Carlton is a small census-designated place in the northeastern corner of Hamilton County, in Central Texas. It sits a short distance from Hico, which lies to the east along the U.S. Highway 281 and State Highway 6 corridor, and roughly between the county seat of Hamilton to the south and Stephenville to the north. The 2020 census counted 102 residents, marking it as one of the county's quietest and most rural settlements. Hamilton County was formed in 1858 from parts of Comanche, Bosque, and Lampasas counties and named for James Hamilton Jr. Its economy has long been built on cattle ranching and farming, a heritage that still shapes the landscape around Carlton. The community itself has served the surrounding ranch country for well over a century. By 1980 its population stood at about seventy, yet Carlton retained its post office, a renovated community center, a volunteer fire department, and several local clubs and associations that keep residents connected. Today Carlton remains a compact country crossroads where the post office and community center still serve as gathering points. Residents rely on nearby Hico for everyday needs and on Hamilton and Stephenville for broader services and employment. The community sits on the edge of Central Texas's Cross Timbers and Hill Country landscapes, where open pasture and rolling terrain set the visual tone. Carlton's appeal lies in its open ranch land, its unhurried pace, and its position within easy reach of the larger towns that anchor the region. It suits those seeking rural living with genuine community institutions rather than dense development. Its small size and agricultural character offer privacy and space, while the Hico area provides schooling, recreation, and a slice of Texas heritage just minutes away.