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

The population of the suburb of Hawker (ACT) is estimated to be around 2,987 as of February 2026. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 3,008 people, marking a drop of 21 individuals or approximately 0.7%. AreaSearch's estimation, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date, indicates this resident population level. This results in a density ratio of 1,524 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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, also using 2022 as a base, are adopted. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 231 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are anticipated to grow, with a projected increase of 26 people in this cohort during this period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Hawker has seen approximately three new homes approved annually. Between financial years 2021 and 2025, around seventeen homes were approved, with one more approved in the current financial year 2026. Over these five years, an average of 0.7 new residents arrived per newly built home.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value for new homes was $467,000, indicating developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In the current financial year, there have been $46,000 in commercial approvals, predominantly residential-focused. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Hawker records significantly lower building activity, 80.0% 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 in Hawker have been detached houses, sustaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census (67.0%), indicating continued strong demand for family homes. With approximately 1491 people per approval, Hawker shows a mature, established area. Given its stable or declining population expectations, Hawker should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Hawker has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly impact local performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects likely affecting the area. Notable 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 has a highly educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.5% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year based on AreaSearch data aggregation. In September 2025, there were 1,549 residents employed, and the unemployment rate aligned with the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

However, workforce participation lagged at 64.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, 14.4% of residents worked from home. The key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Hawker had a particular employment specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, public administration & safety had limited presence at 26.2% compared to the regional level of 30.4%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, while labour force grew by 0.9%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Hawker's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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 latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Hawker suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $65,318 and an average income of $81,969. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to ACT levels of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $71,366, with average income estimated at $89,559. From the 2021 Census, Hawker's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 81st and 89th percentiles. In terms of income distribution, 32.6% of Hawker's population (973 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader regional trends showing 34.3% in the same category. Notably, 35.4% of residents earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout the locality. After housing costs, residents retain 89.7% of their 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

Hawker's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 67.3% houses and 32.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Australian Capital Territory's 67.3% houses and 32.7% 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 in Hawker was $375, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Hawker's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 than the Australian 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 percent of all households, including 30.9 percent couples with children, 28.8 percent couples without children, and 9.7 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.8 percent, with lone person households at 26.2 percent and group households comprising 3.3 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which 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

Hawker's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 52.1% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 43.8%. This substantial advantage positions Hawker 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+, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 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

Hawker has 22 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 65 different routes, facilitating a total of 3,210 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents' average distance to the nearest stop being 157 meters. Predominantly residential, Hawker sees most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 88%, while bus use stands at 7%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Daily service frequency across all routes averages 458 trips, translating to roughly 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 shows Hawker residents have positive health outcomes, matching national benchmarks. Mortality rates and health conditions are standard for both young and old age groups.

Private health cover is high at 60%, close to ACT's 62.4%. Common medical conditions include arthritis (9.1%) and mental health issues (8.4%). 65.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to ACT's 70.2%. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. Hawker has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.3%, compared to ACT's 14.3%. National rankings align 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's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 26.4% born overseas and 18.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hawker, accounting for 39.2%. Hinduism's representation in Hawker was notably higher at 3.7%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

The top three ancestral groups in Hawker were English (25.9%), Australian (23.4%), and Other (11.3%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Welsh was overrepresented at 1.0% versus 0.6%, Hungarian at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Scottish at 9.3% versus 7.3%.

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 median age of 38. Comparing Hawker's demographics with the Australian Capital Territory average, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 9.3%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 12.1%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of Hawker's population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 12.4% to 14.2%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 11.2% to 9.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Hawker's age profile. The 85+ age group is expected to expand by 25 people (30%), growing from 83 to 109 individuals. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 78% of total population growth, reflecting Hawker's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.