suburb.guide

VIC · Melbourne Council

Carlton North, 3054

Current weather

11.3°CLight drizzle

82% humidity · 23.4 km/h wind · 12.9° / 10.7° today · 8.3 mm rain

Updated

Desirability score

54.7/100
Average

Top 25% of Victoria's suburbs

89% data confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Green suburb
  • Excellent transport
  • Cycling
  • Dog friendly
  • High desirability
What Carlton North is known for: Green suburb, Excellent transport, Cycling, Dog friendly, High desirability

Suburb profile

Carlton North is a practical mid-sized suburb in Melbourne, well placed for families who want metro access without the inner-city squeeze. Its inner position means surrounding suburbs are never far away, whether for a meal out or a change of scene. Leafy streets and shaded corners make the suburb feel greener and more established than many nearby.

The community skews younger, with a community of people who commute and work locally. A genuine café and dining culture runs through the area, with locals returning to favourite spots. Green space is a real strength, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb.

Public transport links make it easy to move between neighbouring suburbs without relying on the car. Homes here are sought-after, with many people drawn to the lifestyle the area offers.

On the desirability index, the suburb sits around average overall, mainly because housing affordability and local dining and lifestyle amenities lag similar metro suburbs, despite relative strength in growth momentum and transport and access.

Population

Population
6,177
Median age
33
Median household income / week
$2,400
Dwelling vacancy
13.4%
Unoccupied private dwellings
404 of 3,017
Median monthly mortgage
$2,500
Employment rate
72.9%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
97 / 1,865 / 548

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Total offences (2026)
489
Against the person
39
Against property
379
Rate per 1,000 residents
79.2
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 158 residents
State safety percentile
66.8th (lower crime is better)
Decrease (daily rate)
-11.9%

Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.

Reported offences by period

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage31
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theft45
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle151
  • B49 Other Theft51
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Order24

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Schools & preschools

Schools & preschools
2
Median school ICSEA (2 schools)
1,147.5
  • Carlton North Primary SchoolPrimary
  • Princes Hill Primary SchoolPrimary

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

35 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Cemetery Road West/Royal Pde #14
  • Ievers St/Royal Pde #17
  • Leonard St/Royal Pde #15
  • Melbourne Cemetery/Lygon St #115
  • Walker St/Royal Pde #16

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Roadworks & transport

1 active roadworks / incidents

  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 17/06/2026 and 31/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed southbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.ROYAL PARADE, LEONARD STREET16 Jun 2026 – 30 Aug 2026

Data sources & freshness

  • Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh where supported

Planning & development

Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).

151 planning-related records

2021· 40 proposals

  • August 2021

  • Signage
    687 RATHDOWNE ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Signage
    302 RATHDOWNE ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Lapsed
  • Partial demolition of the existing dwelling, including full demolition of a carport and construction of alterations and additions to the existing dwelling (including a ground floor addition to the rear of the existing dwelling)
    918 DRUMMOND ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • VICSMART - Demolition, and reinstatement of the existing front fence to a dwelling
    723 RATHDOWNE ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Display of internally illuminated business identification signage
    687 RATHDOWNE ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Withdrawn
  • Amendment
    787 DRUMMOND ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Lapsed
  • Partial demolition, external alterations, including installation of a skylight.
    533 CANNING ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • VICSMART:Part demolition, and buildings and works to a dwelling.
    492 Canning StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and external alterations to the existing dwelling, including the replacement of the existing tessellated tiles and concrete paving with new tiles.
    436 CANNING ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Section 72 Amendment to Planning Permit PL03/0990 to alter the screening of the upper level rear window
    150 AMESS ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • VICSMART: Construction of clear roof sheeting on the side lightwell to a dwelling.
    583 CANNING ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and alterations to the existing dwelling.
    85 NEWRY ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Partial demolition and external alterations to the rear wall of the building
    150-154 PRINCES ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition, external alterations and an extension towards the rear of the existing two-storey dwelling.
    454 STATION ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Section 72 amendment to planning permit PLN16/0368 to amend the endorsed plans with primary changes including: ¿ Construction of a first-floor balcony to Bedroom 1; ¿ Construction of a first-floor en-suite ¿ Construction of a roof terrace.
    721 NICHOLSON ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • S72 Amendment to increase balcony alter floor levels and paint colours.
    502 CANNING ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Part demolition and alterations for an extension to the rear of the existing shop and reduction in the car parking requirement.
    795 NICHOLSON ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Part demolition for the construction of a single-storey garage at the rear of the existing dwelling.
    671 STATION ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Lapsed

