Hawthorne

An assessment of population growth drivers in Hawthorne reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hawthorne's population is around 5,708 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 575 people (11.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,133 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,695 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 56 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 4,106 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Hawthorne's 11.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 55.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and interstate migration, were positive factors.

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, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is expected, with the area expected to increase by 488 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 8.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Hawthorne recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Hawthorne has experienced around 18 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 91 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 3.9 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $837,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have also been $813,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Hawthorne records about 66% of the building activity per person while it places among the 32nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. With around 499 people per dwelling approval, Hawthorne shows a developed market.

Population forecasts indicate Hawthorne will gain 475 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Hawthorne has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Skyring Terrace Road Upgrade, Bulimba Barracks Urban Renewal Project, VOIR, and Cross River Rail - Woolloongabba Station, with the list below 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.

Hawthorne ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Hawthorne possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and 0.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,684 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (80.4% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 30.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. In contrast, manufacturing employs just 3.7% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8% and labour force increased by 1.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hawthorne. 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 Hawthorne's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The Hawthorne SA2's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Hawthorne SA2's median income among taxpayers is $79,088 and the average income stands at $125,731, compared to Greater Brisbane's figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $86,926 (median) and $138,191 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Hawthorne, between the 95th and 97th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $4000+ bracket dominates with 38.6% of residents (2,203 people), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 33.3%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 50.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Hawthorne displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Hawthorne, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 63.1% houses and 36.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Hawthorne was in line with that of Brisbane metro, at 25.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.6%) or rented (37.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Brisbane metro average at $2,800, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Hawthorne's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Hawthorne features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 70.6% of all households, comprising 37.1% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.4%, with lone person households at 23.8% and group households comprising 5.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Brisbane average.

Hawthorne demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Hawthorne significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 50.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in QLD and 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 33.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.9%). Vocational pathways account for 23.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (12.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 8.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 29 active transport stops operating within Hawthorne, comprising a mix of ferry and buses. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 1,511 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 137 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 77%, with 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A high 30.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 215 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hawthorne's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Hawthorne, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 80% of the total population (4,560 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.1% and 6.7% of residents, respectively, while 77.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 9.5% of residents aged 65 and over (541 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Hawthorne records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hawthorne was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 77.4% of its population born in Australia, 89.4% being citizens, and 90.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Hawthorne is Christianity, which makes up 55.2% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hawthorne are English, comprising 28.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.0% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.8% of Hawthorne (vs 7.4% regionally), French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%) and New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 1.0%).

Hawthorne's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 37 years, Hawthorne's median age nearly matches the Greater Brisbane average of 36 while remaining very close to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Hawthorne has a higher concentration of 45 - 54 residents (16.1%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (11.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 13.7% to 16.8% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 12.0% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 12.8% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 12.7% to 11.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Hawthorne's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 18%, adding 161 residents to reach 1,079. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups will see reduced numbers.