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 1 Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Hawthorn (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) is approximately 25,461. This represents an increase of 3,139 people since the Census conducted in 2021, which reported a population of 22,322. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 24,804 as of Jun 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, along with an additional 487 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,330 persons per square kilometer, placing Hawthorn (Vic.) in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 14.1% since the 2021 Census exceeds both the SA3 area average of 7.3% and the national average, indicating strong population growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted through 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, the Hawthorn (Vic.) (SA2) is expected to experience above median population growth, with an estimated increase of 3,847 persons by 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 using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Hawthorn averaged approximately 181 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY21 to FY25, around 908 homes were approved, with a further 33 approved in FY26 so far. Despite recent population decline, new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new properties was $806,000, indicating focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, $17.8 million in commercial development approvals were recorded, showing moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hawthorn exhibited 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 primarily consisted of attached dwellings (92.0%) and a smaller proportion of detached houses (8.0%), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands towards higher-density living for affordability. The location had approximately 99 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Hawthorn is projected to grow by 3,210 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 53 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones 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.

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Employment performance in Hawthorn has been broadly consistent with national averages

Hawthorn has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 4.1% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.8%.

As of September 2025, 16,364 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is high at 70.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

Construction employs only 4.9% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.8, indicating ample local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 2.8%, while labour force grew by a similar rate, keeping unemployment stable. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose slightly more and unemployment increased. State-level data to 25-Nov shows Victorian employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts project total 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 this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 one of the highest income levels nationally according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data 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 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated median income is approximately $71,569 and average income is around $162,123 as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows individual earnings in Hawthorn are at the 91st percentile nationally ($1,207 weekly). Incomes range between $1,500 - 2,999 for 31.0% of residents (7,892 individuals), reflecting regional patterns where 32.8% fall within this bracket. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 35.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing costs account for 14.9% of income, while strong earnings rank residents in the 76th percentile for disposable income. The suburb'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), compared to Melbourne metro's 55.5% houses and 44.5% 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, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $3,000. The 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, and rents were 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 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 2.5.

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

Hawthorn residents aged 15 and over have a higher proportion of university qualifications than the national and Victorian averages. Specifically, 60.9% of Hawthorn residents hold such qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. This educational advantage is driven by Bachelor degrees (37.3%), 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 in Hawthorn is notably high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes tertiary education (13.9%), secondary education (6.7%), and primary education (6.2%).

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

Hawthorn has 79 active public transport stops, serving a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are covered by 12 routes, collectively handling 10,485 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 180 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency across all routes averages 1,497 trips per day, equating to around 132 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 data shows a low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 86%, compared to 75.8% in Greater Melbourne and 55.7% nationally, based on figures from 21,789 people. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 8.8 and 7.8% of residents respectively.

73.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.8% in Greater Melbourne. Hawthorn has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 14.7%, or 3,742 people, than Greater Melbourne's 19.4%. The health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

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 was found to be 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 dominant religion in Hawthorn, comprising 38.5%. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 1.0% of Hawthorn's population versus 0.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.6%), Australian (19.2%), and Irish (10.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Hungarian at 0.4% in Hawthorn compared to 0.3% regionally, 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 has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and substantially under Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hawthorn has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 (20.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.3%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of Hawthorn's population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 15.7% to 20.1%, while the proportion of those aged 35 to 44 has declined from 14.3% to 12.3%. The proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 has also decreased, from 8.5% to 7.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Hawthorn. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 14%, adding 793 residents to reach a total of 6,548. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.