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 is around 2,987 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 21 people (0.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,008 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,987 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,524 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 84.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, are adopted. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 231 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 25 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Hawker has recorded around 3 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 17 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. At an average of just 0.7 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $247,000. Also, $919,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Hawker has significantly less development activity (80.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (67.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes. With around 1985 people per dwelling approval, Hawker reflects a highly mature market.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Hawker may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Hawker has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Belconnen Town Centre East Precinct (Republic Phase 2 & Future), New Northside Hospital, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), and Parkwood Urban Release, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Hawker possesses a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,540 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.4% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (64.1% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, education & training, and health care & social assistance. The area has a particular employment specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 26.2% versus the regional average of 30.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force increase by 1.1% alongside a 0.1% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hawker. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Hawker's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account 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 shows a median taxpayer income of $69,210 and an average of $85,137 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $75,619 (median) and $93,021 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Hawker, between the 81st and 89th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.6% of the community (973 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the area showing 34.3% in the same category. Economic strength is evident as 35.4% of households achieve high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 89.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and 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

Dwelling structure within Hawker, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 67.3% houses and 32.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Hawker was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 45.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.4%) or rented (23.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $375, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Hawker's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are comparable to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 70.2% of all households, comprising 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%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches 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, with 52.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 43.8% in the SA3 area. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 29.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.4%) and graduate diplomas (6.3%). Vocational pathways account for 20.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (11.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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

Public transport analysis reveals 22 active transport stops operating within Hawker, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 65 individual routes, collectively providing 3,210 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 157 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 7% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. Some 14.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect 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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Hawker residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with a standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (1,839 people), compared to a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.1% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 65.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 21.3% of residents aged 65 and over (635 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 26.4% of its population born overseas and 18.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Hawker is Christianity, which makes up 39.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 3.7% of the population, compared to 4.8% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hawker are English, comprising 25.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.4% of the population, and Other, comprising 11.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Hawker (vs 0.6% regionally), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%) and Scottish at 9.3% (vs 7.3%).

Hawker's median age exceeds the national pattern

With a median age of 42, Hawker is considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and similarly significantly higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (9.3% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (12.1%). In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.4% to 14.2% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 11.2% to 9.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Hawker's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 25 people (30%) from 83 to 109. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 82% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.