Lismore Surrounds · Statistical Area 2 (SA2)
How well-off the area is, how fast its population is growing, and the businesses and new homes here.
Over 2,200 businesses operate in Lismore Surrounds, making it one of the largest commercial hubs for its area type. While the region holds a mid-range level of overall advantage, its growth has slowed significantly compared to the rest of the state.
All statistical area 2 (sa2) areas, 2021. The marker is Lismore Surrounds — lower than 57% of areas.
| Lismore Surrounds | 5 |
|---|---|
| 2480, NSW | 4 |
SEIFA indexes ranking relative advantage and disadvantage.
The area scores a 5 for overall advantage, placing it in the middle of all Australian regions. Residents generally have better access to money and resources than about 70% of similar areas.
5
Lower than 57% of statistical area 2 (sa2) areas.
ABS Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage, 2021, as a national decile: 1 = among the 10% most disadvantaged areas in Australia, 10 = among the 10% most advantaged. IRSAD summarises both advantage and disadvantage, so a high score reflects relatively many high-income, well-educated households and few low-income, low-skill ones.
6
Higher than 57% of statistical area 2 (sa2) areas.
ABS Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage, 2021, as a national decile: 1 = among the 10% most disadvantaged areas in Australia, 10 = among the least disadvantaged. IRSD focuses on disadvantage alone (low income, low education, unemployment, unskilled occupations), so a higher decile means relatively less disadvantage.
7
Higher than 64% of statistical area 2 (sa2) areas.
ABS Index of Economic Resources, 2021, as a national decile: 1 = among the 10% lowest areas for economic resources in Australia, 10 = among the highest. IER reflects the income, housing costs, dwelling size and assets of households, so a higher decile means relatively greater economic resources.
6
Higher than 57% of statistical area 2 (sa2) areas.
ABS Index of Education and Occupation, 2021, as a national decile: 1 = among the 10% lowest areas for education and occupation in Australia, 10 = among the highest. IEO reflects residents' qualifications and the skill level of their jobs, so a higher decile means a more highly educated and skilled workforce.
990
Lower than 53% of statistical area 2 (sa2) areas.
ABS Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage, 2021, as a raw index score (standardised so the Australian average is about 1000). Higher scores indicate relatively greater advantage; lower scores greater disadvantage.
Annual population estimates and change since the census.
With a population of 16,160, this area is larger than most of its kind. However, recent growth of 2.5% is well below the New South Wales figure of 6.1%.
16,160
Higher than 75% of statistical area 2 (sa2) areas.
Estimated resident population (ABS), 2025.
2.5%
Lower than 68% of statistical area 2 (sa2) areas.
Population growth since the 2021 Census, from ABS annual estimates.
Operating businesses and dwellings approved.
The region is a major local economic centre, with 2,279 businesses operating across the area.
2,279
Higher than 86% of statistical area 2 (sa2) areas.
Operating businesses (ABS Counts of Australian Businesses), June 2025.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021). Economy & Advantage in Lismore Surrounds [Census of Population and Housing]. CensusAtlas, used under CC BY 4.0. https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/112021249/lismore-surrounds/topic/economy-advantage
