Hawker (ACT)

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

As of November 2025, the population of the Hawker (ACT) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 2,987 people. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 3,008 people, indicating a change of -21 persons (-0.7%). The current estimate was derived by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,524 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for population growth in this area was overseas migration, contributing about 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. Future demographic trends indicate an overall population decline over time. According to these projections, the Hawker (ACT) (SA2) population is expected to decrease by 231 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts such as those aged 85 and above are projected to grow; this particular cohort is anticipated to increase by 26 people during this period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Hawker has seen approximately three new homes approved per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 17 homes were approved, with one more in FY26 so far. On average, about 0.7 new residents arrive per new home over these five years, suggesting supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction value of new homes is $467,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year has seen $46,000 in commercial approvals, predominantly residential. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Hawker records significantly lower building activity, 80% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new constructions have been detached houses, sustaining Hawker's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than current demographics suggest (67% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes. With around 1491 people per approval, Hawker shows a mature, established area. Population is expected to remain stable or decline, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

Hawker has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that will impact 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.

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Hawker maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Hawker's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.5% over the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8%.

As of September 2025, there were 1,549 residents employed, aligning with the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) unemployment rate of 3.6%, but with lower workforce participation at 61.5% compared to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries for Hawker residents are public administration & safety, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Notably, education & training has a higher employment share than the regional level, while public administration & safety has limited presence with 26.2% employment compared to the regional average of 30.4%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, labour force grew by 0.9%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, ACT saw employment grow by 1.4% with a simultaneous fall in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase 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, assuming population projections remain constant for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Hawker had a median income among taxpayers of $65,318. The average income stood at $81,969. This is among the highest in Australia when compared to the ACT levels of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Hawker would be approximately $71,366 (median) and $89,559 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Hawker rank highly nationally, between the 81st and 89th percentiles. In income distribution, 32.6% of Hawker's population (973 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the region showing 34.3% in the same category. A substantial proportion of high earners, at 35.4%, indicates strong economic capacity throughout the locality. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 67.3% houses and 32.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 69.4% houses and 30.5% 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, aligning with the Australian Capital Territory average, while the median weekly rent was $375, compared to the territory's averages of $2,000 and $430 respectively. Nationally, Hawker's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, but 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 constitute the remaining 29.8%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 3.3%. 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

Hawker's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. 52.1% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 43.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 29.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.4%) and graduate diplomas (6.3%). Vocational pathways account for 20.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 11.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.8% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes secondary education (8.6%), primary education (8.4%), and tertiary education (7.3%).

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

The analysis of public transport in Hawker shows that there are currently 22 operational bus stops. These stops are served by a total of 65 different routes, which together facilitate approximately 3,210 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is considered excellent, with residents on average being located just 157 meters away from the nearest stop.

Each day, there are an average of 458 trips across all routes, equating to around 145 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hawker is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Hawker faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 60% of Hawker's total population of 1,779 people have private health cover. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.1% and 8.4% of residents respectively. 65.8% of Hawker residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in the Australian Capital Territory. As of a recent report, 21.1% of Hawker's residents are aged 65 and over (630 people), higher than the 15.3% in the Australian Capital Territory.

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's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 26.4% born overseas and 18.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Hawker, comprising 39.2%. Hinduism was overrepresented compared to Australian Capital Territory, making up 3.7% of Hawker's population.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.9%), Australian (23.4%), and Other (11.3%). Notably, Welsh (1.0%) and Hungarian (0.5%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Scottish representation was also high at 9.3%.

Hawker's median age exceeds the national pattern

Hawker has a median age of 42, which is higher than both the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, Hawker has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort (9.1% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (12.4%). Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.4% to 14.2% of Hawker's population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 11.2% to 9.2%. Demographic modeling indicates that Hawker's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 25 people (30%), increasing from 83 to 109 individuals. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 86% of total population growth, reflecting Hawker's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.