Hawthorn East
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Hawthorn East are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Hawthorn East's population was approximately 17,509 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,825 people from the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 15,684. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures for June 2024 (17,318) and validated new addresses since the census date (168). This results in a density ratio of 4,583 persons per square kilometer, placing Hawthorn East within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's population grew by 11.6% between the 2021 Census and August 2025, exceeding both its SA3 area (6.8%) and SA4 region growth rates. Overseas migration contributed approximately 90.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as natural growth and interstate migration also playing positive roles.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041 based on these aggregations. According to demographic trends, Hawthorn East is projected to have an above median population growth nationally, with an expected increase of 2,474 persons by 2041, representing a total gain of 13.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Hawthorn East has seen approximately 62 new homes approved annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows 311 homes over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with 41 approved so far in FY-26. On average, around 1.8 new residents arrive per new home each year over these five years. However, recent data indicates this has increased to 17.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. New homes are valued at an average of $1,372,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

Commercial approvals totaled $45.3 million in FY-26, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hawthorn East has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 33rd percentile nationally, offering relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. Building activity comprises 44.0% detached houses and 56.0% medium and high-density housing, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers seeking affordable entry pathways. With around 518 people per dwelling approval, Hawthorn East demonstrates a developed market.

Population forecasts project an increase of 2,283 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace but potentially intensifying competition among buyers as the population grows.

Hawthorn East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include Eastern Freeway upgrades from Bulleen to Springvale Road, Camberwell Junction Activity Centre development, Camberwell House project, and Hawthorn East Retarding Basin upgrade. The following list details projects most relevant:.

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

Employment conditions in Hawthorn East demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Hawthorn East has a highly skilled workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% in the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 3.7%. As of June 2025, 11,108 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was 69.9%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.6% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.7%, labour force grew by 2.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.8% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hawthorn East's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Hawthorn East has high incomes nationally. The median income is $68,757 and the average is $116,319. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's median income is $54,892 and average is $73,761. By March 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $75,708 (median) and $128,079 (average), based on a 10.11% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data from 2021 ranks Hawthorn East's household, family, and personal incomes between the 80th and 92nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 29.8% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (5,217 individuals), aligning with surrounding regions at 32.8%. Notably, 38.0% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 15.1% of income, with residents ranking in the 80th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Hawthorn East features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Hawthorn East, as per the latest Census, consisted of 32.0% houses and 68.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This differs from Melbourne metro's composition of 55.5% houses and 44.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hawthorn East stood at 29.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.8% and rented dwellings at 41.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,492, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $3,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $451. Nationally, Hawthorn East's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Hawthorn East features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 59.9% of all households, including 25.3% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.1%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households comprising 6.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Educational achievement in Hawthorn East places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Hawthorn East's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. 61.2% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 37.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.3%). Vocational pathways account for 17.0%, with advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 7.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in tertiary, 7.8% in primary, and 7.1% in secondary education. The five schools in Hawthorn East have a combined enrollment of 2,797 students. Educational performance is exceptional (ICSEA: 1153), placing local schools among the most advantaged nationally. The educational mix includes two primary, two secondary, and one K-12 school.

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

Hawthorn East has 41 active public transport stops serving a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are covered by seven routes which together facilitate 3,657 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 220 meters.

Daily service frequency averages 522 trips across all routes, translating to around 89 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Hawthorn East demonstrates excellent health outcomes, with a low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 79% of its total population (13,814 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.9% and 7.6% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 73.3%, report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 73.8%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (15.6%, or 2,740 people) compared to Greater Melbourne (19.4%). Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Hawthorn East are strong and largely align with the general population's health profile.

Hawthorn East was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Hawthorn East's population showed significant cultural diversity, with 32.0% born overseas and 25.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hawthorn East, comprising 38.2%. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne (2.3% vs 0.9%).

The top three ancestry groups were English (22.8%), Australian (18.8%), and Chinese (9.9%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: French (0.8%, vs regional 0.6%), Greek (2.5%, vs 3.4%), and Sri Lankan (0.5%, vs 0.7%).

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

Hawthorn East's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years. This is modestly under the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Hawthorn East has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (21.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.0%). The 25-34 concentration in Hawthorn East is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the censuses of 2021 and 2026, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 13.2% to 15.3%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 20.1% to 21.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 12.6% to 11.0%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.5% to 9.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Hawthorn East's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 cohort is projected to grow by 37%, adding 486 residents to reach 1,817. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 55% of population growth, emphasizing demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.