Lismore
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for Lismore, NSW 2480.
About Lismore
Welcome to Lismore
Lismore sits on the Wilsons River in the heart of the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, well inland from the coast and serving as the commercial and cultural hub for the surrounding area. It's a town of heritage architecture, university energy (thanks to Southern Cross University's nearby campus) and a landscape that's as green as it is flood-prone, all of which give it a distinct, slightly bohemian identity within the region.
With a population of 3,656 and a median age of 41, Lismore's core suits a mix of long-time locals, students, professionals working in health and education, and families drawn to its central position between Girards Hill, East Lismore, South Lismore, Lismore Heights and Howards Grass. It's a suburb that rewards those happy to trade coastal proximity for a strong sense of community and a genuinely walkable town centre.
Lifestyle & dining
Lismore's CBD has long punched above its weight for a town of its size, with a café and dining scene shaped by the region's produce, dairy and coffee culture. The heritage streetscapes around the old commercial precinct give the town a character quite different from the newer coastal centres nearby, and there's a genuine mix of long-standing pubs, bakeries and independent eateries alongside newer arrivals catering to students and visitors passing through on their way to the hinterland.
The town's proximity to Girards Hill and East Lismore means there's easy access to leafy residential streets just minutes from the centre, while the broader Northern Rivers arts and music scene - closely linked to nearby Nimbin and Byron Bay - gives Lismore a cultural pull well beyond its size.
Schools & families
Families in Lismore have a solid spread of education options right on their doorstep. Lismore Public School and St Carthage's Primary School serve the town centre, while Wilson Park School and the Living School offer alternative and specialist settings. Further out, Caniaba Public School and Modanville Public School cater to families in the surrounding rural pockets, giving parents genuine choice between town-based and smaller community schools.
Southern Cross University's presence in the area also shapes the town's family and rental demographic, bringing a steady flow of students and academic staff into the local housing and rental market.
Parks & recreation
The Wilsons River is the defining natural feature of Lismore, with riverside parks and walking paths threading through the town and connecting to East Lismore and South Lismore. Historic Lismore Park and the surrounding green spaces provide a central gathering point, while the hinterland setting means bushwalking, waterfalls and rainforest reserves in the wider Northern Rivers are all a short drive away.
The town's flood history has, over time, shaped much of this open space along the river flats, which now doubles as recreational parkland when conditions allow.
Getting around
Lismore functions as a regional transport hub, with bus services connecting the town centre to Girards Hill, Lismore Heights, South Lismore and outlying communities. The Bruxner and Summerland Highways run through the area, linking Lismore to Ballina, Casino and the broader Northern Rivers network, and Lismore Regional Airport offers a direct route for those needing to bypass road travel altogether.
Within the town itself, the compact CBD and grid-style streets make walking and cycling practical for day-to-day errands, particularly for residents in the inner pockets close to the centre.
The property market
Lismore's housing stock is overwhelmingly detached, with houses making up 96% of current listings against just 4% apartments or units - a mix that reflects the town's low-rise character and generous residential blocks. The median house price sits at $540,000, with median rent at $580 a week, making it comparatively affordable against many coastal Northern Rivers markets.
Recent figures show a modest pullback in prices, with house values down 1.4% over the period measured. For buyers and investors, that softer trend, combined with steady rental demand from students, university staff and essential workers, has kept Lismore on the radar as a value-oriented alternative to pricier neighbouring coastal towns.
Market snapshot
Lismore property market
Median sale price
$540k
House · 3 bed
Median rent
$580
per week
Gross rental yield
5.6%
annual rent ÷ sale price
Typical price range
Entry
$40k
Median
$540k
Premium
$680k
Days on market
52
Auction clearance
0%
Sold this year
51
Median sold price trend · House 3 bed
Compound growth -1.6% / yr over 4 yrs
Median price by bedrooms · House
Property types on market
Share of current listings in Lismore by dwelling type.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for Lismore, NSW 2480.
Population
3,656
residents (2021)
Median age
41
years
Household income
$1,035
median, per week
Median rent
$280
per week
Median mortgage
$1,300
per month
Mortgage / income
29%
comfortable
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
Education
Schools in Lismore
Government school catchment
Independent & Catholic schools
Living Academy - Southern Cross University - Z Block
Recent results
Recently sold in Lismore
$640k
126 Hunter Street
Sold ~July 2026
$610k
7 Fermoy Avenue
Sold ~July 2026
$625k
37 Ross Street
Sold ~July 2026
$430k
36 Keen Street
Sold ~July 2026
$340k
33 Jubilee Street
Sold ~July 2026
$780k
15 Pound Street
Sold ~June 2026
$395k
6/116 Laurel Avenue
Sold ~June 2026
$699k
109 New Ballina Road
Sold ~June 2026
Sold prices as published on the original listing; some may reflect the last advertised price. Dates are approximate.
Explore the area
Properties & amenities in Lismore
Compare the area
Price map around Lismore
Every listing for sale near Lismore, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
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Common questions
Lismore suburb FAQ
What is the median property price in Lismore?
The median house price in Lismore, NSW is $540k for a 3-bedroom home. Over the past year, median sold prices have fallen about 1.4%.
How much is rent in Lismore?
The median weekly rent in Lismore is around $580 per week.
Is Lismore a good place to live?
Lismore is an established residential suburb in NSW, with a population of around 3,656 and 10 schools in the area.
What is the population of Lismore?
Lismore has a population of 3,656 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 41.
What schools are in Lismore?
There are 10 schools in or near Lismore, including Living School, Wilson Park School and Caniaba Public School.
How long do homes take to sell in Lismore?
Properties in Lismore take around 52 days to sell on average, with an auction clearance rate of about 0%.
How much do you need to buy in Lismore?
Entry-level properties in Lismore start around $40k, while premium homes reach $680k.
What suburbs are near Lismore?
Suburbs near Lismore include Girards Hill, Howards Grass, Lismore Heights, East Lismore and South Lismore.
Fresh to market
New this week in Lismore
Bright, Updated Character Home
DA Approved 22 Unit Development Site in East Lismore
Stunning Northerly Views Perfect First Home or Downsizer
Room to Grow, Space to Live, Location to Love
Available now