Hawthorndene

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

Hawthorndene's estimated population as of November 2025 is around 3,524, reflecting a 135-person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth equates to a density ratio of 644 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, ending in June 2024, Hawthorndene's population grew at an annual compound rate of 1.3%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and interstate migration also being positive factors. AreaSearch estimated the resident population as 3,515 following examination of the latest ABS ERP data release in June 2024, along with validation of five new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population is projected to increase by 421 persons to reach 3,945 by 2041, reflecting a 13% increase over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

For areas not covered by ABS/Geoscience Australia projections beyond 2032 and years post-2022 as the base year, AreaSearch adopts the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category released in 2023, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Hawthorndene has experienced around 6 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 34 homes. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 7.2 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $557,000, indicating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In this financial year, there have been $701,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hawthorndene records about 58% of the building activity per person and places among the 28th percentile of areas assessed nationally, implying somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

All new construction has been comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 590 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hawthorndene is expected to grow by 459 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than alterations to its local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area notably. Key projects include Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access, Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, and North South Corridor, with the following list outlining those most pertinent:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Hawthorndene has a highly educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 1.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 2,040 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.9% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Hawthorndene is higher at 67.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, the area has a high specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

However, retail trade has limited presence with 7.6% employment compared to the regional average of 10.0%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 2.7% while labour force grew by 2.8%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.5%. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 2.1%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise marginally to 4.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hawthorndene's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Hawthorndene had a median income among taxpayers of $58,081 and an average level of $72,463. Nationally, the median was $52,592 and the average was $64,886. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth project a median income of approximately $65,533 and an average of $81,760 in Hawthorndene. Census 2021 data shows incomes in Hawthorndene cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 34.6% of residents (1,219 people). Thirty-point-six percent earn over $3,000 per week. After housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of their income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Hawthorndene is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Hawthorndene's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consists of 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Adelaide metro's 78.8% houses and 21.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hawthorndene aligns with Adelaide metro at 39.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (53.0%) or rented (7.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,842, lower than Adelaide metro's $1,992 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Hawthorndene is $400, higher than Adelaide metro's $335 and 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 constitute the remaining 18.7%, with lone person households at 17.5% and group households comprising 1.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.6.

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 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.8% and graduate diplomas at 5.4%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.5% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (18.9%). Educational participation is high, 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. Hawthorndene Primary School serves the local community, enrolling 321 students. The school has a significant socio-educational advantage and high academic achievement (ICSEA score: 1113). There is one primary school in Hawthorndene, with secondary options available in nearby areas. However, limited local school capacity (9.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 21.2) means many families travel outside the area for schooling.

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 different routes, together facilitating 578 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is considered good with residents usually located 239 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 82 daily trips across all routes, equating to about 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Hawthorndene is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Hawthorndene exhibits above-average health outcomes with both young and elderly cohorts showing low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 56% (~1960 people) have private health cover, compared to 58.5% across Greater Adelaide.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.9%) and asthma (7.6%), while 70.6% report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in Greater Adelaide. The area has 19.5% (687 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 21.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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 lower cultural diversity, with 81.2% born in Australia, 93.7% being citizens, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 37.4%. Judaism was underrepresented at 0.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (34.1%), Australian (26.5%), and Scottish (8.5%). Welsh, Polish, and Dutch were overrepresented at 0.9%, 1.3%, and 2.2% respectively.

Hawthorndene hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Hawthorndene is 41 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 45-54 are particularly prominent, making up 14.8% of the population, while those aged 25-34 make up a smaller proportion at 9.1%. From 2021 to present, the percentage of people aged 85 and above has grown from 1.5% to 2.3%, while the percentage of those aged 65-74 has declined from 10.4% to 9.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate that the age cohort of 45-54 will increase significantly by 122 people, from 521 to 644, while the 65-74 age group is projected to decrease by 8 residents.