals (6.2%). The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, which resulted in an estimated resident population of 1,654. This level of population density translates to approximately 227 persons per square kilometer, suggesting ample space for further development. Overseas migration has been the primary driver of population growth in South Lismore during recent periods, contributing around 87.0% of overall population gains.

For future projections, AreaSearch is utilising ABS/Geoscience Australia's SA2 level projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered areas. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are employed. According to these aggregations and projections, the suburb's population is expected to decline over the period from 2032 to 2041. By 2041, South Lismore's population is anticipated to decrease by 176 persons. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow during this time, notably the 25 to 34 age group, which is expected to increase by 13 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 from 2015 to 2019 with only two dwelling approvals annually, totalling twelve over the five-year period. This low level of development is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and limited construction activity driven by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that such low approval numbers can result in significant variations in yearly growth figures and relativities based on individual projects.

South Lismore had substantially lower development levels compared to the Rest of NSW during this period, with its activity level also below national patterns. Recent building activity consisted exclusively of townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which was 88.0% houses as of 2019. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles that require diverse, affordable housing options. The location had approximately 299 people per dwelling approval during this period, indicating a low density market. With population projections showing stability or decline in South Lismore, it is expected that housing demand pressures will remain reduced, 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that may affect this region. Notable initiatives 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 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 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. The unemployment rate is 5.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025765 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% above the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in South Lismore is 59.5%, compared to the Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, only 7.2% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

The area has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, education & training has limited presence, with 6.9% employment compared to the regional figure of 9.6%. There are 1.2 workers for every resident, indicating that South Lismore functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.0%, while employment declined by 1.3%. This resulted in a fall of 1.6 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, the Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, the labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide further insight into potential future demand within South Lismore. These projections suggest that national employment should 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 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows South Lismore's median income among taxpayers is $41,847. The average income in the suburb is $53,564. This is below the national average. Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $45,555 (median) and $58,310 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in South Lismore fall between the 17th and 17th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 34.1% of residents (567 people). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile.

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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.3% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Lismore was at 29.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.3% and rented ones at 32.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in South Lismore was $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, South Lismore's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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 at 31.5% and group households comprising 7.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of NSW.

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 the most common 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, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (31.5%).

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

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

South Lismore has 54 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 45 different routes that together facilitate 604 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 116 metres from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 91% of residents, while walking accounts for 6%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.2% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 86 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 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 significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (around 802 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 14.2% and 10.4% of residents respectively. However, 60.2% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population health challenges are notable due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over (239 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW but still higher than national rankings for this age group.

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 had a low level of cultural diversity, with 91.8% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 43.9%. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, comprising 1.3%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (30.9%), English (29.3%), and Irish (10.0%) were the top groups represented. Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Scottish was 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

South Lismore's median age is 38, which is lower than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 but equivalent to Australia's national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group constitutes 15.1% of South Lismore's population, higher than Rest of NSW's percentage. Conversely, the 75-84 cohort makes up 4.2%, lower than Rest of NSW's figure. Post the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.5% to 12.7%, while the 35 to 44 cohort rose from 12.4% to 13.5%. However, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 14.3% to 12.8%. By 2041, South Lismore's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 11%, reaching 24 from 21. The population aged 65 and above will comprise all of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.