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 Feb 2026, the population of Hawthorndene is estimated at around 3545 people. This reflects an increase of 156 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3389 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3532 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 648 persons per square kilometer, offering significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Hawthorndene has demonstrated 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, 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with Hawthorndene projected to increase by 406 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 12% in total 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Hawthorndene has experienced around 7 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past 5 financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 36 homes. So far in FY26, recorded approvals amount to 4. Over these 5 years, an average of 6.8 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

This indicates demand significantly exceeding new supply, which typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost for new properties is $557,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY26, commercial approvals have reached $311,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hawthorndene records approximately 61% of building activity per person and ranks in the 33rd percentile nationally for areas assessed, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties.

This activity is also below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All new construction has been detached dwellings, maintaining Hawthorndene's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 506 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hawthorndene is expected to grow by 425 residents through to 2041. If 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 13thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. 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. The following list details those likely to be 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 significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.0% as of September 2025, with estimated employment growth of 3.9% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

Residents' unemployment rate was 2.9% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation was higher at 73.5%. According to Census responses, 15.4% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. The area had a particular specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Retail trade had limited presence at 7.6%, compared to the regional average of 10.0%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.9% while 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%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation 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 the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 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 respectively for Greater Adelaide. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% between financial years 2023 to 2025, current estimates would be approximately $63,192 (median) and $78,840 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows that income levels in Hawthorndene cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. The majority of residents, 34.6% or 1,226 people, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly earnings bracket, similar to the metropolitan region where 31.8% occupy this range. Notably, 30.6% of Hawthorndene residents earn over $3,000 per week, indicating significant affluence and supporting premium retail and service offerings in the area. After accounting for 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 per the latest Census, consisted of 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 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 was $1,842, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Hawthorndene was $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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 18.7%, with lone person households at 17.5% and group households making up 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

Hawthorndene's residents aged 15 and above have a higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. 42.6% of its residents hold 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 (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.5% of residents holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 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.

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. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 239 meters from the nearest stop. As a residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 6% using train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above 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 stop.

Hawthorndene's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Hawthorndene. AreaSearch's assessment indicates very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~1,971 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.9 and 7.6% of residents respectively. 70.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over (691 people). Health outcomes among seniors are 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 level below average, with 81.2% of its population born in Australia, 93.7% being citizens, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, comprising 37.4% of Hawthorndene's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, with 0.0% versus 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.1%), Australian (26.5%), and Scottish (8.5%). Other ethnic groups showed notable differences: Welsh at 0.9% in Hawthorndene compared to 0.6% regionally, Polish at 1.3% versus 1.0%, and Dutch at 2.2% versus 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 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 are comparatively smaller at 8.9%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of people aged 85 and over has grown from 1.5% to 2.5%, while the proportion of those aged 65-74 has declined from 10.4% to 9.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate that the age cohort of 45-54 is expected to increase solidly by 118 people (23%), growing from 524 to 643. Conversely, the age group of 65-74 is projected to contract by 4 residents.