Hawthorn (Vic.)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Hawthorn reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Hawthorn (Vic.) is around 25,475. This reflects an increase of 3,153 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,322. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 24,804 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 491 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,332 persons per square kilometer, placing Hawthorn in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (7.4%) and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering these projections, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, with an expected expansion of 3,856 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.5% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Hawthorn when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Hawthorn averaged around 181 new dwelling approvals each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY2021 and FY2025, an estimated 908 homes were approved, with a further 34 so far in FY2026. Despite population decline in recent years, new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $806,000, indicating developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year, $17.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hawthorn shows moderately higher building activity, at 37.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New development consists of 8.0% detached houses and 92.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 24.0% houses.

The location has approximately 99 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Hawthorn is expected to grow by 3,185 residents through to 2041, according to 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence a region's performance. AreaSearch has identified 53 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Michael Tuck Stand and Glenferrie Oval Revitalisation, Scotch Hill Gardens, Hawthorn Station Activity Centre Development, and Richmond Riverside. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Employment performance in Hawthorn has been broadly consistent with national averages

Hawthorn's workforce comprises highly educated individuals with significant representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of an unspecified past year. Employment grew by 2.0% during this period, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 16,410 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, 0.5% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation in Hawthorn was 76.8%, exceeding Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Census responses indicated that 49.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment among residents were professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Hawthorn had a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, construction employed only 4.9% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The resident-to-worker ratio was 0.8, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in an unspecified date, employment increased by 2.0%, while the labour force grew by 2.4%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4%, the labour force increase by 2.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hawthorn's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Hawthorn suburb's income level is among the top percentile nationally, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Hawthorn is $66,115, with an average income of $149,767. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Hawthorn are approximately $71,569 (median) and $162,123 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings in Hawthorn stand at the 91st percentile nationally, with weekly earnings of $1,207. The data indicates that 31.0% of the population (7,897 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. This pattern is similar to the region where 32.8% occupy this range. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 35.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly, reflecting strong purchasing power in the community. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income. Strong earnings rank residents within the 76th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Hawthorn features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Hawthorn, as per the latest Census evaluation, houses constituted 24.3% of dwellings, with other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings making up 75.7%. This is in contrast to Melbourne metro's dwelling structure, which comprised 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hawthorn stood at 27.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.6% and rented ones at 46.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,259, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Hawthorn was recorded at $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Hawthorn's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Hawthorn features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 53.9% of all households, including 21.0% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 5.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 46.1%, with lone person households at 38.3% and group households comprising 7.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Hawthorn places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Hawthorn's educational attainment is notably high, with 60.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications. This compares favourably to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 37.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.4%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Vocational pathways account for 16.6%, with advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 7.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.9% in tertiary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing primary education.

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

Hawthorn has 80 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 12 routes, collectively facilitating 10,485 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 180 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 61%, followed by train at 16% and walking at 10%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 49.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,497 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 131 weekly trips per 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 significant positive results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 86% of the total population (21,801 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.8% of residents and asthma impacting 7.8%. A total of 73.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 15.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,897 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Hawthorn was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hawthorn's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 29.4% born overseas and 21.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hawthorn, comprising 38.5%. While Judaism had similar representation regionally (1.0%), it was notably overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (24.6%), Australian (19.2%), and Irish (10.3%). Some ethnicities showed significant differences: Hungarian at 0.4% (vs regional 0.3%), Polish at 1.0% (vs 0.8%), and Sri Lankan at 0.6% (vs regional 0.8%).

Hawthorn hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Hawthorn's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hawthorn has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (20.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.1%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 15.7% to 20.4%, while the proportion of those aged 75 to 84 has risen from 4.7% to 5.9%. Conversely, the proportions of residents aged 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 have decreased, from 14.3% to 12.0% and from 8.5% to 7.1%, respectively. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Hawthorn. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 15%, adding 834 residents to reach a total of 6,541. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.