Mount Hawthorn (WA)

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Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, indicates the population of the suburb of Mount Hawthorn is estimated to be approximately 8,686 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 503 people (6.1%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,183 people. This shift is calculated from the resident population of 8,680, estimated by Districts after examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and incorporating an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 3,559 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Mount Hawthorn in the upper quartile of national locations assessed by Districts. Population growth in the area was mostly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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The suburb of Mount Hawthorn has a highly educated workforce, with professional services highly represented, an unemployment rate of 4.4%, and relatively stable employment over the past year, according to Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 5,050 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% higher than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is significantly above the benchmark (77.7% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%). Census responses indicate that a low 12.2% of residents worked from home, though the impacts of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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The suburb of Mount Hawthorn shows a median taxpayer income of $69,482 and an average of $97,549 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. This is exceptionally high nationally, contrasting with Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $77,076 (median) and $108,211 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Mount Hawthorn, between the 93rd and 95th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 33.2% earning $4000+ weekly (2,883 residents), diverging from the region where the - category predominates at . The substantial proportion of high earners ( above /week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the area. After housing costs, residents retain of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within the suburb of Mount Hawthorn, evaluated at the most recent Census, consisted of 77.7% houses and 22.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to the Perth metro average of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Concurrently, the level of home ownership in the suburb of Mount Hawthorn matched that of the Perth metro area at 30.7%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (42.8%) or rented (26.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Perth metro average at $2,518, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $420, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, mortgage repayments in the suburb of Mount Hawthorn are substantially higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are considerably above the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 74.7% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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Educational attainment in the suburb of Mount Hawthorn significantly exceeds wider benchmarks, with 50.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 30.1% in Greater Perth. This major educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 33.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways account for 23.2% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (13.0%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 48 active transport stops operating within the suburb of Mount Hawthorn, 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 154 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 75%, with 10% by bus and 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 12.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Mount Hawthorn, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups , and the rate of private health cover found to be exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population (5,725 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth. The national average is 55.7%.

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Mount Hawthorn was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 14.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 25.9% born overseas. The main religion in Mount Hawthorn was found to be Christianity, which makes up 42.8% of people in Mount Hawthorn. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.8% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

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With a median age of 37, Mount Hawthorn is equal to the Greater Perth figure of 37 and remains comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 5 - 14 age group shows strong representation at 15.7% compared to Greater Perth, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.9%. In the period since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 6.1% to 7.5% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.3% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.9% and the 45 to group dropped from to . Looking ahead to demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Mount Hawthorn's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the to group will grow by ( people), reaching from . Meanwhile, both to and to age groups will see reduced numbers.

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Mount Hawthorn currently has an estimated 538 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 275 children aged 0-2 and 183 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 10% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 1% by 2041 (to approximately 545 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 857. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.0 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.