Carlton is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hamilton County in Central Texas, United States.

With growth stimulated by its location on the major area stagecoach line, Carlton prospered through the late 1870s and by 1878 possessed its own school and several churches.

The Stephenville North and South Texas Railway, part of the historic Cotton Belt Route, was built through Carlton in 1907 on its way from nearby Alexander to Hamilton.

Effects of the boll weevil blight of the 1920s and the Great Depression exacted a dire toll on Carlton.

Portions of Carlton's ZIP code: 76436 extend into neighboring areas of Comanche and Erath counties in Central Texas.