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 population of the suburb of Hawthorn (Vic.) is estimated at around 25,475. This reflects an increase of 3,153 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,322. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population as 24,804 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 491 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in 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 of 14.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area average (7.4%) and the national average. Overseas migration contributed 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 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, 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 suburb, with an expected expansion of 3,844 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.6% over the 17-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. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 908 homes were approved, with a further 33 approved in FY-26 so far. Despite recent population decline, new supply has likely kept pace 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, 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 and suiting 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 and affordability requirements.

The location has approximately 99 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Hawthorn is expected to grow by 3,196 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 53 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives 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 residents. Professional services are prominently represented, with an unemployment rate of 4.1% as of September 2025. This is 0.6 percentage points lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.8%, based on AreaSearch data aggregation. As of the same date, 16,364 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 76.6%, exceeding Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 49.5% of residents worked from home. Key industries include professional & technical services (employing 28.6% of residents, 1.8 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Construction employs only 4.9% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.8, indicating ample employment opportunities locally. Over the past year, employment increased by 2.8%, while labour force grew at the same rate, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Hawthorn is $66,115, with an average income of $149,767. This compares to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $71,569 (median) and $162,123 (average). Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings in Hawthorn stand at the 91st percentile nationally ($1,207 weekly). A significant portion of the population, 31.0% or 7,897 individuals, falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. Higher earners are prevalent, with 35.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income, and residents rank in 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, consisted of 24.3% houses and 75.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 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 $2,000. Median weekly rent in Hawthorn was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Hawthorn's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863, and rents exceeded the national average 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 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, 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 residents aged 15 and over have a notably higher educational attainment than national averages. Specifically, 60.9% of Hawthorn residents hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia overall and 33.4% in Victoria. This notable difference positions the area favourably for opportunities that require advanced knowledge. Among those with university qualifications, bachelor degrees are 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 residents aged 15 and over, with advanced diplomas making up 9.2% and certificates comprising 7.4%. Educational participation is particularly high in Hawthorn, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.9% pursuing tertiary education, 6.7% engaged in secondary education, and 6.2% attending 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, consisting of both lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 12 routes that facilitate a total of 10,485 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents located an average of 180 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Hawthorn's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 61%, while train accounts for 16% and walking makes up 10%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.8, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 49.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,497 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 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

Hawthorn's health outcomes are notable, as assessed by AreaSearch. 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 (8.8%) and asthma (7.8%), with 73.2% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 15.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,897 people), with health outcomes among seniors broadly in line with national rankings.

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 shows high cultural diversity, with 29.4% born overseas and 21.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hawthorn, representing 38.5%. While Judaism comprises only 1.0%, this is equal to its representation across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.6%), Australian (19.2%), and Irish (10.3%). Some ethnic groups have notable divergences in representation: Hungarian at 0.4% compared to 0.3% regionally, Polish at 1.0% compared to 0.8%, and Sri Lankan at 0.6% compared to 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 percentage 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 percentage of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 15.7% to 20.4%, while the percentage of those aged 75 to 84 has grown from 4.7% to 5.9%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 35 to 44 has decreased from 14.3% to 12.0%, and the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has dropped from 8.5% to 7.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Hawthorn, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 age cohort (15%), adding 867 residents to reach a total of 6,548. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 15-24 age cohorts.