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 per ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Hawker as of May 2026 is estimated at around 3,007 people. This figure reflects a decrease of 1 person since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,008 people. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,534 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Hawker.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. According to these projections, Hawker's population is expected to decline by 220 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are projected to grow, with an increase of 27 people anticipated 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 using ABS building approval numbers derived from statistical area data, Hawker has seen approximately three new homes approved annually. Between the financial years 2021 to 2025, around seventeen homes were approved, with two more approved so far in the financial year 2026. On average, over these five years, about 0.8 new residents per year arrived for each new home approved, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand and supporting potential population growth while offering greater buyer choice.

The average construction value of new homes was $467,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $46,000 in commercial approvals, predominantly reflecting residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Hawker records significantly lower building activity, 80.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This activity is also below national averages, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction in Hawker has been detached houses, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

Notably, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (67.0% at Census), implying strong demand for family homes. With approximately 1492 people per approval, Hawker demonstrates its mature, established nature. Given expected population stability or decline, Hawker should experience reduced housing pressure, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Hawker has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, or planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to affect this area. Notable projects include Kippax Fair Expansion and Redevelopment, Belconnen Town Centre East Precinct, New Northside Hospital, and Ginninderry Estate - Strathnairn & Macnamara (Stages 1-7+). The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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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 an unspecified date based on AreaSearch data aggregation. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the unemployment rate increased by 1.1 percentage points to 5.3%, while Australian Capital Territory's rate rose by 0.3 percentage points to 4.1%.

As of December 2025, Hawker had 1,540 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate. Workforce participation was lower at 63.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 14.4% of Hawker residents worked from home. The key industries of employment were public administration & safety, education & training, and health care & social assistance.

Employment specialization was particularly high in education & training, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, public administration & safety had limited presence at 26.2%, compared to the regional average of 30.4%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.1% while employment declined by 0.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimated that Hawker's local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Hawker's employment mix.

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 ATO data released on June 30, 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's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since June 30, 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $72,137 (median) and $90,527 (average). From the 2021 Census, Hawker's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 81st and 89th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 32.6% of Hawker residents fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader regional trends at 34.3%. Notably, 35.4% of Hawker's population earns above $3,000 per week. After housing costs, residents retain 89.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 8th decile.

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

In Hawker, as per the latest Census evaluation, 67.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 32.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Hawker had a home ownership level of 45.3%, with mortgaged properties at 31.4% and rented dwellings at 23.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hawker was $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Hawker was $375, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450 and the national average of $375 for rents. Nationally, Hawker's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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. In Hawker, 52.1% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 43.8% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common 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 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 of which are bus stops. These stops are covered by 65 unique routes that facilitate a total of 3,210 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Hawker is rated as excellent, with residents typically living 157 meters away from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 88% of residents, while only 7% use buses. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in Hawker.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.4% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. The 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 shows Hawker residents have relatively positive health outcomes, matching national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. 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 approximately 60%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 62.4%. Most residents, 65.8%, report being free from medical ailments, slightly lower than the ACT's 70.2%. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.4% (643 people), compared to the ACT's 14.3%, 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's population showed higher cultural diversity than 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, however, was overrepresented at 3.7%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 4.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.9%), Australian (23.4%), and Other (11.3%). Notable differences existed in certain ethnic groups' representation: Welsh was overrepresented at 1.0% compared to the regional average of 0.6%, Hungarian at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Scottish at 9.3% against 7.3%.

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 significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, Hawker has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort (9.4%) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (12.3%). From 2021 to present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.4% to 14.5%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 11.2% to 9.0%. 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. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 79% of total population growth, reflecting Hawker's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.