Lismore (NSW)

Detail

In the suburb of Lismore (NSW), the population is estimated to stand at approximately 3,230 as of May 2026, according to Districts' evaluation of ABS regional updates and newly validated addresses since the Census. Compared to the 3,656 residents recorded during the 2021 Census, this represents a contraction of 426 people (11.7%). The updated figure is derived from an Districts resident estimate of 3,228 based on the June 2025 ABS ERP release, supplemented by 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level yields a density of 925 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical results across locations assessed by Districts. The primary driver of recent population gains was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 87.0% of the overall increases.

Detail

The local workforce is highly skilled, featuring strong representation in essential service sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of 9.0% and an estimated annual job growth rate of 1.5%, based on aggregated statistical area statistics. In March 2026, there were 1,432 employed residents. The local unemployment rate is 4.9% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, showing room for improvement, while workforce participation is slightly lower than average, standing at 58.0% compared to 60.6% across Regional NSW. Census data indicates that a low 11.6% of residents worked from home, though this figure may have been affected by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Detail

ATO records at the postcode level for financial year 2023 show that local incomes are lower than national averages, with Lismore recording a median income of $39,223 and an average income of $50,206. These figures contrast with Regional NSW, where the median is $52,390 and the average is $65,215. Adjusted for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $43,271 for the median and $55,387 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Lismore fell between the 4th and 11th percentiles nationwide. The $400 - 799 weekly income bracket is the largest locally, accounting for 29.4% of the population (949 individuals), whereas regional patterns show of residents earning within the - range. With of the community earning less than weekly, a large portion of the population faces financial difficulties. Affordability pressures are high, leaving residents with only of their income, which ranks in the th percentile.

Detail

The mix of housing in Lismore at the time of the latest Census consisted of 69.9% houses and 30.1% alternative dwellings, such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other configurations, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership rates in Lismore were below regional averages at 24.7%, with the remaining properties being held under a mortgage (26.1%) or rented (49.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,300, which is lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $280 compared to the regional figure of $330. Nationally, mortgage payments in Lismore are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national benchmark of $375.

Detail

Families make up the majority of local households at 51.6%, consisting of couples with children (14.8%), couples without children (16.5%), and single-parent households (18.8%). Non-family households account for the remaining 48.4%, with lone person households representing 41.3% and group households comprising 7.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Detail

Formal qualifications among residents lag behind regional benchmarks, with 25.3% of those aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 32.2% across NSW, suggesting opportunities for educational growth. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational and technical training is widely represented, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (27.5%).

Detail

Public transport options in Lismore include 106 active transit stops consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by 98 separate routes, which provide a combined 1,850 passenger trips per week. Transport access is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 105 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and the majority of working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary travel mode at 84%, followed by walking at 12%. Average vehicle ownership is 0.9 per household, which is below regional benchmarks. A low 11.6% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data that may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Detail

Significant health concerns are present in Lismore, as shown by mortality and chronic illness rates that impact both younger and older residents, while the level of private health insurance is low, covering approximately 47% of the population (~1,513 people). This compares to 51.9% of residents with private coverage in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

Detail

Lismore exhibits lower cultural diversity compared to national averages, with citizens making up 84.7% of the population, 87.4% born in Australia, and 93.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 42.3% of the community. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented locally at 2.1% of the population, compared to 0.9% across Regional NSW.

Detail

Lismore's median age is 41 years, which is slightly below the Regional NSW average of 43 years but higher than the national median of 38 years. The 25 - 34 age bracket is well represented at 14.4% compared to Regional NSW, while the 75 - 84 cohort is smaller at 5.4%. Post-2021 Census figures show the 0 to 4 age cohort has increased from 4.5% to 5.6% of the population, whereas the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 11.3% to 9.8%. Demographic models suggest Lismore's age structure will shift considerably by 2041. The 85+ bracket is expected to grow the fastest, expanding by 24% to add 22 residents and reach a total of . Senior residents aged and over will account for of population growth, highlighting local aging trends, while the to and to cohorts are projected to contract.

Detail

Lismore currently has an estimated 180 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 110 children aged 0-2 and 72 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 10% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 4% by 2041 (to approximately 172 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 271. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.