Hawthorn - North

Hawthorn - North is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

According to investigations by AreaSearch, the population of Hawthorn - North stands at approximately 10,910 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,020 individuals (10.3%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 9,890 people. This shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 10,910 for June 2025 alongside 29 validated new addresses identified after the Census. Such population numbers translate to a density of 4,435 persons per square kilometer, placing the location within the top 10% of all areas analyzed nationwide by AreaSearch, indicating intense demand for local land. The 10.3% rate of growth since the 2021 census outpaced both the SA3 area (6.6%) and the broader SA4 region, establishing it as a local growth frontrunner. The primary driver of this population expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 86.4% of the total demographic gains in recent times.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2. For SA2 areas where these details are unavailable, projections are sourced from the 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA release, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method to convert LGA figures to the SA2 level. The age group growth rates derived from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the period from 2032 to 2041. Looking at upcoming demographic patterns, population growth is projected to run just under the national median, with the location expected to add 1,172 individuals by 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP data, representing a cumulative increase of 10.7% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Hawthorn - North is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Approximately 13 residential building approvals are granted annually in Hawthorn - North, amounting to a total of 68 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 11 approvals have been registered. Given that only 0.7 people moved to the neighborhood for every new home built during the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, residential construction is keeping pace with or running ahead of demand. This gives purchasers broader choices and facilitates population expansion that may outstrip current forecasts, with new homes averaging a construction cost of $1,301,000, pointing to a developer emphasis on high-end, premium properties. Furthermore, commercial approvals have reached $3.5 million this financial year, suggesting a minor emphasis on business development.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, building approvals in Hawthorn - North are significantly subdued, tracking 76.0% below regional average per person. This restricted flow of new housing generally aids demand and property values for existing residences. Construction levels also fall short of the national benchmark, reflecting the established character of the suburb and pointing to possible planning constraints. The mix of new construction consists of 42.0% detached houses and 58.0% multi-dwelling options like townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser accommodation offers more affordable pathways to entry and attracts downsizers, property investors, and first-time buyers. With approximately 1291 people for every residential approval, Hawthorn - North demonstrates a highly mature property market.

Looking forward, Hawthorn - North is projected to add 1,172 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If building activity remains at its current levels, the volume of new housing could fall behind population growth, which is likely to increase buyer rivalry and support upward pressure on prices.

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

Local infrastructure, major construction projects, and planning changes play a significant role in area performance. AreaSearch has identified 32 projects expected to influence this locality. Prominent developments include Scotch Hill Gardens, Richmond Riverside, Clyde Street Development, and the Eastern Freeway Upgrades: Hoddle Street to Burke Road, with the key details of relevant projects listed below.

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

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Employment performance in Hawthorn - North exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

The local workforce in Hawthorn - North is highly educated, featuring a strong concentration of workers in professional services, an unemployment rate of just 4.0%, and a 2.6% rise in estimated employment over the past year. In March 2026, there were 7,065 employed residents, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.8% below the Greater Melbourne level of 4.8%. The workforce participation rate is exceptionally high at 75.4% compared to 70.2% across Greater Melbourne. Census responses indicate that a significant 49.3% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure should be viewed in light of Covid-19 restrictions.

The major employment industries for local residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The suburb exhibits a clear specialization in professional & technical services, where the share of employment is 1.8 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, construction has a minor footprint, employing 4.7% of workers compared to 9.7% across the region. A ratio of 0.7 workers for every resident at the time of the Census indicates a higher than average availability of local jobs.

An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that during the 12 months leading to March 2026, employment grew by 2.6% and the total labor force expanded by 2.5%, which led to a 0.1 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.1% and the labor force grow by 2.3%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future labor demand in Hawthorn - North. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future employment trends. While overall national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rate of change varies widely by sector. Applying these industry projections to the local workforce mix suggests employment in Hawthorn - North could rise by 7.4% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, noting that this is a basic weighted projection for illustration and does not incorporate local population forecasts.

