Lyons (ACT)

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Drawing from ABS population statistics for the surrounding region and subsequent address validations by Districts following the Census, the population of the suburb of Lyons (ACT) is calculated to be approximately 3,312 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 41 people (1.3%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the count was 3,271 people. The figure is derived from an estimated resident count of 3,310 calculated by Districts using the ABS ERP release from June 2025, combined with 37 validated new addresses identified since the Census. This population level corresponds to a density of 1,465 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the national average for areas evaluated by Districts. The primary driver of this demographic expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 77.0% of the overall population growth during recent periods.

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The local workforce is highly educated with a strong representation of workers in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of 4.7% and stable overall employment figures over the prior year, according to Districts aggregations of regional data. As of March 2026, there are 1,840 employed residents, representing an unemployment rate 0.6% higher than the Australian Capital Territory rate of 4.1%, while workforce participation is slightly lower than the territory average (68.4% compared to 70.8%). Census data shows that a relatively low proportion of residents, 10.8%, worked from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

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The suburb of Lyons records income levels that exceed the national average according to the latest ATO statistics aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. Taxpayers in the suburb have a median income of $59,200 and an average income of $73,935, compared to territory figures of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Adjusting these figures for Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of approximately $65,380 for median income and $81,654 for average income as of March 2026. According to the Census, individual weekly earnings are high, placing at the 85th percentile nationwide with $1,097. Looking at income distributions, the largest group comprises 30.9% of residents (1,023 people) who earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which is consistent with the broader metropolitan area where this group accounts for . High earners are also prominent, with of the population earning more than weekly, demonstrating strong household purchasing power. Residential costs absorb of income, yet robust earnings help maintain disposable income at the st percentile, placing the area in the th decile of the SEIFA income index.

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The housing stock in Lyons at the time of the latest Census consisted of 51.7% detached houses and 48.3% other dwelling types such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings across the Australian Capital Territory. Home ownership rates matched the territory average of 27.5%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (27.1%) or rented (45.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,383, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080, whereas the median weekly rent was $360, compared to the territory average of $450. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Lyons are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents are lower than the national median of $375.

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Families make up 61.2% of all households, consisting of 26.2% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 8.5% single parents. The remaining 38.8% are non-family households, which include lone person households at 35.1% and group households at 3.9%. The median household size is 2.3 individuals, which is slightly smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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Levels of educational attainment in Lyons are significantly higher than national benchmarks, with 51.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This educational profile positions the community well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 26.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 19.3% and graduate diplomas at 5.7%. Vocational training represents 22.8% of qualifications for those aged 15 and over, split between advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 11.7%.

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Public transport services include 17 active stops within Lyons, which are serviced by buses. These stops accommodate 51 routes that run 3,383 weekly passenger trips. Transport convenience is rated favorably, with residents living an average of 210 meters from the nearest stop. The neighborhood is largely residential, and most workers commute to outer areas, with cars being the primary mode of travel for 74% of commuters, followed by 14% using buses and 7% walking. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.0, which is below the territory average. Working from home was recorded at a relatively low rate of 10.8% of residents, based on 2021 Census data that may reflect pandemic conditions.

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Health outcomes for residents of Lyons are generally positive, with Districts evaluations of mortality rates and chronic conditions showing results that align with national averages. The incidence of common health conditions is standard across both younger and older demographics, and the proportion of residents with private health insurance is high, covering approximately 56% of the population (~1,867 people). This compares to a rate of 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

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Lyons displays high levels of cultural diversity, with 36.8% of the population born outside of Australia and 30.6% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 36.2% of residents. The most notable religious variance is in Buddhism, which is practiced by 6.7% of the local population compared to 3.0% across the Australian Capital Territory.

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The median age of 37 years in Lyons is slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory median of 35, and closely matches the national average of 38 years. The cohort aged 85 and over is highly represented at 4.4% compared to the territory, while the 5 to 14 age group is less common at 9.8%. Since 2021, the cohort aged 55 to 64 has increased from 9.0% to 10.3% of the population, and the group aged 85 and over has risen from 3.3% to 4.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 19.0% to 16.6%, and the 5 to 14 group has declined from to . Demographic projections for suggest changes for the local population, with the to age group expected to grow by people (), rising from to while population declines are anticipated for the to and to age brackets.

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Lyons currently has an estimated 188 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 110 children aged 0-2 and 73 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 1% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 2% by 2041 (to approximately 185 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 256. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.4 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.