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

Carlton North's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at approximately 6,602 people. This figure represents a growth of 425 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a total population of 6,177. AreaSearch validated this estimate following examination of the latest ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and new addresses identified post-Census date. The estimated resident population is 6,592 as of that time. This results in a density ratio of approximately 3,530 persons per square kilometer, placing Carlton North in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate since the Census, at around 6.9%, is within 2.8 percentage points of the national average (9.7%), indicating strong population fundamentals.

Overseas migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by these projections, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting them using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Carlton North is expected to increase its population by approximately 1,274 persons by the year 2041, reflecting a total growth of around 19.8% over that period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Carlton North has had around 2 dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling approximately 11 homes. As of FY-26 so far, there have been 0 approvals recorded. The population has fallen during this period. Development activity has been adequate relative to population change, which could benefit buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $1,384,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $39.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Carlton North has lower building activity, which can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. However, building activity has accelerated recently. This activity is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

New development consists of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of medium-density options across price brackets. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (6.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. Carlton North has approximately 1311 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Carlton North is projected to add 1,307 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Piedimonte Supermarket Redevelopment, Brenan Place, Edison North Fitzroy, and Palladian (26-56 Queens Parade). The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The employment landscape in Carlton North shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Carlton North has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate was 5.5% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

In September 2025, 4,584 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.5%, 0.8% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was 75.7%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. The area shows strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share twice the regional level.

However, construction has limited presence at 4.2% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Local employment opportunities appear limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, labour force by 4.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victorian employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Carlton North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, assuming stable population projections.

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

Carlton North suburb has exceptionally high income levels nationally, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers is $63,855 and average income stands at $104,897, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates are approximately $69,123 (median) and $113,551 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Carlton North rank highly nationally, between 87th and 91st percentiles. Income analysis shows largest segment comprises 31.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,046 residents), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. Higher earners represent substantial presence with 39.8% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at 85th percentile and area's SEIFA income ranking places it in 10th decile.

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

Carlton North's dwellings, as per the latest Census, comprised 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 at 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 in Carlton North was $552, compared to Melbourne metro's $451. Nationally, Carlton North's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 44.6%, consisting of 27.2% lone person households and 17.5% group households. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is 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, with 66.8% holding university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian state average of 33.4%. The area's educational advantage is marked by a significant proportion of residents having bachelor degrees (39.9%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Technical qualifications also play a role, with advanced diplomas making up 7.6% and certificates 6.4%. Educational participation in Carlton North is notably 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.

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, serving a mix of light rail and bus routes. These stops are covered by 11 individual routes, facilitating 9,411 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 104 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

Across all routes, there are an average of 1,344 trips per day, which translates to approximately 268 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 across Carlton North. Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover rate is high at approximately 68% (4,495 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are most prevalent, affecting 11.4% and 9.5% respectively. 69.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 70.6%. Carlton North has 14.8% (977 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Melbourne's 12.1%. Seniors' health outcomes are strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Carlton North's population showed higher-than-average cultural diversity, with 23.6% born overseas and 14.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Carlton North as of 2016, accounting for 27.2%. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne (1.1% vs 0.8%).

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (25.0%), Australian (17.9%), and Irish (12.6%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: French (1.0% vs regional 0.8%), Welsh (0.8% vs 0.6%), and Italian (7.6% vs 4.8%) were notably overrepresented in Carlton North.

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 the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Carlton North has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (31.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.0%). This concentration 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. Key changes include an increase in the 25-34 age group from 28.4% to 31.8%, and a rise in the 75-84 cohort from 4.2% to 5.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 10.3% to 8.2%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 6.4% to 5.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Carlton North's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 46%, adding 249 residents to reach 791. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is projected to decline by 13 people.