Mount Hawthorn - Leederville

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mount Hawthorn - Leederville's population is around 13,314 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,442 people (12.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,872 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,168 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 136 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,413 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mount Hawthorn - Leederville's 12.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 74.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth relative to national areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 2,175 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 15.2% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Mount Hawthorn - Leederville when compared nationally

Mount Hawthorn - Leederville has averaged around 63 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 317 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 4.2 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $241,000, aligned with broader regional development. Additionally, $54.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Relative to Greater Perth, Mount Hawthorn - Leederville has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks within the 25th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. Recent construction comprises 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Notably, developers are constructing more detached houses than the existing pattern implies (64.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The location has approximately 701 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Looking ahead, Mount Hawthorn - Leederville is expected to grow by 2,029 residents through to 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace relative to projected growth, although buyers could encounter increasing competition as the population increases.

Mount Hawthorn - Leederville has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 29 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the 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), with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Mount Hawthorn - Leederville has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Mount Hawthorn - Leederville possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation and an unemployment rate of 4.5%. As of December 2025, 8,039 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.4% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.7% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 2.9% versus the regional average of 5.5%. The ratio of 0.8 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 0.8% combined with employment decreasing by 1.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. This compares to Greater Perth, where employment grew by 2.3%, the labour force expanded by 2.6%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Mount Hawthorn - Leederville. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mount Hawthorn - Leederville's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Mount Hawthorn - Leederville SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $70,160 with the average level standing at $99,217. This is among the top percentile nationally and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $76,909 (median) and $108,762 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Mount Hawthorn - Leederville, between the 93rd and 94th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $4000+ earnings band captures 30.4% of the community (4,047 individuals), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 32.0%. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with 44.5% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 13.5% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 93rd percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Mount Hawthorn - Leederville displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Mount Hawthorn - Leederville, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 64.4% houses and 35.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Mount Hawthorn - Leederville was in line with that of Perth metro, at 27.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.2%) or rented (33.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Perth metro average at $2,383, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $425, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Mount Hawthorn - Leederville's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Mount Hawthorn - Leederville features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 68.0% of all households, comprising 32.7% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 26.9% and group households comprising 5.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Mount Hawthorn - Leederville shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Mount Hawthorn - Leederville significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 52.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 30.1% in Greater Perth. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 34.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.8%) and graduate diplomas (5.7%). Vocational pathways account for 23.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (13.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.7% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 7.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 69 active transport stops operating within Mount Hawthorn - Leederville, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 1,739 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 151 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 71%, with 11% by bus and 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 12.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 248 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Mount Hawthorn - Leederville is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Mount Hawthorn - Leederville demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (9,373 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.6% and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 74.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,769 people), which is lower than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Mount Hawthorn - Leederville is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 15.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 28.6% born overseas. The main religion in Mount Hawthorn - Leederville is Christianity, which makes up 41.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.7% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Mount Hawthorn - Leederville are English, comprising 26.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 21.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 7.7% in Mount Hawthorn - Leederville (vs 4.2% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.7%) and Polish at 1.0% (vs 0.7%).

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

With a median age of 37, Mount Hawthorn - Leederville is equal to the Greater Perth figure of 37 and remains comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 35 - 44 age group shows strong representation at 17.1% compared to Greater Perth, whereas the 75 - 84 cohort is less prevalent at 3.9%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.4% to 11.8% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 6.5% to 7.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.0% to 13.5% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 6.6% to 5.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Mount Hawthorn - Leederville's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 83% (431 people), reaching 952 from 520. Meanwhile, both the 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 age groups will see reduced numbers.