Hawthorn (Vic.)

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

The population of the suburb of Hawthorn (Vic.), as estimated by AreaSearch, was around 24,993 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 2,671 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,322. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's examination of the resident population of 24,987, derived from the ABS's ERP data release in June 2025, and an additional 446 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,250 persons per square kilometer, placing Hawthorn in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 12.0% growth rate since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (6.6%) and the SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Hawthorn are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using 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. According to these projections, Hawthorn is expected to experience above median population growth, with an increase of 3,358 persons projected by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.4% over the 16-year period.

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. From FY-21 to FY-25, an estimated 908 homes were approved, with a further 35 approved in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $806,000, indicating focus on the premium market. 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, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New development consists of 8.0% detached houses and 92.0% attached dwellings, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 24.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands.

Hawthorn has approximately 99 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hawthorn is expected to grow by 3,352 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 50 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include Hawthorn Station Activity Centre Development, Scotch Hill Gardens, Richmond Riverside, and Michael Tuck Stand and Glenferrie Oval Revitalisation. The following list details those most likely to be 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 strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth at 2.0%. As of December 2025, 16,405 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, below Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Hawthorn was 76.0%, above Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Home workership was high at 49.5% based on Census responses. Key industries included professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Employment specialization in professional & technical was 1.8 times the regional level, while construction employed just 4.9%, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.8 at Census time. Over a 12-month period ending May-25, employment increased by 2.0% and labour force grew by 2.4%, raising unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts project growth of 6.6% over five years and 14.8% over ten years for Hawthorn, based on industry-specific projections applied to its employment mix.

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. Its median income among taxpayers is $66,115 and average income stands at $149,767, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates are approximately $72,475 (median) and $164,175 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings stand out at the 91st percentile nationally ($1,207 weekly). The data shows 31.0% of population (7,747 individuals) fall within $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in region where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. Higher earners represent substantial presence with 35.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within community. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income while strong earnings rank residents within 76th percentile for disposable income and area's SEIFA income ranking places it in 10th 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, consisted of 24.3% houses and 75.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's composition of 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 was $2,259, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Hawthorn was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Hawthorn's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were above 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 percent of all households, consisting of 21.0 percent couples with children, 25.7 percent couples without children, and 5.4 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 46.1 percent, with lone person households at 38.3 percent and group households comprising 7.9 percent of the total. 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 higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 60.9% have university qualifications, surpassing Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. This high level of educational attainment positions Hawthorn favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (37.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.4%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%).

Vocational pathways account for 16.6% of qualifications, 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 are served by 12 routes facilitating 10,485 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is excellent with residents typically residing 180 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode at 61%, followed by train at 16% and walking at 10%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.8, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 49.5% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,497 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 131 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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Hawthorn. AreaSearch's assessment indicates very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 86% of the total population (21,389 people), compared to 56.7% across 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 significant majority, 73.2%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,698 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line 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 high cultural diversity, with 29.4% born overseas and 21.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 38.5%. Judaism, at 1.0%, was proportionally similar to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (24.6%), Australian (19.2%), and Irish (10.3%). Notably, Hungarian (0.4% vs regional 0.3%), Polish (1.0% vs 0.8%), and Sri Lankan (0.6% vs 0.8%) groups were relatively overrepresented in Hawthorn compared to the region.

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 figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hawthorn has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (24.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 15.7% to 19.5%, while the 25 to 34 age group increased from 22.3% to 24.3%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group declined from 14.3% to 12.2%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 8.5% to 7.1%. Population forecasts for Hawthorn in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 15%, adding 937 residents to reach a total of 7,011. Meanwhile, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are forecasted to decrease in number.