Blind River, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,422
-1.7 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,500/yr
Private dwellings
2,207

Blind River population

How many people live in Blind River

Blind River is home to 3,422 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.3% identify as male and 50.7% as female.

Total population
3,422
-1.7% year-over-year change
Population density
6.7/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
1,685
Female
50.7%
1,735
Value Percent
Male 1,685 49.3%
Female 1,735 50.7%
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 Blind River is 47.1. Children under 15 make up 14.1% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 8.2% are 25 to 34, 10.8% are 35 to 44, and 10.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 20.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 26.7%.

Average age
47.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.1%
15 to 24
8.9%
25 to 34
8.2%
35 to 44
10.8%
45 to 54
10.8%
55 to 64
20.6%
Over 65
26.7%
Value Percent
Under 15 485 14.1%
15 to 24 305 8.9%
25 to 34 280 8.2%
35 to 44 370 10.8%
45 to 54 370 10.8%
55 to 64 705 20.6%
Over 65 915 26.7%
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 Blind River, 95.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 4.1% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
95.4%
Immigrants
4.1%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 3,250 95.4%
Immigrants 140 4.1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
1.3%
Non-minorities
98.7%
Value Percent
Minorities 45 1.3%
Non-minorities 3,360 98.7%
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 Blind River
English
86.5%
French
13.2%
English and French
0.3%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 2,945 86.5%
French 450 13.2%
English and French 10 0.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 86.5% of people in Blind River speak English as their primary language, 13.2% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% are bilingual, and 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 Blind River

A peek inside Blind River households

Blind River has 1,600 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 32.7% of all homes, while 41.8% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 12.9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
1,600
Average people per household
2.1
1 person
32.7%
2 persons
41.8%
3 persons
12.6%
4 persons
8.5%
5 or more persons
4.4%
Value Percent
1 person 520 32.7%
2 persons 665 41.8%
3 persons 200 12.6%
4 persons 135 8.5%
5 or more persons 70 4.4%
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 Blind River

The housing landscape of Blind River

Blind River has a total of 2,207 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Blind River offers a variety of home sizes: 15% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 65% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 20.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
2,207
Housing types
Single-detached homes
77.8%
Attached homes
20.9%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
1.2%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,245 77.8%
Attached homes 335 20.9%
Movable homes 20 1.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
15%
2 or 3 bedrooms
65%
4 or more bedrooms
20.1%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 235 15%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,040 65%
4 or more bedrooms 320 20.1%
Homes built since 2011
55

The age of buildings in Blind River

About 11.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 21.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 14% went up in the 1960s, 20.2% in the 1970s, and 19.9% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 6.2% of homes were added, and 3.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 190 11.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 340 21.1%
Between 1961 and 1970 225 14%
Between 1971 and 1980 325 20.2%
Between 1981 and 1990 320 19.9%
Between 1991 and 2000 100 6.2%
Between 2001 and 2010 55 3.4%
After 2011 55 3.4%
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.

Blind River occupancy rates

In Blind River, there are 1,600 occupied private dwellings, of which 70.6% are owner-occupied and 29.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 607 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
1,600
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
29.4%
Owned households
70.6%
Value Percent
Rented households 470 29.4%
Owned households 1,130 70.6%
Unoccupied dwellings
607
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 Blind River, homeowners pay a median of $720 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $775. About 87.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 12.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$720
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$775
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
87.1%
≥30% on shelter
12.9%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,380 87.1%
≥30% on shelter 205 12.9%
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 Blind River

Blind River education at a glance

In Blind River, educational attainment varies across the community. About 20.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.9% have completed high school and 8.5% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 15.3% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 600 20.8%
High school diploma 890 30.9%
Apprenticeship diploma 245 8.5%
College diploma 635 22%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 70 2.4%
University degree 440 15.3%
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 Blind River

How much people earn in Blind River

In Blind River, the median household income sits at $66,500, while the median after-tax household income is $60,000.

Median household income
$66,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$60,000/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.

Blind River income by age

Young adults in Blind River between 15 and 24 have a median income of $20,200, 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 $42,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $62,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $46,800, followed by $40,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $32,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 20,200
25 - 34 42,800
35 - 44 62,400
45 - 54 46,800
55 - 64 40,000
Over 65 32,000

Employment in Blind River

Workforce and job sectors in Blind River

In Blind River, 1,490 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 11.7%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
1,490
Unemployment rate
11.7%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 185 12.8%
Natural and applied sciences 65 4.5%
Health 125 8.6%
Education, law, community and government services 235 16.3%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 15 1%
Sales and service 380 26.3%
Trades and transport 310 21.4%
Natural resources and agriculture 45 3.1%
Manufacturing and utilities 85 5.9%
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 Blind River

How people get around in Blind River

In Blind River, the average commute is 16 minutes. About 86.8% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.9% rely on public transit and 7.5% walk or bike. The remaining 4.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
16 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
66.8%
15 to 29 minutes
18.6%
30 to 44 minutes
4.9%
45 to 59 minutes
4.9%
More than 60 minutes
4.9%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 755 66.8%
15 to 29 minutes 210 18.6%
30 to 44 minutes 55 4.9%
45 to 59 minutes 55 4.9%
More than 60 minutes 55 4.9%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 985 86.8%
By public transit 10 0.9%
By bicycle/by walking 85 7.5%
By other methods 55 4.8%
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 Blind River demographics 

What is the current total population in Blind River?

Blind River has a population of 3,422, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -1.7% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Blind River?  

Blind River has a population density of 6.7 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Blind River?

Blind River has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.3% males (1,685 residents)  
  • 50.7% females (1,735 residents)

What is the age distribution of Blind River residents?  

The age distribution of Blind River residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.1% (485 residents)   
  • 15-24: 8.9% (305 residents)   
  • 25-34: 8.2% (280 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.8% (370 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.8% (370 residents)   
  • 55-64: 20.6% (705 residents)   
  • Over 64: 26.7% (915 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Blind River? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Blind River: 
  • 95.4% non-immigrants (3,250 residents)  
  • 4.1% immigrants (140 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Blind River?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Blind River: 
  • English: 86.5% 
  • French: 13.2% 
  • English and French: 0.3% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Blind River?  

The typical household size in Blind River is 2.1 people. 

What is the median household income in Blind River?  

The median household income in Blind River is $66,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Blind River residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Blind River is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 20.8% (600 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 30.9% (890 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 8.5% (245 residents) 
  • College diploma: 22% (635 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.4% (70 residents) 
  • University degree: 15.3% (440 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Blind River?  

The most common occupations in Blind River fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 12.8% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 16.3% 
  • Health: 8.6% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 5.9% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4.5% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.1% 
  • Sales and service: 26.3% 
  • Trades and transport: 21.4% 

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