Carlton is a vibrant and diverse suburb known for Lygon Street’s Italian cafes and restaurants, Victorian heritage streets and buildings, and its leafy parks.
Many residents are local and international students, attending the University of Melbourne and RMIT University.
West of Swanston Street, the ‘City North’ precinct, blends warehouses with university and office buildings. Carlton also offers cultural, retail and residential facilities including the Melbourne Museum and the 19th century Royal Exhibition Building.
Did you know?
The Woi-wurrung name for Melbourne is narrm and narrm is on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri-willam.
Woi-wurrung language is used here with permission from the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
Carlton updates
Active projects and consultations
Carlton quick facts
- 21,376 residents: Carlton residents make up 11% of the total population of the City of Melbourne. (Source: Estimated Resident Population 2023)
- 1,031 businesses: Carlton businesses make up 7% of the total businesses in the City of Melbourne. (Source: CLUE 2023)
- 21,628 local jobs: Carlton local jobs make up 4% of the total jobs in the City of Melbourne. (Source: CLUE 2023)
- 28 median age: Compared with a median age of 28 for the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
- 55% born overseas: Compared with 55% of residents born overseas in the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
- 48% speak a language other than English at home: Compared with 46% of residents who speak a language other than English at home in the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
- 82% of dwellings are flats or apartments with three or more storeys: Compared with 85% of dwellings in the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
- 68% of households are renting: Compared with 63% of households in the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
- 10.3% live with a mental health condition: Compared with 8.1% of residents who live with a mental health condition in the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
Note:
- Data is sourced from 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census of Population and Housing, ABS Estimated Resident Population 2023, and 2023 Census of Land and Employment (CLUE).
- To access more data on Carlton, visit Carlton community profile on profile .id External link.
- To learn more about the ABS Census of Population and Housing, including definitions, visit: Guide to Census data External link.
Your Neighbourhood Partner: Nasteha Mohamud
Each of our 10 neighbourhoods has a dedicated City of Melbourne staff member to support the community. Nas, the Neighbourhood Partner for Carlton, has strong local knowledge and can help you navigate council processes, drive local priorities and connect you with grants for community projects.
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Chat with one of our friendly team members during business hours who can answer your question or connect you with your Neighbourhood Partner.
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