  • May 2021

  • Partial demolition of the existing dwelling for the construction of a double-storey extension.
    565 CANNING ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • External alterations to the front of the existing dwelling, including paint removal and tuck pointing
    581 CANNING ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Part demolition, alterations and additions to the existing dwelling, including the construction of a pergola.
    7/767 NICHOLSON ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Part demolition, reconstruction of a verandah to the building.
    386 Rathdowne StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Part demolition, alterations to the existing dwelling
    492 Canning StLapsed
  • Two lot subdivision
    587 Nicholson StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and construction of a ground floor extension and basement
    96 PRINCES ST CARLTON NORTH 3054NOD issued by a delegate
  • Partial demolition and construction of buildings and works and construction and display of business identification signage
    627 RATHDOWNE ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • VICSMART: Demolition of the front fence and construction of a front fence.
    460-464 Park StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition for alterations and the construction of a double-storey extension and a double-storey outbuilding (garage/workshop) to the rear of the existing dwelling.
    329 STATION ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Section 72 amendment to planning permit which allows `conversion of the existing warehouse into four attached dwellings¿. Amendment proposes the following key changes: demolish upper level doors and windows, extend balcony area, and install sliding doors and new balustrades to the balcony.
    721 RATHDOWNE ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Part demolition and construction of a ground and first floor addition to the existing dwelling.
    615 STATION ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and construction of a ground and first floor addition to the rear of the existing dwelling
    117 CURTAIN ST CARLTON NORTH 3054NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction and display of internally illuminated promotional signage
    ROAD SEG CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction and display of internally illuminated, promotion signage
    ROAD SEG CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and construction of a first floor addition to the rear outbuilding associated with the existing dwelling.
    129 AMESS ST CARLTON NORTH 3054NOD issued by a delegate
  • Signage
    288 Rathdowne StLapsed
  • Section 72 Amendment (retrospective) to install an air-conditioning unit
    587 Station StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Section 72 Amendment to reduce the height of the second storey addition and deletion of the two storey studio replaced with an open carport.
    194 AMESS ST CARLTON NORTH 3054Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Vicsmart - Amendment - Part demolition, reconstruction section of the front fence (less than 50%, repairs)
    582 Rathdowne StNo permit required
  • Amendment
    661 Canning StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • Partial demolition and external alterations to existing dwelling
    589 Nicholson StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

  • PPARS planning permit activity (statewide) — Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · Period: 2020–2022 · Updated on site · Public MapServer last updated Feb 2024 — applications through FY 2022–23 only; newer PPARS data requires council/API access

Amenities

187 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

  • Alcohol

    691 Nicholson Street

  • Streets Convenience 24 SevenAlcohol

    282 Rathdowne Street

  • A Treat of FranceBakery

    765 Nicholson Street

  • Natural Tucker BakeryBakery

    809 Nicholson Street

  • Moosa BarBar

    653 Nicholson Street

  • Bbq (2)
  • Brazilian ButterflyBeauty salon

    769 Nicholson Street

  • Grace & JoyBeauty salon

    725 Nicholson Street

  • Jessica Nail & BeautyBeauty salon

    705 Nicholson Street

  • Skin ChemistryBeauty salon

    683 Nicholson Street

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Parks & reserves

5 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Curtain SquarePark
  • Hardy ReservePark
  • Nicholson Street ReservePark
  • Princes ParkPark
  • Shakespeare Street ReservePark

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics
13
Emergency department
Not in suburb
  • Carlton North PharmacyNicholson Streetpharmacy
  • David Nolte PharmacyRathdowne Streetpharmacy
  • Doctors on NicholsonNicholson Streetdoctor
  • Gestalt CentreLygon Streetpsychotherapist
  • Inner North Centre for Mental WellbeingRathdowne Streetpsychotherapist
  • Inner North EndocrinologyNicholson Streetyes
  • North Carlton Dental GroupNicholson Streetdentist
  • Physio FirstNicholson Streetphysiotherapist
  • Pollinate HealthPark Streetphysiotherapist
  • Rathdowne Village Medical CentreRathdowne Streetclinic

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic (SEIFA)

IRSAD decile (2021)
10/10
IRSD decile (2021)
10/10

SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

4 state heritage places

  • CAMBRIDGE TERRACENH1606
  • FORMER CABLE TRAM ENGINE HOUSENH0718
  • MELBOURNE GENERAL CEMETERYNH1788
  • PRIMARY SCHOOL NO. 1252NH1626

Data sources & freshness

  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Period: current · Updated on site

Childcare

2 childcare services from OpenStreetMap

  • Gowrie Victoria Carlton North Early Learning CentreNewry Streetkindergarten
  • North Carlton Childrens Centrekindergarten

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Period: current · Updated on site

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
No overlay at centroid

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · Period: current · Updated on site

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
10
Parks (OSM)
5

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Desirability Index

Desirability score
54.7/100 — Average
State standing
Top 25% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
1412th in Australia
State rank
310th in VIC
Peer rank
#84 among Metro Melbourne · Growth area suburbs
Cohort rank
#220 among Metro Melbourne suburbs
Data confidence
89%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics

Recent changes

  • 1864 Caféamenitiescafe
  • A Treat of Franceamenities765 Nicholson Streetbakery
  • Absolute Thaiamenities651 Nicholson Streetrestaurant
  • Alcoholamenities691 Nicholson Streetalcohol
  • All Day Treamenities623 Rathdowne Streetcafe
  • Amann Patisserieamenities645 Nicholson Streetpastry
  • Amanoamenitiesclothes
  • Australia Postamenitiespost_box
  • Australia Postamenities667 Nicholson Streetpost_box
  • Backcare & Seatingamenities406 Rathdowne Streetfurniture

Data sources & freshness

More in Melbourne Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.