Lismore

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 6.6% of the population, which is well above the national figure of 3.2%. The typical resident is 41, making the area a little older than the state average.

Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has far fewer overseas-born people (11.2%) than the national average of 27.7%. Australian and English are the most common ancestries.

English is the main language for 83% of the community. While 5.4% use another language at home—higher than most similar areas—this is still far below the New South Wales average of 26.6%.

Nearly half the population (46.7%) has no religion, a figure far above the state average of 33.2%. Christianity is the next most common affiliation at 36.1%.

Lismore has a higher proportion of adults with a bachelor degree or more (19.5%) than most similar areas, though this is well below the national figure of 26.3%. The area is well served by schools, with 14 within 3 km.

Incomes are much lower than in most areas, with a typical household earning $1,035 a week, which is far below the national figure of $1,746. Only 7.8% of households earn $3,000 or more weekly.

Health challenges are common here, as 36.7% of people have a long-term health condition. Mental health conditions are particularly prevalent at 17%, which is among the highest for its level.

Unpaid care for children (21.1%) and housework (17.9%) are both lower than the state and national figures. About 13.8% of the community volunteers.

First Nations people make up a significant part of the community, with 243 residents. This group faces tougher conditions, with a 17.1% unemployment rate and a typical personal income of $475, both well below national figures.

Living arrangements are distinctive, as 41.4% of people live alone and 33.5% are one-parent families, both figures far above the national average. Consequently, homes are smaller, with only 2.1 people per dwelling.

Renters make up 48.2% of households, which is far above the national average of 30.6%. Typical weekly rent is $280, well below the New South Wales figure of $420.

Public transport is very accessible, with 47 stops and 35 routes. Despite this, 12.8% of homes have no motor vehicle, which is well above the national average of 7.4%.

The area is quite mobile, with 42.6% of people moving in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas (16.4%) are also more common here than in most similar areas.

Working or looking for work is much less common here (50.4%) than nationally (61.1%). The unemployment rate is 8.5%, well above the state average of 4.9%, with many residents working in health and social assistance.

Lismore is exceptionally walkable, with 90% of homes within a 15-minute walk of key amenities. Almost every home (99.6%) is within a 10-minute walk of public transport.