Hawthorn (Vic.)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Hawthorn (Vic.) is around 24,880 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,558 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,322 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 24,830 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 487 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,231 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hawthorn's growth since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (6.9%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and for areas not covered, utilising VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made 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 area, expected to expand by 3,851 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 15.2% 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 has averaged approximately 182 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, an estimated 910 homes were approved, with a further 19 approved in FY-26 so far. Despite recent population decline, new supply appears to have kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

The average construction cost value of new properties is around $807,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $17.8 million in commercial development approvals, 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 past five years, supporting buyer choice and existing property values. New development comprises approximately 8.0% detached houses and 92.0% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living and creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix of 24.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The location has approximately 98 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Hawthorn to grow by 3,795 residents through to 2041. 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 52 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Scotch Hill Gardens, Hawthorn Station Activity Centre Development, Richmond Riverside, and Glenferrie Station Activity Centre Development. 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 has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.3% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.8%.

As of June 2025, 16,196 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, 0.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation is high at 70.6%. Key industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Employment specialization in professional & technical is notable, at 1.8 times the regional level.

Construction employs fewer residents than average, at 4.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The worker-to-resident ratio of 0.8 indicates ample local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, while labour force grew by 2.9%, keeping unemployment stable. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw higher employment growth (3.5%) but also higher labour force growth (4.0%) and a rise in unemployment (0.5 percentage points). Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hawthorn's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.4% in five years and 14.8% in ten years, though these are illustrative estimates not accounting for localized population changes.

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

Hawthorn's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Hawthorn's median income among taxpayers is $66,118 and average income stands at $149,706. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $74,158 (median) and $167,910 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings stand out at the 91st percentile nationally with a weekly income of $1,207. The data shows 31.0% of the population (7,712 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 35.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income while 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

Hawthorn's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 24.3% houses and 75.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 55.5% houses and 44.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hawthorn was at 27.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.6% and rented ones at 46.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,259, below Melbourne metro's average of $3,000. Median weekly rent in Hawthorn was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $451. Nationally, Hawthorn's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,259 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $400 compared to 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 are the majority at 53.9% of all households, consisting of 21.0% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 5.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up 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, smaller than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.5.

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 significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. 60.9% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in Victoria. This substantial advantage positions the area well for knowledge-based opportunities. 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% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above - advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (7.4%). Educational participation is notably 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. 11 schools serve 4573 students while the area demonstrates exceptional educational performance (ICSEA: 1159), placing local schools among the most advantaged nationally. The educational mix includes 4 primary, 4 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

Hawthorn has 79 active public transport stops. These include train, light rail, and bus services. There are 11 different routes operating in total, which collectively serve 5,133 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 180 meters. On average, there are 733 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 64 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 shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high here at approximately 86%, compared to 77.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (8.8%) and asthma (7.8%), with 73.2% of residents reporting no medical ailments, similar to the 73.8% in Greater Melbourne.

As of 2021, Hawthorn has 14.7% of its population aged 65 and over (3,657 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 19.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

Hawthorn was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Hawthorn's population is more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 29.4% born overseas and 21.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hawthorn, making up 38.5% of its population. Notably, Judaism comprises 1.0%, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 0.9%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (24.6%), Australian (19.2%), and Irish (10.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Hungarian at 0.4% compared to 0.3%, Polish at 1.0% versus 0.8%, and Sri Lankan at 0.6% versus 0.7%.

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

Hawthorn's median age is 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hawthorn has a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (20.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.3%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 12.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of Hawthorn's population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 15.7% to 20.1%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 35 to 44 has decreased from 14.3% to 12.3%, and the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has dropped from 8.5% to 7.3%. Population forecasts for Hawthorn in 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes, with the strongest growth projected for the 25 to 34 age group, which is expected to grow by 16%, adding 926 residents to reach a total of 6,549. Meanwhile, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are forecasted to decrease in number.