Hawthorndene

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

As of May 2026, the population of Hawthorndene is estimated at around 3920 people. This reflects an increase of 531 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3389 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3914 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and six validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 716 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively consistent with averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hawthorndene's growth of 15.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (5.6%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, population projections indicate an increase just below the median of national areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 426 persons to reach approximately 4346 people by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of about 10.7% over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Hawthorndene according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Hawthorndene shows approximately 7 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 35 homes. In FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded so far. On average, about 4.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built each year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $557,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $311,000 in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hawthorndene records about 58% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 32nd percentile nationally for areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. The area's new construction has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 541 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Hawthorndene is expected to grow by 420 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Hawthorndene has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the area. Key projects include Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access, Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements, South Eastern Freeway Upgrade, and SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28.

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Employment conditions in Hawthorndene rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Hawthorndene has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.1% over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,291 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.9% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Hawthorndene is higher at 71.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. According to Census responses, 15.4% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. The area specializes in education & training with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while retail trade has limited presence at 7.6%, compared to the regional average of 10.0%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 6.1% and labour force grew by 5.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 4.2%, labour force expansion of 3.9%, and a reduction in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Hawthorndene's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Hawthorndene had a median income among taxpayers of $58,081 and an average income of $72,463. These figures are higher than the national averages of $54,808 and $66,852 in Greater Adelaide respectively. By March 2026, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest median and average incomes will be approximately $63,988 and $79,832 respectively. Census data from 2021 shows income levels in Hawthorndene cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. The dominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, with 34.6% of residents (1,356 people) earning within this range, similar to metropolitan Adelaide's 31.8%. Notably, 30.6% of Hawthorndene residents earn over $3,000 per week, indicating significant affluence and supporting premium retail and services. After housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Hawthorndene is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Hawthorndene's dwelling structure, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings. In contrast, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hawthorndene was at 39.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 53.0% and rented ones at 7.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,842, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Hawthorndene was recorded at $400, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Hawthorndene's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Hawthorndene features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 81.3% of all households, including 42.5% couples with children, 29.4% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.7%, with lone person households at 17.5% and group households comprising 1.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Hawthorndene demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Hawthorndene is notably high, with 42.6% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 25.7% across South Australia (SA) and 28.1% within the SA4 region. The area's educational advantage is evident in its Bachelor degree holders at 28.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.8% and graduate diplomas at 5.4%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.5% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 18.9%.

Educational participation is notably high in Hawthorndene, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Hawthorndene has 26 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 18 individual routes, collectively providing 580 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 239 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, with car being the dominant mode at 87%, while train accounts for 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 15.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 82 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hawthorndene's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows Hawthorndene performing strongly in health metrics based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts showed low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 56% of the total population, around 2180 people, compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide. The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.9 and 7.6% of residents respectively. 70.6% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. The area has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over, around 807 people, higher than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Hawthorndene ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hawthorndene had a cultural diversity below average, with 81.2% of its population born in Australia, 93.7% being citizens, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 37.4%. Judaism, however, was underrepresented at 0.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.1%), Australian (26.5%), and Scottish (8.5%). Welsh (0.9%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.6%. Similarly, Polish at 1.3% and Dutch at 2.2% were also notably higher than their respective regional averages of 1.0% and 1.2%.

Hawthorndene's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Hawthorndene is 41 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and also exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 45-54 are particularly prominent, making up 14.6% of the population, while the 25-34 age group is smaller at 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of those aged 85 and above has increased from 1.5% to 2.6%, while the 5-14 age group has declined from 14.6% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 45-54 age cohort is expected to increase by 126 people (22%), growing from 572 to 699. Conversely, the 65-74 age group is projected to decrease by 13 residents.