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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of Mount Hawthorn is around 8,725, reflecting a 6.6% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 8,183 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,640 in June 2024, along with an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 3,575 persons per square kilometer, placing Mount Hawthorn in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, the suburb has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%, outpacing its SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch's projections for Mount Hawthorn are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking ahead, Mount Hawthorn is projected to have above median population growth, with an expected increase of 1,370 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 19.4% over the 17 years.

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 shows Mount Hawthorn averaged approximately 12 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 63 homes. Up to FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. Historically, around 14.5 new residents per year arrived per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply, which typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $880,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, $32.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Mount Hawthorn records markedly lower building activity, at 80.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's mature status is also reflected in its population density of around 1487 people per approval. Looking ahead, Mount Hawthorn is expected to grow by 1,695 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth. 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.

Mount Hawthorn has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 18 such projects that could impact this particular area. Notable among these are Litis Stadium Development and Britannia Reserve Upgrades, Scarborough Beach Road Streetscape Upgrade, Anzac Cottage Apartments, and the Scarborough Beach Road Activity Corridor Plan (Mount Hawthorn section). The following list details those projects likely to be 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 a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.6%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 5,312 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Mount Hawthorn is high at 80.8%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 12.2% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, manufacturing has lower representation at 3.1%, compared to the regional average of 5.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, Mount Hawthorn's labour force decreased by 2.8% and employment decreased by 3.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% 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 only.

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 latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Mount Hawthorn had a median income among taxpayers of $69,482 and an average income of $97,549. Nationally, these figures place Mount Hawthorn in the top percentile. In Greater Perth, median and average incomes were $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $76,166 (median) and $106,933 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Mount Hawthorn's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 93rd and 95th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 33.2% of locals 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 and 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.7% houses and 22.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Hawthorn was at 30.7%, similar to Perth metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.8% and rented ones at 26.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,518, higher than the Perth metro average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Mount Hawthorn was $420, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Mount Hawthorn's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,518 versus Australia's 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 account for 74.7% of all households, including 41.3% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up 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, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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 residents aged 15 and above have a notably high educational attainment, with 50.2% holding university qualifications compared to the broader Western Australian average of 27.9% and Greater Perth's 30.1%. This notable disparity indicates a significant educational advantage for Mount Hawthorn residents. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 33.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.3% and graduate diplomas at 5.9%. Vocational pathways account for 23.2% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 10.2% and certificates 13.0%.

Educational participation is notably high in Mount Hawthorn, with 31.9% of residents 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 are serviced by 8 different routes that together facilitate 1739 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 154 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes in this primarily residential area are outward-bound. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 75%, followed by buses at 10% and trains at 7%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 248 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 36 weekly trips per 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's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Approximately 66% of Mount Hawthorn's total population (5,751 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Perth's 59.0%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 7.6% and 6.9% of residents respectively. Notably, 76.4% of Mount Hawthorn residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 11.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,029 people), lower than Greater Perth's 16.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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 cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 14.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 25.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mount Hawthorn, accounting for 42.8% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, comprising 0.8% of Mount Hawthorn's population versus the regional average of 0.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (25.7%), Australian (23.0%), and Irish (8.8%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Welsh is overrepresented at 0.8% compared to the regional average of 0.7%, Italian at 7.9% versus 4.2%, and Polish at 1.0% compared to 0.7%.

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

Mount Hawthorn has a median age of 37, matching Greater Perth's figure of 37 and being comparable to Australia's median age of 38. The 5-14 age group makes up 15.3% of Mount Hawthorn's population, higher than Greater Perth's percentage. However, the 25-34 cohort constitutes only 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.3% to 11.7%, while the 65 to 74 cohort grew from 6.1% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort decreased from 7.3% to 5.9%, and the 45 to 54 group fell from 16.0% to 14.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Mount Hawthorn's age structure. Notably, the 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 26%, reaching 1,616 people from its current total of 1,282. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.