Hawker

Hawker is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hawker's population was around 3007 as of May 2026. This reflected a decrease of 1 person (0.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3008 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3007 from the ABS as of June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 1534 persons per square kilometer, which was above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 86.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, were adopted. Considering the projected demographic shifts, over this period, projections indicated a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 220 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts was anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which was projected to increase by 27 people.

The level of residential development activity in Hawker is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Hawker has recorded approximately three residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling seventeen homes. In FY26 so far, two approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.7 new residents arrive per new home each year between FY21 and FY25, indicating that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand. The average value of new properties being constructed is $247,000.

This financial year has seen $919,000 in commercial approvals registered, reflecting Hawker's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Hawker has significantly less development activity, 80.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Similarly, development activity is under the national average, suggesting potential planning limitations. All new construction in Hawker over this period has been detached houses, preserving its suburban nature and catering to space-seeking buyers.

With 1985 people per dwelling approval, Hawker reflects a highly mature market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, housing pressure may be less intense, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Hawker has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

No projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to impact the area. Key projects include Kippax Fair Expansion and Redevelopment, Belconnen Town Centre East Precinct, New Northside Hospital, and Ginninderry Estate - Strathnairn & Macnamara (Stages 1-7+).

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The employment landscape in Hawker shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Hawker's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of December 2025. This rate was 0.4% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Hawker was 63.3%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 14.4% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Education & training had an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while public administration & safety showed lower representation at 26.2% versus the regional average of 30.4%.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, Hawker's labour force increased by 1.1% alongside a 0.1% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hawker's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Hawker SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $69,210 and an average income of $85,137 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was among the highest in Australia, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. By March 2026, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $76,436 and an average income of $94,025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44%. In the 2021 Census, Hawker's household, family, and personal incomes ranked highly nationally, between the 81st and 89th percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 32.6% (980 individuals) of the community earned between $1,500 - $2,999, consistent with broader trends in the area at 34.3%. Economic strength is evident with 35.4% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 89.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Hawker displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Hawker's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 67.3% houses and 32.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hawker stood at 45.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.4% and rented ones at 23.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Hawker was $375, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Hawker's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were comparable at $375.

Hawker has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 70.2% of all households, including 30.9% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.8%, consisting of 26.2% lone person households and 3.3% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

Hawker shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Hawker significantly surpasses broader benchmarks. As of 2016, 52.1% of residents aged 15 years and above held university qualifications, compared to the national average of 30.4% and the SA3 area average of 43.8%. This substantial educational advantage positions Hawker strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees were the most prevalent at 29.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.4%) and graduate diplomas (6.3%).

Vocational pathways accounted for 20.8% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.6% and certificates accounting for 11.2%. Educational participation was notably high in Hawker, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This included 8.6% in secondary education, 8.4% in primary education, and 7.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Hawker's public transport analysis indicates 22 active stops operating within the area, all providing bus services. These stops are served by 65 individual routes, collectively facilitating 3,210 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 157 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward; cars remain the dominant mode at 88%, while buses account for 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 14.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 458 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 145 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hawker's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Hawker residents have relatively positive health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely on par with national benchmarks.

Common health issues are seen across all age groups, with arthritis affecting 9.1% of residents and mental health issues impacting 8.4%. Private health cover is exceptionally high at 62%, compared to the national average of 55.7%. Most residents, 65.8%, report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 70.2%. The working-age population has typical health outcomes. Hawker has a higher proportion of seniors, with 21.3% aged 65 and over (640 people), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. National rankings for this age group are largely in line with general population figures.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Hawker was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hawker, surveyed between June 2016 and June 2021, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas. Its overseas-born population was 26.4%, with 18.8% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity dominated Hawker's religious landscape at 39.2%.

Hinduism, though less prevalent regionally (4.8%), was notably overrepresented in Hawker at 3.7%. Ancestry-wise, the top groups were English (25.9%), Australian (23.4%), and Other (11.3%). Some ethnic groups had significant disparities: Welsh (1.0% vs regional 0.6%), Hungarian (0.5% vs 0.3%), and Scottish (9.3% vs 7.3%) were more prevalent in Hawker than in the broader area.

Hawker's median age exceeds the national pattern

Hawker has a median age of 42, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and also significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, Hawker has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort (9.4% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (12.3%). Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 12.4% to 14.4%, while the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 11.2% to 8.9% and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 12.2% to 11.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Hawker's age profile. The 85+ age cohort is expected to expand by 28 people (32%), growing from 90 to 119 individuals. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 81% of total population growth, reflecting Hawker's aging demographic trend. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.