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

Based on AreaSearch's compilation of postcode-level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, the median taxpayer income in the Hawthorn - North SA2 was $68,076, while the average income stood at $127,336. These figures place the area in the top national percentiles, compared to Melbourne-wide figures of $57,688 for median and $75,164 for average. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $74,625 for median and $139,586 for average income. Census data shows that household, family, and individual incomes in Hawthorn - North are elevated, ranking between the 83rd and 91st percentiles nationally. The income distribution is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, containing 29.1% of residents (3,174 people), which aligns with the metropolitan trend where 32.8% of the population falls into this category. The large proportion of high-income earners (39.6% earning over $3,000/week) shows substantial financial strength across the community. Housing costs consume 14.9% of income, while strong personal earnings place local residents in the 83rd percentile for disposable income, and the suburb's SEIFA ranking for income falls in the 10th decile.

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

According to the latest Census, the housing landscape in Hawthorn - North consisted of 28.2% houses and 71.7% other dwellings, such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative housing types. This contrasts with the metropolitan Melbourne profile of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hawthorn - North matched the metropolitan rate at 30.4%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (25.7%) or occupied by renters (43.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,800 was considerably higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent was $401 compared to the metropolitan average of $390. From a national perspective, mortgage commitments in Hawthorn - North are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents also exceed the national benchmark of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 58.5%, consisting of couples with children at 24.6%, couples without children at 26.4%, and single parents with children at 6.0%. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.5%, with lone person households representing 33.6% and group living situations representing 7.9% of the total. The median size of households is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Attainment levels for education in Hawthorn - North are significantly higher than broader averages, with 59.9% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% across VIC. This educational lead positions the community well to benefit from knowledge-sector employment. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 37.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 17.3% and graduate diplomas at 5.1%. Vocational qualifications account for 16.6% of credentials among those aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 7.5%.

Enrolment rates in education are elevated, with 33.2% of residents currently undertaking formal study. This student population includes 14.0% in higher education, 6.8% in primary schools, and 6.8% enrolled in secondary schools.

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

Public transport services in Hawthorn - North feature 25 active stops, consisting of a combination of lightrail and bus options. These locations are served by 10 separate routes, which support 7,762 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 219 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the suburb, most working residents travel out of the area, with private cars remaining the principal method at 63%, followed by train travel at 14% and walking at 11%. Car ownership averages 0.9 vehicles per household, which is below the metropolitan average. A high proportion of residents, 49.3%, work from home according to the 2021 Census, which may be influenced by COVID-19 factors.

Service schedules show an average of 1,108 daily trips across the transit network, translating to roughly 310 weekly trips for each individual stop.

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

Public health metrics reveal positive outcomes in Hawthorn - North, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the occurrence of chronic illnesses, which show very low rates of common medical conditions across all age cohorts. The rate of private health insurance is exceptionally high, covering approximately 80% of the population (8,771 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most frequent health diagnoses in the locality were mental health conditions and asthma, affecting 9.0 and 7.8% of the population respectively. Meanwhile, 73.4% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The working-age cohort shows strong health markers with a low rate of chronic disease. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 14.9% of the population (1,628 people), and health outcomes for this group are highly positive, with national comparisons reflecting those of the broader community.

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

Hawthorn - North displays higher levels of cultural diversity than most local areas, with 25.9% of residents born outside Australia and 18.3% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 40.4% of the population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.6% of residents, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

Regarding parental birthplaces, the three largest ancestry groups in Hawthorn - North are English at 25.2% of the population, which sits above the regional average of 20.1%, Australian at 20.2%, and Irish at 11.5%, which is notably higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Other key variations in ethnic backgrounds include Hungarian ancestry at 0.5% of the population (compared to 0.3% across the region), Polish at 1.0% (compared to 0.8%), and Sri Lankan at 0.6% (compared to 0.8%).

Hawthorn - North's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Hawthorn - North is 34 years, which is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and younger than the national average of 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, the area has a high proportion of people aged 15 - 24 (20.6%) but a smaller share of children aged 5 - 14 (7.4%). The concentration of residents aged 15 - 24 is well above the national level of 12.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the median age has fallen by 1.2 years, declining from 35 to 34. The 15 to 24 cohort expanded from 15.8% to 20.6% of the population, while the 25 to 34 age group rose from 19.7% to 22.1%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 9.4% to 7.4% and the 35 to 44 cohort fell from 13.8% to 11.9%. Population projections for 2041 indicate demographic shifts, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to see the largest increase of 19%, adding 447 people to reach 2,863, while the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to contract.