Our economic profile
Lismore is a city located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, with a population of 43,907 (2023, ABS Data).
It covers an area of 1,267 square kilometres and generates over $3.11 billion in gross regional product annually.
The city is home to over 4,300 businesses and more than 26,000 jobs. Nestled in the Northern Rivers of NSW on the North Coast, Lismore is situated 196km south of Brisbane and 731km north of Sydney and encompasses an area of 1,289 square kilometres. The region is easily accessible via the Bruxner Highway and conveniently located within 40 minutes of Byron Bay, 35 minutes of Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and 75 minutes from the Gold Coast International Airport.
The Lismore City Economic Profile is a comprehensive, independent analysis of the local economy, derived from official sources and robust economic modelling. It combines 11 data sets and can be used by a wide range of audiences, including government, community groups, investors, businesses, and the general public. It covers various aspects of the economy, such as gross regional product, local jobs, local businesses, employment, unemployment, population, building approvals, industry structure, and more. The platform also delivers a community profile, social atlas and population forecast.
Lismore City Economic Profile
The Manager Destination and Economy can provide specific economic and event impact assessments upon request via business@lismore.nsw.gov.au.
Economic snapshot
The Lismore region has a diversified economy, including significant contributions from health care and social assistance, education and training, retail trade and construction.
It has a large number of registered businesses and a Gross Regional Product of $3.11 billion (2023, ABR Data).
The region has a strong healthcare sector, anchored by the Northern NSW Local Health District generating over 6,500 local jobs (2023, ABR Data), as well as a well-established education and training sector anchored by Southern Cross University.
Lismore is known for its strong arts and culture scene and diverse agricultural industries, including blueberries, macadamia and wood products. Manufacturing growth is seen in food production, primary metal and metal products.
Employment
The total workforce of the Lismore LGA is 23,622 (2023, NIEIR).
Lismore's major employment sectors include health, education, social services, retail trade, with growth experienced in construction, finance, insurance, property and business services.
Regional benefits
Lismore City and surrounding villages in the Lismore Local Government Area (LGA) offer attractive natural and commercial benefits for living and working in the region.
The city is well-situated for professional services, infrastructure investment, and development, providing jobs, growth and sustainability throughout the Local Government Area.
Advantages include: proximity to major transport corridors, south-east Queensland, suitable land for residential and industrial development and regional reputation and amenity.
The economy is diversified with many key industries, strong industry leaders, access to business support services and mutually supportive business culture.
Lismore offers a sub-tropical climate, proximity to world-famous hinterland and coastal areas, an enviable natural environment, affordable housing, key services in health, retail, education and recreation and a strong sense of community and cultural diversity.
Our visitors
In 2022/23, the total tourism sales across the Lismore Local Government Area contributed $336.3 million to the local economy.