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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since Feb 2026, the suburb of Carlton North has an estimated population of around 6,602. This figure represents a rise of 425 individuals (6.9%) from the 2021 Census total of 6,177 people. AreaSearch arrived at this estimate by examining the resident population of 6,592, derived from the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and subsequent address validation. This results in a population density ratio of 3,530 persons per square kilometer for Carlton North, placing it among the upper quartile of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 87.0% of the overall population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting them through 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. By 2041, Carlton North is projected to experience above median population growth based on aggregated SA2-level projections, with an increase of 1,266 persons anticipated over the 17-year period. This would result in a total population increase of 19.0%.

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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Carlton North has experienced around 2 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past 5 financial years. This totals an estimated 11 homes. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. During this period, population has fallen but development activity has been adequate relative to this decline, indicating a positive outlook for buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $1,384,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year, $39.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Carlton North records lower building activity, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. New development consists of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of opportunities 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 amid densification trends. The location has approximately 1311 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Future projections show Carlton North adding 1,256 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely to impact the area. 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.

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.

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

Carlton North has an educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 5.6% as of December 2025. Employment grew by 4.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of December 2025, 4,621 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is 0.8% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation was high at 81.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Census responses indicated that 52.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical (with a share 2.0 times the regional level), health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors.

Construction employment is limited at 4.2%, compared to the regional average of 9.7%. The area's predominantly residential nature suggests limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between the Census working population count and resident population. Over the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 4.0% while labour force grew by 4.5%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

Carlton North's median income among taxpayers was $63,855 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $104,897 during this period. These figures are higher than Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $69,123 and the average income around $113,551, based on an 8.25% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Carlton North rank highly nationally, between the 87th and 91st percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 31.0% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. This aligns with regional levels where this cohort also represents 32.8%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence, with 39.8% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income, but strong earnings still 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Carlton North, as per the latest Census data, 6.1% of dwellings were houses while 93.9% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Melbourne's metropolitan area where 67.9% of dwellings are houses and 32.1% are other dwellings. Home ownership in Carlton North stood at 28.7%, lower than Melbourne metro's rate. Dwellings were either mortgaged (19.9%) or rented (51.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Carlton North was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Carlton North was recorded at $552, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. 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 lower-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, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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. This figure surpasses the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. The area's residents have a strong educational advantage, with bachelor degrees being the most common at 39.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 21.3%, and graduate diplomas at 5.6%. Technical qualifications make up 14.0% of educational achievements in Carlton North, with advanced diplomas accounting for 7.6% and certificates for 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.

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 11 different routes, collectively facilitating 9,411 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 104 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 48%, followed by cycling at 14% and walking at 13%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 52.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,344 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 268 weekly trips per individual stop.

Carlton North's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Carlton North shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Approximately 68% of Carlton North residents have private health cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (11.4%) and asthma (9.5%). 69.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Under-65s have better than average health outcomes. Carlton North has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,016 people). Health outcomes among seniors are strong, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

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 shows above-average cultural diversity, with 23.6% born overseas and 14.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Carlton North, comprising 27.2%. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 1.1% of Carlton North's population versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (25.0%), Australian (17.9%), and Irish (12.6%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Notably, French (1.0%) Welsh (0.8%), and Italian (7.6%) ethnicities are also overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 0.4%, and 5.2% respectively.

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

Carlton North's median age is 32 years, which is notably younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Carlton North has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (31.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (4.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates a shift in median age, down by 1 year to 32. Key changes include an increase in the 25-34 age group from 28.4% to 31.9%, and an increase in the 75-84 cohort from 4.2% to 5.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 10.3% to 8.2%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 6.4% to 4.9%. Demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Carlton North's age profile by 2041. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 46%, adding 248 residents to reach 790. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is projected to decline by 11 people.