Carnegie

Population growth drivers in Carnegie are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of Carnegie is estimated at around 20,586 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 17,909 people, marking a growth of 2,677 individuals (14.9%). The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 20,569, based on examination of the June 2025 ABS ERP data release and validation of 349 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 5,578 persons per square kilometer, placing Carnegie in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate exceeded both its SA4 region (8.0%) and state averages between the 2021 Census and May 2026. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch is using 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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, significant population growth is forecast for Carnegie. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 5,536 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 26.8% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Carnegie among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Carnegie has experienced around 97 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 489 homes were approved, with a further 67 approved in FY26 as of now. On average, 2.5 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $667,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year has seen $23.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Carnegie has 19% less new development per person but ranks among the 57th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 12% standalone homes and 88% townhouses or apartments, showing a trend towards denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 275 people per dwelling approval, Carnegie exhibits signs of a developing market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Carnegie is expected to grow by approximately 5,519 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Housing Choices Carnegie - Egan Street, Eighty East, Lord Reserve Pavilion Redevelopment, and Carnegie Station & Level Crossing Removal. The following list details those likely 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 labour market in Carnegie demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Carnegie has a highly educated workforce. The unemployment rate is 4.2%. Employment stability has been relative over the past year.

As of December 2025, there are 12,566 residents employed. The unemployment rate is 0.5% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation is 72.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 44.5% of residents work from home.

Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Carnegie shows strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Construction is under-represented, at 6.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.1%, labour force decreased by 0.1%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Carnegie. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Carnegie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Carnegie had a median taxpayer income of $58,809 and an average income of $78,028 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is high nationally, compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $64,466 (median) and $85,534 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 79th percentile ($1,005 weekly), while household income sits at the 57th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 31.8% of locals (6,546 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Carnegie displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Carnegie's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 32.0% houses and 68.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Carnegie was at 26.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (29.7%) or rented (43.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,040, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Carnegie was $395, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Carnegie's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Carnegie features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 58.7% of all households, including 24.5% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 41.3%, with lone person households at 34.9% and group households comprising 6.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Carnegie demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Carnegie's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 55.3% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in Victoria. This high level of educational attainment positions the area well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 33.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%).

Vocational pathways account for 20.6% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 10.2% and certificates 10.4%. Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in tertiary education, 7.1% in primary education, and 5.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Carnegie has 67 active public transport stops, offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 15 different routes, collectively facilitating 7,350 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 169 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains dominant at 69%, while train usage stands at 18%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 44.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,050 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 109 weekly trips per stop.

Carnegie's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Carnegie.

AreaSearch's assessment indicates low prevalence of common health conditions among the general population, nearing the nation's average for older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high, approximately 58% of the total population (~11,861 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.9 and 6.8% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 74.2%, declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,046 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Carnegie is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Carnegie's cultural diversity is notable, with 39.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 44.7% born overseas. Christianity is the primary religion in Carnegie, comprising 34.2%. However, Judaism stands out at 6.6%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (17.7%), Australian (15.7%), and Other (14.5%). Notably, Russian (1.7%) is overrepresented compared to the regional figure of 0.4%. Similarly, Polish stands at 1.5% versus a regional average of 0.8%, and Hungarian is present at 0.6% against a regional average of 0.3%.

Carnegie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Carnegie's median age was 35 years in an unspecified year, slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and somewhat younger than the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constituted 25.0%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage but lower than the national figure of 14.6%. The 5-14 age group was less prevalent at 7.6% compared to Greater Melbourne. From 2021, Carnegie's median age dropped by 1.1 years to 35 from a previous 36. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 21.8% to 25.0%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.6% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 9.1% to 7.6%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.6% to 10.5%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Carnegie. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 25%, adding 1,268 residents to reach a total of 6,415. In contrast, the 15-24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 4% (118 people).