Hawthorn (Vic.)

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According to population updates from the ABS for the surrounding region, alongside new address verifications by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Hawthorn (Vic.) is estimated to have a population of approximately 24,993 by May 2026. This represents an expansion of 2,671 individuals (12.0%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 22,322 individuals. The change is calculated from the resident population of 24,987, estimated by Districts following analysis of the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) and an extra 446 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 4,250 persons per square kilometer, positioning it within the highest 10% of national areas examined by Districts, indicating that local land is a highly coveted resource. The 12.0% expansion in the suburb of Hawthorn (Vic.) since the 2021 census was greater than the SA3 area (6.6%), and the SA region, establishing it as a local growth frontrunner. The demographic expansion was largely fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately of the overall population rise in recent times.

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Hawthorn has a highly educated labor force with a strong presence in professional services, an unemployment rate of 4.3%, and an estimated 2.2% growth in employment over the past year, based on Districts compilations of statistical area figures. As of March 2026, 16,489 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 0.4% lower than the Greater Melbourne rate of 4.8%, and labor force participation is significantly higher than normal (76.5% compared to 70.2% in Greater Melbourne). Based on Census details, a high 49.5% of residents worked from home, though the effects of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.

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Taxpayer income in Hawthorn places the area in the highest percentage bracket in the country based on the latest ATO statistics compiled by Districts for financial year 2023. The median income for taxpayers in the area is $66,115 and the average income is $149,767, compared to Greater Melbourne figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current projections estimate these figures at approximately $72,475 (median) and $164,175 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows individual incomes are prominent at the 91st percentile nationally ($1,207 weekly). The records indicate 31.0% of the population (7,747 individuals) earn in the $1,500 - range, mirroring regional patterns where of the population are in this bracket. High earners have a strong representation, with earning more than weekly, pointing to high spending power in the area. Housing costs consume of income, while strong earnings place residents in the th percentile for disposable income, and the SEIFA income rank for the area is in the th decile.

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The mix of residences in Hawthorn, recorded at the last Census, consisted of 24.3% houses and 75.7% other housing types (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to the Melbourne metro average of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other housing types. Meanwhile, home ownership rates in Hawthorn were lower than the Melbourne metro average, sitting at 27.6%, with the remaining residences being mortgaged (25.6%) or rented (46.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Melbourne metro average at $2,259, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $400, compared to Melbourne metro figures of $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, mortgage payments in Hawthorn are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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Family units are the most common household structure at 53.9% of all homes, consisting of 21.0% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 5.4% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements represent the remaining 46.1%, with single-person homes at 38.3% and shared houses making up 7.9% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.1 individuals is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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Educational levels in Hawthorn are significantly higher than broader averages, with 60.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This major academic benefit positions the local population well for knowledge-based employment. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 37.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.4%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Vocational training accounts for 16.6% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – consisting of advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (7.4%).

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Public transport analysis shows 80 transit stops operating in Hawthorn, consisting of a combination of tram and bus services. These stops are served by 12 distinct routes, providing a combined 10,485 weekly passenger trips. Transport convenience is rated as excellent, with residents on average situated 180 meters from the nearest transit stop. Being a largely residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area - the car is the main form of travel at 61%, with 16% taking the train and 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per household, which is below the regional average. A high 49.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; likely influenced by COVID-19 rules).

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Health data shows excellent trends across Hawthorn, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, with very low rates of common illnesses across all age brackets, and the level of private medical insurance is exceptionally high at roughly 86% of the overall population (21,389 people). This compares to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

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Hawthorn exhibits greater cultural diversity than most local markets, with 29.4% of its residents born overseas and 21.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Hawthorn is Christianity, accounting for 38.5% of the population. However, the most distinct variation is in Judaism, which makes up 1.0% of the population, compared to 1.0% in Greater Melbourne.

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With a median age of 33, Hawthorn is younger than Greater Melbourne, which averages 37, and is younger than the Australian average of 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Hawthorn has a greater proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (24.3%) but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (7.1%). This concentration of 25 - 34 year-olds is well above the national rate of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 15.7% to 19.5% of the population, while the 25 to 34 group increased from 22.3% to 24.3%. Conversely, the 35 to age bracket decreased from to and the to group fell from to . Population projections for point to major age shifts for Hawthorn. The to cohort has the highest expected growth at , adding residents to total . On the other hand, the to and to age brackets are projected to experience a reduction in numbers.

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Hawthorn currently has an estimated 749 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 437 children aged 0-2 and 289 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 12% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 8% by 2041 (to approximately 808 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,422. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.6 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.