Carnegie (Vic.)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Carnegie's population is estimated at around 20,586 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,677 people (14.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,909 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 20,569, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 349 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,578 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by Districts, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. the suburb of Carnegie's 14.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (8.0%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately of overall population gains during recent periods.

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The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education, strong representation in professional roles, and an unemployment rate of 4.5%, with stable employment conditions observed over the preceding year. As of March 2026, 12,587 residents are employed, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.3% below the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, while participation is registered at 72.4% compared to 70.2% regionally. Census returns show that 44.5% of the working population operated from home, though this figure reflects the influence of pandemic lockdowns.

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Tax office data for the 2023 financial year indicates a median taxpayer income of $58,809 and an average of $78,028. Based on a Wage Price Index rise of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, estimated figures would stand at approximately $64,466 for the median and $85,534 for the average as of March 2026. Individual weekly income at the 2021 Census placed in the 79th percentile at $1,005, while household income ranked in the 57th percentile. The largest income bracket contains 31.8% of residents (6,546 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the metropolitan pattern where 32.8% of the population falls into this category. Housing costs account for 16.6% of income, while disposable income ranks in the th percentile, and the SEIFA index places the area in the th decile.

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Residential housing composition at the most recent Census consisted of 32.0% detached houses and 68.0% multi-unit options, compared to the Melbourne metropolitan split of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Owner-occupation rates stood at 26.9%, which is lower than the metropolitan average, with the remaining tenure comprised of mortgaged properties (29.7%) and rental properties (43.4%). The median monthly home loan payment was $2,040, which is higher than the metropolitan average of $2,000, while the median weekly rental cost was $395, compared to $390 across Melbourne. These local housing costs also exceed the Australian median mortgage payment of $1,863 and the national median rent of $375.

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Family units constitute 58.7% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 24.5%, couples without children at 25.9%, and single-parent homes at 6.7%. The remaining 41.3% consists of non-family households, with single-person households representing 34.9% and group households making up 6.4%. The median household occupancy of 2.2 residents is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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Educational outcomes in the area are high, with 55.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to national and state levels of 30.4% and 33.4% respectively. Bachelor degrees represent the most common level at 33.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 17.5% and graduate diplomas at 4.3%. Vocational qualifications are held by 20.6% of those aged 15 and over, split between advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificate level qualifications at 10.4%.

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Analysis indicates there are 67 active public transport stops in the suburb, consisting of bus and lightrail options. These stops are serviced by 15 separate routes, which accommodate 7,350 passenger trips each week. Transport access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 169 meters from their nearest stop. Because of the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with 69% traveling by car and 18% using the train. Vehicle ownership sits at 0.8 cars per household, which is below the metropolitan average. At the 2021 Census, 44.5% of residents worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Assessments of mortality and health conditions show positive outcomes across the locality, with chronic illness rates tracking low in the general community and matching national averages among older populations, while private health coverage is high at 58% of the population, representing about 11,861 people.

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The area exhibits high levels of cultural diversity, with 39.8% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 44.7% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, held by 34.2% of residents. However, the most pronounced local concentration is in Judaism, which accounts for 6.6% of the population, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 1.0%.

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The local median age of 35 is slightly below the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national average of 38. The 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented at 25.0% of the population, which is above the national average of 14.6%, while children aged 5 - 14 represent a lower share at 7.6%. The median age has decreased by 1.1 years from 36 since 2021, driven by the 25 to 34 cohort increasing from 21.8% to 25.0% and the 15 to 24 cohort rising from 11.6% to 13.2%, while the 5 to 14 cohort fell from to and the to cohort decreased from to . Projections to indicate the to group will grow by to reach residents, adding people, while the to group is expected to grow by only , adding people.

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Carnegie currently has an estimated 885 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 527 children aged 0-2 and 352 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 3% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 24% by 2041 (to approximately 1,094 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,233. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.3 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.