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 Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Hawthorndene statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,544 people. This reflects an increase of 155 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,389 people in the area. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,532 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 647 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, the Hawthorndene (SA2) has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. Looking ahead, population projections indicate an increase just below the median of national areas, with the area expected to increase by 419 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.3% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Hawthorndene recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Hawthorndene has received approximately 7 dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 36 homes. In FY26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 was 6.8 people. This high demand coupled with limited new supply typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost of new properties is $557,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $311,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hawthorndene records around 62% of building activity per person and ranks in the 33rd percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options while demand for established properties strengthens. New construction has solely comprised detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 506 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hawthorndene is expected to grow by 437 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Hawthorndene has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area significantly. Notable 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, with the following list highlighting those most relevant:.

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

Hawthorndene has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.0% and it experienced a 3.9% employment growth over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 2,088 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. The workforce participation rate in Hawthorndene is 67.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, the area specializes in education & training with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level, while retail trade has limited presence at 7.6% compared to the regional average of 10.0%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.9%, and labour force grew by 3.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 3.0% and labour force expand by 2.9%, with a 0.1 percentage point decrease in unemployment. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows South Australia's employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with SA's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. 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 this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 for financial year 2023, Hawthorndene had a median income among taxpayers of $58,081 and an average level of $72,463. These figures are above the national averages of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively for Greater Adelaide. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $63,192 and average income around $78,840. 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 (1,226 people), similar to metropolitan Adelaide where 31.8% occupy this range. Incomes over $3,000 per week are earned by 30.6%, indicating affluence and supporting premium retail services. After housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Hawthorndene's dwellings, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 78.8% houses and 21.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hawthorndene was 39.3%, similar to Adelaide metro, with the rest being mortgaged (53.0%) or rented (7.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,842, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,992. The median weekly rent figure was $400, higher than Adelaide metro's $335. 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 2.6.

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

Hawthorndene's educational attainment is notably high, with 42.6% of residents aged 15 and above possessing university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the 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 - advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 18.9%. Educational participation is notably high in the area, 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. These consist of a mix of train and bus services. There are 18 different routes operating in total, providing 580 weekly passenger trips combined.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents on average being located 239 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 82 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~1,971 people), compared to 59.3% across Greater Adelaide.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.9 and 7.6% of residents respectively, while 70.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (694 people), which is lower than the 21.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than 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's cultural diversity was found to be 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 in Hawthorndene, comprising 37.4% of people. However, Judaism had no representation (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%). Notably, Welsh (0.9%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.6%, as were Polish (1.3% vs 1.0%) and Dutch (2.2% vs 1.3%).

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 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 are less common at 9.1%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 7.0% to 7.8%, while the percentage of those aged 65 to 74 has declined from 10.4% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the age group of 45-54 will increase significantly, with an additional 118 people (a 23% rise) bringing the total to 643. Conversely, the 65-74 age group is projected to decrease by 10 residents.