Carlton North

Carlton 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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Carlton North, as of Nov 2025 its population is estimated at around 6,624. This reflects an increase of 447 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,177. The change was inferred from the resident population of 6,615, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,542 persons per square kilometer, placing Carlton North in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Carlton North's growth rate of 7.2% since census positions it within 1.7 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends project an above median population growth, with Carlton North expected to increase by 1,277 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 19.4% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Carlton North has experienced around 3 dwellings receiving development approval each year since the financial year ending June 2016. This totals an estimated 16 homes over the past five financial years. As of July 2021, in the current financial year ending June 2022 (FY-22), 0 approvals have been recorded.

Despite a population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to the population changes, which could be positive for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $1,384,000, indicating developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Carlton North shows substantially reduced construction, with 93.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nationally, Carlton North's development activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent construction comprises 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a focus on higher-density living that creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (6.0% at Census), suggesting continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. Carlton North has a population of around 1092 people per approval, indicating it is a mature, established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Carlton North will gain 1,288 residents by the year ending June 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag behind population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Carlton North has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 17 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable among these are Piedimonte Supermarket Redevelopment, Edison North Fitzroy, Palladian (26-56 Queens Parade), and Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID). The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Carlton North remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Carlton North has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in the technology sector. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 5.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.7% over the past year.

This figure is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In Carlton North, 4,717 residents are employed, which is 0.8% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. The workforce participation rate in Carlton North is 75.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The key industries for employment among Carlton North residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Notably, the area has a particularly high concentration of professional & technical jobs, with employment levels at twice the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 4.2% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment in Carlton North increased by 5.7%, while the labour force grew by 7.1%, leading to an unemployment rise of 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, and an unemployment increase of 0.5 percentage points. For future insights into potential job demand within Carlton North, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 can be considered. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Carlton North's employment mix suggests that local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, although it's important to note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Carlton North had a median income among taxpayers of $63,855. The average income was $104,897. These figures place Carlton North in the top percentile nationally. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes were $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Carlton North would be approximately $71,620 (median) and $117,652 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Carlton North rank highly nationally, between the 87th and 91st percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.0% of residents (2,053 people), similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 32.8%. Economic strength is evident through 39.8% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 85th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Carlton North displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Carlton North, as per the latest Census, had 6.1% houses and 93.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 12.8% houses and 87.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Carlton North was 28.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.9% and rented ones at 51.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,326. Median weekly rent was $552, compared to Melbourne metro's $451. Nationally, Carlton North's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $552 compared to the national figure of $375.

Carlton North features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 55.4% of all households, including 17.6% couples with children, 29.7% couples without children, and 6.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 44.6%, with lone person households at 27.2% and group households making up 17.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.0.

Carlton North shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Carlton North has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above. The area surpasses national averages with 66.8% holding university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 39.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Technical qualifications make up 14.0%, with advanced diplomas at 7.6% and certificates at 6.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.0% in tertiary education, 4.6% in primary education, and 3.8% pursuing secondary education. Carlton North Primary School and SEDA College (Victoria) - Cricket Australia - Carlton serve the area, collectively educating 285 students. The area's educational performance is exceptional, with an ICSEA score of 1152, placing local schools among the most advantaged nationally. Educational provision follows conventional lines, split between one primary and one secondary institution. However, limited local school capacity (4.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 10.3) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling. Note: if schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Carlton North has 35 active public transport stops, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 14 different routes, together facilitating 7,048 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 104 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 1,006 daily trips across all routes, translating to about 201 weekly trips per individual stop.

Carlton North's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows robust health performance in Carlton North across all age groups. Both younger and older residents have low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover stands at approximately 68% (4510 people), exceeding the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 11.4%, while asthma impacts 9.5% of residents. A total of 69.6% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 70.6%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 14.7% (973 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 12.1%. Health outcomes among seniors exceed those of the general population in Carlton North.

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

Carlton North has a higher-than-average cultural diversity, with 23.6% of its population born overseas and 14.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Carlton North, making up 27.2% of people. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 1.1% versus 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.0%), Australian (17.9%), and Irish (12.6%). Some ethnic groups are notably divergent in representation: French at 1.0% (regional average is 0.8%), Welsh at 0.8% (0.6%), and Italian at 7.6% (4.8%).

Carlton North's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Carlton North's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Carlton North has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (31.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.0%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that younger residents have lowered the median age by 1.1 years to 32 years old. Key changes include an increase in the 25 to 34 age group from 28.4% to 31.8%, and a rise in the 75 to 84 cohort from 4.2% to 5.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 10.3% to 8.2%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 6.4% to 5.0%. Demographic modeling indicates that Carlton North's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to grow strongly, adding 247 residents to reach a total of 791. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to decline by 13 people.