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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Hawthorn (SA) is around 2,223 people. This reflects an increase from the previous population count of 2,221 people recorded in the Census of 2021, indicating a rise of 2 individuals or approximately 0.1%. The latest resident population estimate of 2,222 by AreaSearch, based on examination of the ABS's ERP data release from June 2025 and validation of two additional addresses since the Census date, supports this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 2,097 persons per square kilometer for Hawthorn (SA), which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver behind this population growth was overseas migration.

For future projections until 2032, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. Beyond 2032 and for areas not covered by these data, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 using 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth is anticipated for statistical areas across the nation, including Hawthorn (SA). By 2041, based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by approximately 28 persons, reflecting a gain of around 1.2% in total over the 16-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Hawthorn has recorded around 2 residential properties granted approval per year over the past 5 financial years. This totals an estimated 13 homes. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, suggesting new supply is likely keeping up with demand and offering good choice to buyers.

New homes are being built at an average value of $736,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $1.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Hawthorn has significantly less development activity (66.0% below regional average per person), which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's 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), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 2220 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Looking ahead, Hawthorn is expected to grow by 27 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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 that will affect this region: Belair Road Retaining Walls Maintenance. Other notable projects include Carmelite Retirement Living, SA Health's Building a Bigger Health System in the South (Daw Park Urgent Care Hub and other upgrades), and Unley Cultural Hub. The following details projects likely to have the most relevance.

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

Hawthorn has a highly educated workforce. Professional services are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In December 2025, 1,261 residents were in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was 68.4%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Moderate homeworking was observed, with 16.2% of residents working from home based on Census responses. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

Hawthorn specializes in professional & technical employment, with a share 1.8 times the regional level. Construction employs just 5.7% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.4%, labour force by 3.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 4.2% and a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment. 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 Hawthorn's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Hawthorn has an exceptionally high income level nationally, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch. For financial year 2023, Hawthorn's median income among taxpayers is $62,805 and the average income stands at $99,276. These figures compare to Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,192 (median) and $109,372 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Hawthorn all rank highly nationally, between the 81st and 86th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 29.0% of residents (644 people) fall into the $4000+ bracket, differing from the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 31.8%. Economic strength is evident with 40.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (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

Hawthorn's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.0% houses and 28.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hawthorn stood at 40.9%, with the rest either mortgaged (35.4%) or rented (23.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, above Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Hawthorn was $295, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Hawthorn's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,600 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $295 against the national figure of $375.

Hawthorn has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.9% of all households, consisting of 38.5% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.1%, with lone person households at 23.0% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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 significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 51.4% have university qualifications compared to South Australia's (SA) state average of 25.7% and the SA4 region's average of 28.1%. This high level of educational attainment positions Hawthorn favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, held by 33.2% of residents aged 15+, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%).

Vocational pathways account for 20.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 11.0%. Educational participation is notably 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. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 181 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 85%, followed by bus at 6% and cycling at 3%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 281 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 103 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Hawthorn's health outcomes show notable results, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population (1,470 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7%, and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis (7.5%) and asthma (7.2%). Notably, 70.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Under-65s demonstrated better than average health outcomes. Hawthorn has 22.3% of residents aged 65 and over (495 people), higher than Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 0.3% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (30.1%), Australian (23.4%), and Other (8.5%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Welsh at 0.9% (versus regional 0.6%), Hungarian at 0.4% (versus 0.3%), and German at 5.8% (versus 5.1%) are overrepresented in Hawthorn.

Hawthorn hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Hawthorn is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hawthorn has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (12.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 grew from 6.0% to 8.3%, while the 15-24 age group increased from 13.1% to 14.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 12.5% to 11.4%, and the 65-74 age group decreased from 13.5% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Hawthorn's age structure. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 88%, reaching 67 people from the current 35. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 66% 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 decrease in number.