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 is estimated at 6,602 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a growth of 425 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,177. The current resident population estimate of 6,592 was inferred from AreaSearch's analysis of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3,530 persons per square kilometer, placing Carlton North in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87% of population gains recently.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 are used with adjustments made via weighted aggregation 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 1,273 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 19.8% 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 2 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years ending June 30th, totalling an estimated 11 homes. So far in the financial year 2026 (FY-26), which started on July 1st, 2025 and ends on June 30th, 2026, 0 approvals have been recorded. Given that population has fallen over this period, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, potentially benefiting buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $1,384,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

Additionally, $39.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Carlton North records markedly lower building activity. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (6.0% at Census), reflecting persistent 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 1,310 residents by 2041, according to 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Piedimonte Supermarket Redevelopment, Brenan Place, Edison North Fitzroy, and Palladian (26-56 Queens Parade). The following list details those most likely to be 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 a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector prominently represented. Its unemployment rate was 5.5% in September 2025, showing an estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of that date, 4,580 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is 0.8% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

The workforce participation rate in Carlton North was 80.9%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses indicated that 52.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment among Carlton North residents is concentrated in professional & technical services (with a share 2.0 times the regional level), health care & social assistance, and education & training. The construction sector has limited presence, with only 4.2% of employment compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the difference between the Census working population count and the resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment in Carlton North increased by 4.1%, while the labour force grew by 4.8%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide insight into potential future demand within Carlton North. These projections suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific 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 this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider 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 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 $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% would be approximately $69,123 (median) and $113,551 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Carlton North's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 87th and 91st percentiles. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 31.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,046 residents), aligning with regional levels at 32.8%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 39.8% exceeding $3,000 weekly. 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Carlton North's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 6.1% houses and 93.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Carlton North was at 28.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (19.9%) or rented (51.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for 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 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 constitute the remaining 44.6%, with lone person households at 27.2% and group households comprising 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 residents aged 15 and above, with 66.8% holding university qualifications. This figure surpasses both the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. The area's educational advantage is reflected in its strong representation of Bachelor degrees (39.9%), postgraduate qualifications (21.3%), and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Technical qualifications also contribute significantly to the area's educational achievements, with advanced diplomas at 7.6% and certificates at 6.4%.

Educational participation is high in Carlton North, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.0% pursuing tertiary education, 4.6% in primary education, and 3.8% in 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 services. These stops are covered by 11 different routes that collectively facilitate 9,411 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing just 104 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the primary mode of transportation at 48%, followed by cycling at 14% and walking at 13%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 52.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 1,344 trips per day, 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's health outcomes data shows excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be very low across all age groups. The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (4,495 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues impacted 11.4% of residents, while asthma affected 9.5%. A total of 69.6% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. The under-65 population had better than average health outcomes. Carlton North has 15.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,003 people), with seniors demonstrating strong health outcomes that align 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 high cultural diversity, with 23.6% born overseas and 14.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, at 27.2%. Judaism is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, at 1.1% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.0%), Australian (17.9%), and Irish (12.6%), significantly higher than regional averages of 18.3%, 14.4%, and 6.5%, respectively. Notably, French (1.0% vs 0.5%) and Welsh (0.8% vs 0.4%) are overrepresented, while Italian is slightly above the regional average at 7.6% versus 5.2%.

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

Carlton North's median age was 32 years as of the 2021 Census, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Carlton North had a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (31.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (4.9%). This concentration of young adults was notably higher than the national average of 14.4%. Post-Census data showed that younger residents had shifted the median age down by one year to 32 years old. Key changes included an increase in the 25 to 34 age group from 28.4% to 31.7%, and a rise in the 75 to 84 cohort from 4.2% to 5.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 10.3% to 8.2%, and the 35 to 44 group decreased from 13.8% to 12.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Carlton North's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort projected to grow by 46%, adding 250 residents to reach a total of 792. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by three people.