Hawthorn vs Kew
The verdict
Hawthorn is more affordable, with a median house price of $2.61M versus $2.84M in Kew. Hawthorn rates higher for transport (99 vs 91). Hawthorn is closer to the coast (6.8 km vs 8.4 km). On the separate residential safety score, Kew rates higher (70 vs 58/100 in Hawthorn).
Scores
| Hawthorn | Kew | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 97 | 93 |
| Transport | 99 | 91 |
| Education | 93 | 92 |
| Liveability | 98 | 96 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Hawthorn | Kew | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,322 | 24,499 |
| Median age | 34 | 41 |
| Median household income (wk) | $2,145 | $2,497 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 72.6% | 70.6% |
| Born in Australia | 67.9% | 66.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.1 | 2.5 |
Growth: Hawthorn Moderate Growth · Kew Moderate Growth
Property
| Hawthorn | Kew | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $2.61M | $2.84M |
| Median unit price | $595K | $830K |
| House price YoY | -22.1% | -44.8% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Rental yield (house) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Days on market (house) | Data not available | Data not available |
Median price history
Safety
| Hawthorn | Kew | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 58 | 70 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 614 | 559 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 444 | 257 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 143 | 78 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 6,478 | 5,098 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Hawthorn | Kew | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 11 | 13 |
| Government | 4 | 1 |
| Independent | 6 | 8 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,156 | 1,160 |
Transport
| Hawthorn | Kew | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 99 | 91 |
| Train stations | 0 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 19 | 70 |
| Light rail stops | 52 | 47 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 20 | 31 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 270 m | 250 m |
Liveability
| Hawthorn | Kew | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 25.8°C | 25.8°C |
| Winter max temp | 14.2°C | 14.2°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 600 | 600 |
| Supermarkets | 3 | 4 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 89 | 26 |
| Parks | 37 | 40 |
| Playgrounds | 18 | 21 |
| Swimming pools | 148 | 170 |
| Medical GPs | 4 | 2 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 6.8 km | 8.4 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 6.2 km | 6.3 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | 6.8 km | 8.4 km |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 3.5 km | 3.8 km |
Population & growth
| Hawthorn | Kew | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 22,322 | 24,499 |
| Estimated 2025 | 24,943 | 25,722 |
| Projected 2041 | 26,709 | 29,314 |
| Annual growth rate | 2.81% | 1.23% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Hawthorn or Kew?
Kew has the higher residential safety score (Hawthorn 58/100 vs Kew 70/100).
Which is more affordable, Hawthorn or Kew?
Hawthorn is more affordable, with a median house price of $2.61M versus $2.84M.
Which has better schools, Hawthorn or Kew?
Kew has a higher average school ICSEA (Hawthorn 1156 vs Kew 1160; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Hawthorn or Kew?
Hawthorn has the higher transport score (Hawthorn 99/100 vs Kew 91/100).
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