Mount Hawthorn

Population growth drivers in Mount Hawthorn are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Mount Hawthorn statistical area (Lv2) is around 8,729, reflecting a growth of 546 people (6.7%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 8,183. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 8,640 based on latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,577 persons per square kilometer, placing Mount Hawthorn (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from 2015 to 2025, Mount Hawthorn has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%, outpacing its SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting 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 to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with expectations of a 19.4% increase to reach 10,101 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Mount Hawthorn averaged around 12 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 63 homes. So far in FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 14.5 new residents arrived per year per dwelling constructed. This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $880,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $32.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Relative to Greater Perth, Mount Hawthorn records markedly lower building activity, 80.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's level is also below average nationally, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints.

New development consists of 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. At around 1487 people per approval, Mount Hawthorn shows a mature, established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mount Hawthorn is expected to grow by 1,696 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Mount Hawthorn has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that may affect this region. Notable ones include Litis Stadium Development and Britannia Reserve Upgrades, Scarborough Beach Road Streetscape Upgrade, Anzac Cottage Apartments, and Scarborough Beach Road Activity Corridor Plan (Mount Hawthorn section). The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Mount Hawthorn has been broadly consistent with national averages

Mount Hawthorn has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 3.6%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 5,316 residents are employed, with a 0.3% lower unemployment rate than Greater Perth's 4.0%. Workforce participation is high at 75.6% compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Manufacturing shows lower representation at 3.1% versus the regional average of 5.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population counts. In the 12 months prior, labour force decreased by 2.8% and employment by 3.6%, leading to a 0.8 percentage point unemployment rate rise. Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9% during this period. State-level data from 25-Nov shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Hawthorn's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Mount Hawthorn had a median income among taxpayers of $69,482. The average income stood at $97,549. Nationally, this places Mount Hawthorn in the top percentile. In Greater Perth, the median and average incomes were $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. As of September 2025, estimated median and average incomes are approximately $76,166 and $106,933, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%. Census 2021 income data shows Mount Hawthorn's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 93rd and 95th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 33.2% of locals (2,898 people) fall into the $4000+ category, unlike regional trends where 32.0% are in the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 48.5% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.5% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Mount Hawthorn's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.7% houses and 22.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Perth metro's structure of 37.1% houses and 62.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Hawthorn stood at 30.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.8% and rented ones at 26.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,518, higher than Perth metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Mount Hawthorn was $420, compared to Perth metro's $390. Nationally, Mount Hawthorn's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Mount Hawthorn has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.7% of all households, including couples with children (41.3%), couples without children (23.2%), and single parent families (8.9%). Non-family households account for the remaining 25.3%, with lone person households at 22.1% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.1.

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

Mount Hawthorn's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 50.2% have university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 30.1% in Greater Perth. Bachelor degrees are most common at 33.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways account for 23.2% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 13.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.9% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mount Hawthorn has 48 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 8 different routes that together facilitate 1,739 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 154 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 248 trips per day, which translates to approximately 36 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Hawthorn's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Mount Hawthorn demonstrates excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover stands at approximately 66% (5,754 people), compared to 69.5% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 7.6% of residents, while asthma impacts 6.9%.

A total of 76.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 74.5% in Greater Perth. The area has 11.2% (977 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Perth's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mount Hawthorn was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Hawthorn's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 14.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 42.8%. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, comprising 0.8% versus 0.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.7%), Australian (23.0%, notably higher than the regional average of 18.0%), and Irish (8.8%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Welsh at 0.8% (versus 0.7% regionally), Italian at 7.9% (versus 5.3%), and Polish at 1.0%.

Mount Hawthorn's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Mount Hawthorn has a median age of 37 years, matching Greater Perth's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38 years. The 5-14 age group constitutes 15.4%, higher than Greater Perth's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.7% of Mount Hawthorn's population. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.3% to 11.4%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 16.0% to 14.8%, and the 0-4 age group has dropped from 7.3% to 6.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Mount Hawthorn's age structure. Notably, the 55-64 cohort is projected to grow by 33% (adding 332 people), reaching a total of 1,354 from its current figure of 1,021. Simultaneously, both the 5-14 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.