Total population

147,829

4.2 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$93,000/yr

Private dwellings

57,276

Barrie population

How many people live in Barrie

Barrie is home to 147,829 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49% identify as male and 51% as female.

Total population

147,829

4.2% year-over-year change

Population density

1,493.1/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49%

72,385

Female

51%

75,440

	Value	Percent
Male	72,385	49%
Female	75,440	51%

A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in Barrie is 40.2. Children under 15 make up 16.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 13%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.6% are 25 to 34, 13.3% are 35 to 44, and 13.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 15.9%.

Average age

40.2

Age breakdown

Under 15: 16.7%
15 to 24: 13%
25 to 34: 14.6%
35 to 44: 13.3%
45 to 54: 13.2%
55 to 64: 13.3%
Over 65: 15.9%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	24,745	16.7%
15 to 24	19,140	13%
25 to 34	21,575	14.6%
35 to 44	19,690	13.3%
45 to 54	19,485	13.2%
55 to 64	19,690	13.3%
Over 65	23,515	15.9%

Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In Barrie, 80.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 16.9% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 80.9%
Immigrants: 16.9%
Non-permanent residents: 2.1%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	117,640	80.9%
Immigrants	24,640	16.9%
Non-permanent residents	3,105	2.1%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 17.1%
Non-minorities: 82.9%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	24,850	17.1%
Non-minorities	120,535	82.9%

Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.

Languages used in Barrie

English: 97.2%
French: 1.7%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.8%

	Value	Percent
English	142,165	97.2%
French	2,480	1.7%
English and French	455	0.3%
Neither English nor French	1,165	0.8%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.2% of people in Barrie speak English as their primary language, 1.7% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% are bilingual, and 0.8% use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in Barrie

A peek inside Barrie households

Barrie has 55,315 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 23.9% of all homes, while 31.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 17.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 26.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

55,315

Average people per household

2.6

1 person: 23.9%
2 persons: 31.7%
3 persons: 17.8%
4 persons: 16.4%
5 or more persons: 10.2%

	Value	Percent
1 person	13,230	23.9%
2 persons	17,530	31.7%
3 persons	9,835	17.8%
4 persons	9,090	16.4%
5 or more persons	5,625	10.2%

Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in Barrie

The housing landscape of Barrie

Barrie has a total of 57,276 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 58.2% are single-detached houses, 34% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 7.7% are apartments. When it comes to space, Barrie offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 56% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 33.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

57,276

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 58.2%
Attached homes: 34%
Apartments: 7.7%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	32,210	58.2%
Attached homes	18,830	34%
Apartments	4,240	7.7%
Movable homes	25	0%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 56%
4 or more bedrooms: 33.9%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	5,425	10%
2 or 3 bedrooms	31,150	56%
4 or more bedrooms	18,730	33.9%

Homes built since 2011

5,305

The age of buildings in Barrie

About 4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 6.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 6.9% went up in the 1960s, 11.9% in the 1970s, and 14.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 23.9% of homes were added, and 23.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	2,225	4%
Between 1946 and 1960	3,350	6.1%
Between 1961 and 1970	3,830	6.9%
Between 1971 and 1980	6,595	11.9%
Between 1981 and 1990	7,985	14.4%
Between 1991 and 2000	13,245	23.9%
Between 2001 and 2010	12,790	23.1%
After 2011	5,305	9.6%

As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Barrie occupancy rates

In Barrie, there are 55,316 occupied private dwellings, of which 67.7% are owner-occupied and 32.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,960 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

55,316

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 32.3%
Owned households: 67.7%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	17,880	32.3%
Owned households	37,435	67.7%

Unoccupied dwellings

1,960

Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In Barrie, homeowners pay a median of $1,740 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,510. About 73.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 26.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,740

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,510

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 73.2%
≥30% on shelter: 26.8%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	40,395	73.2%
≥30% on shelter	14,760	26.8%

Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in Barrie

Barrie education at a glance

In Barrie, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.3% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.4% have completed high school and 5.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 25.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 20.6% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	18,485	15.3%
High school diploma	37,880	31.4%
Apprenticeship diploma	6,420	5.3%
College diploma	30,650	25.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	2,415	2%
University degree	24,830	20.6%

Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in Barrie

How much people earn in Barrie

In Barrie, the median household income sits at $93,000, while the median after-tax household income is $82,000.

Median household income

$93,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$82,000/year

Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

Barrie income by age

Young adults in Barrie between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,000, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $42,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $54,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $57,600, followed by $48,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,800.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	19,000
25 - 34	42,400
35 - 44	54,000
45 - 54	57,600
55 - 64	48,000
Over 65	34,800

Employment in Barrie

Workforce and job sectors in Barrie

In Barrie, 80,170 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12.5%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

80,170

Unemployment rate

12.5%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	645	0.8%
Business, finance and administration	11,595	14.8%
Natural and applied sciences	5,490	7%
Health	6,690	8.6%
Education, law, community and government services	9,320	11.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	1,945	2.5%
Sales and service	21,380	27.4%
Trades and transport	14,910	19.1%
Natural resources and agriculture	1,010	1.3%
Manufacturing and utilities	5,095	6.5%

Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in Barrie

How people get around in Barrie

In Barrie, the average commute is 27 minutes. About 90.6% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 3.8% rely on public transit and 3.8% walk or bike. The remaining 1.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

27 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 34.9%
15 to 29 minutes: 26.9%
30 to 44 minutes: 13.4%
45 to 59 minutes: 10.2%
More than 60 minutes: 14.6%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	19,200	34.9%
15 to 29 minutes	14,775	26.9%
30 to 44 minutes	7,390	13.4%
45 to 59 minutes	5,580	10.2%
More than 60 minutes	8,025	14.6%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	49,825	90.6%
By public transit	2,060	3.8%
By bicycle/by walking	2,060	3.8%
By other methods	1,025	1.9%

Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about Barrie demographics

What is the current total population in Barrie?

Barrie has a population of 147,829, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +4.2% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Barrie?

Barrie has a population density of 1,493.1 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Barrie?

Barrie has the following gender distribution:

49% males (72,385 residents)
51% females (75,440 residents)

What is the age distribution of Barrie residents?

The age distribution of Barrie residents is as follows:

Under 15: 16.7% (24,745 residents)
15-24: 13% (19,140 residents)
25-34: 14.6% (21,575 residents)
35-44: 13.3% (19,690 residents)
45-54: 13.2% (19,485 residents)
55-64: 13.3% (19,690 residents)
Over 64: 15.9% (23,515 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Barrie?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Barrie:

80.9% non-immigrants (117,640 residents)
16.9% immigrants (24,640 residents)
2.1% non-permanent residents (3,105 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Barrie?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Barrie:

English: 97.2%
French: 1.7%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.8%

What is the typical household size in Barrie?

The typical household size in Barrie is 2.6 people.

What is the median household income in Barrie?

The median household income in Barrie is $93,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Barrie residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Barrie is as follows:

No diploma: 15.3% (18,485 residents)
High school diploma: 31.4% (37,880 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 5.3% (6,420 residents)
College diploma: 25.4% (30,650 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2% (2,415 residents)
University degree: 20.6% (24,830 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Barrie?

The most common occupations in Barrie fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.5%
Business, finance and administration: 14.8%
Education, law, community and government services: 11.9%
Health: 8.6%
Management: 0.8%
Manufacturing and utilities: 6.5%
Natural and applied sciences: 7%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.3%
Sales and service: 27.4%
Trades and transport: 19.1%

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025

Barrie, ON demographics:population, income, and more