Lismore
Lismore ranks =92nd of 128 overall in NSW, with community services the area most needing attention.
"Northern Rivers creative hub — arts, activism, and flood resilience"
See where Lismore ranks: Best Councils in New South Wales 2026
New South Wales · regional council · Pop. 43,783
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
45 out of 100
#55 of 79 regional councils in NSW
#92 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 41/100 |
| Community Services | 41/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 52/100 |
| Core Operations | 47/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Lismore performs strongest in Lifestyle & Amenity (scoring 52 out of 100 against peers), with room to improve in Community Services (currently 41 out of 100).
What Makes This Place Unique
Northern Rivers creative hub — arts, activism, and flood resilience
Lismore sits on the Wilsons River in the Northern Rivers region. It's a university town with a strong arts and activist tradition, though devastating floods in 2022 deeply impacted the community.
Known For
- Southern Cross University campus
- Strong arts and alternative community
- Flood resilience and community rebuilding
- Gateway to Nimbin and Northern Rivers hinterland
Living Here
Lismore offers genuine community spirit and creative culture at very affordable prices. The 2022 floods are important context — the community is rebuilding with resilience. Flood risk is a real consideration.
Hidden Gem
The Channon Markets — a monthly market in the hinterland village of The Channon that's one of Australia's most authentic artisan experiences.