Hawthorn (SA)

Hawthorn 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 1 Nov 2025, the population of the Hawthorn (SA) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 2,245. This reflects an increase of 24 people since the Census in 2021, which reported a population of 2,221. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,221, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,117 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver of population growth in the area was overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth is anticipated nationally, with the area expected to increase by 75 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 5.1% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Hawthorn, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Hawthorn has recorded approximately two residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 14 homes between FY-21 and FY-25. As of FY-26, one approval has been recorded to date. On average, each new dwelling accommodates about 2.9 residents annually over these five years, indicating healthy demand which supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is around $736,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen approximately $1.8 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hawthorn has significantly less development activity, at 64.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, this is also below average, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

All new construction in Hawthorn over these years has comprised detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (72.0% at Census), despite density pressures. The location has approximately 1513 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Looking ahead, Hawthorn is expected to grow by 114 residents through to 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Hawthorn has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project potentially affecting this region. Notable projects include Belair Road Retaining Walls Maintenance, Carmelite Retirement Living, SA Health's Building a Bigger Health System in the South (including Daw Park Urgent Care Hub and other upgrades), and Unley Cultural Hub. The following list details those likely to have the 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Hawthorn performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Hawthorn's workforce is highly educated with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 1.3% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.4%. This was based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,304 residents were in work with an unemployment rate of 2.7%, below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was 64.6% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%.

Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Hawthorn had a particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. In contrast, construction employed just 5.7% of local workers compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.4% while labour force increased by 3.3%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. This compared to Greater Adelaide's employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%. State-level data to 25-Nov showed SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 15.4% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hawthorn's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.4% over ten years.

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

Hawthorn suburb has exceptionally high national income levels according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers is $62,805 and average income stands at $99,276. These figures compare to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $68,332 (median) and $108,012 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Hawthorn rank highly nationally, between the 81st and 86th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 29.0% of residents (651 people) fall into the $4000+ bracket, differing from metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 31.8%. Economic strength is evident with 40.9% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Hawthorn is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

As per the latest Census evaluation in Hawthorn, dwelling structures consisted of 72.0% houses and 28.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Adelaide metropolitan area's structure of 78.8% houses and 21.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hawthorn stood at 40.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (35.4%) or rented (23.7%), similar to Adelaide metro's figures. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hawthorn was $2,600, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,992. The median weekly rent figure in Hawthorn was recorded at $295, lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Hawthorn's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 74.9% of all households, including 38.5% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.1%, with lone person households at 23.0% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

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

Hawthorn's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 51.4% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.1% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage is reflected in various qualification types: Bachelor degrees are most common at 33.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational pathways account for 20.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 11.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.8% in tertiary education, and 7.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Hawthorn has 19 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 30 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,973 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 181 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 281 daily trips across all routes, translating to approximately 103 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Hawthorn is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Hawthorn exhibits superior health outcomes with both young and elderly cohorts showing low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population (1,484 people), compared to 59.3% across Greater Adelaide and 55.7% nationally. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.5% and 7.2% of residents respectively, while 70.1% report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in Greater Adelaide.

Hawthorn has 22.4% of residents aged 65 and over (502 people), higher than the 21.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Hawthorn's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 21.1% born overseas and 15.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hawthorn, comprising 44.9%. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 0.3% of Hawthorn's population.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (30.1%), Australian (23.4%), and Other (8.5%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Welsh at 0.9%, Hungarian at 0.4%, and German at 5.8%.

Hawthorn hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Hawthorn is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hawthorn has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (13.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group increased from 13.1% to 14.7%, while the 75-84 cohort rose from 6.0% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group decreased from 11.5% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Hawthorn's age structure. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 226 people from 168. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.