Brighton, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,108
1.8 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,000/yr
Private dwellings
5,392

Brighton population

How many people live in Brighton

Brighton is home to 12,108 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 51% identify as male and 49% as female.

Total population
12,108
1.8% year-over-year change
Population density
54.2/km2
Gender ratio
Male
51%
6,175
Female
49%
5,935
Value Percent
Male 6,175 51%
Female 5,935 49%
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 Brighton is 50.2. Children under 15 make up 11.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.3% are 25 to 34, 9.4% are 35 to 44, and 10.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 18.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 33.1%.

Average age
50.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.3%
15 to 24
8%
25 to 34
9.3%
35 to 44
9.4%
45 to 54
10.7%
55 to 64
18.2%
Over 65
33.1%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,365 11.3%
15 to 24 975 8%
25 to 34 1,130 9.3%
35 to 44 1,135 9.4%
45 to 54 1,295 10.7%
55 to 64 2,205 18.2%
Over 65 4,005 33.1%
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 Brighton, 87% of residents were born in Canada, while 12.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
87%
Immigrants
12.7%
Non-permanent residents
0.2%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 10,010 87%
Immigrants 1,465 12.7%
Non-permanent residents 25 0.2%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
4.7%
Non-minorities
95.3%
Value Percent
Minorities 540 4.7%
Non-minorities 10,960 95.3%
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 Brighton
English
97.7%
French
2.1%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.1%
Value Percent
English 11,285 97.7%
French 240 2.1%
English and French 10 0.1%
Neither English nor French 15 0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.7% of people in Brighton speak English as their primary language, 2.1% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.1% 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 Brighton

A peek inside Brighton households

Brighton has 5,015 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 24.3% of all homes, while 47.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12%, and homes with four or more people account for 16.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
5,015
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
24.3%
2 persons
47.6%
3 persons
12%
4 persons
10.2%
5 or more persons
6%
Value Percent
1 person 1,220 24.3%
2 persons 2,385 47.6%
3 persons 600 12%
4 persons 510 10.2%
5 or more persons 300 6%
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 Brighton

The housing landscape of Brighton

Brighton has a total of 5,392 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 88.2% are single-detached houses, 10.3% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.5% are apartments. When it comes to space, Brighton offers a variety of home sizes: 5% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 64% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 30.7% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
5,392
Housing types
Single-detached homes
88.2%
Attached homes
10.3%
Apartments
0.5%
Movable homes
1%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 4,415 88.2%
Attached homes 515 10.3%
Apartments 25 0.5%
Movable homes 50 1%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
5%
2 or 3 bedrooms
64%
4 or more bedrooms
30.7%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 265 5%
2 or 3 bedrooms 3,205 64%
4 or more bedrooms 1,535 30.7%
Homes built since 2011
765

The age of buildings in Brighton

About 13.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 6.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 8.2% went up in the 1960s, 10.9% in the 1970s, and 15.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.8% of homes were added, and 19.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 670 13.4%
Between 1946 and 1960 305 6.1%
Between 1961 and 1970 410 8.2%
Between 1971 and 1980 545 10.9%
Between 1981 and 1990 770 15.4%
Between 1991 and 2000 590 11.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 960 19.1%
After 2011 765 15.2%
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.

Brighton occupancy rates

In Brighton, there are 5,014 occupied private dwellings, of which 85.7% are owner-occupied and 14.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 378 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
5,014
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
14.3%
Owned households
85.7%
Value Percent
Rented households 715 14.3%
Owned households 4,300 85.7%
Unoccupied dwellings
378
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 Brighton, homeowners pay a median of $840 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,040. About 85.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 14.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$840
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,040
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
85.1%
≥30% on shelter
14.9%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 4,200 85.1%
≥30% on shelter 735 14.9%
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 Brighton

Brighton education at a glance

In Brighton, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 33.7% have completed high school and 7.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 25.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.7% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 15.2% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,610 15.9%
High school diploma 3,415 33.7%
Apprenticeship diploma 785 7.8%
College diploma 2,610 25.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 175 1.7%
University degree 1,540 15.2%
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 Brighton

How much people earn in Brighton

In Brighton, the median household income sits at $81,000, while the median after-tax household income is $72,500.

Median household income
$81,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$72,500/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.

Brighton income by age

Young adults in Brighton between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,400, 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 $40,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $53,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $53,600, followed by $44,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,400
25 - 34 40,000
35 - 44 53,200
45 - 54 53,600
55 - 64 44,400
Over 65 36,400

Employment in Brighton

Workforce and job sectors in Brighton

In Brighton, 4,815 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.2%. 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
4,815
Unemployment rate
10.2%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 50 1.1%
Business, finance and administration 560 11.9%
Natural and applied sciences 210 4.5%
Health 375 8%
Education, law, community and government services 665 14.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 100 2.1%
Sales and service 1,090 23.1%
Trades and transport 1,040 22.1%
Natural resources and agriculture 220 4.7%
Manufacturing and utilities 400 8.5%
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 Brighton

How people get around in Brighton

In Brighton, the average commute is 27 minutes. The remaining 1.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
27 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
26.8%
15 to 29 minutes
33.8%
30 to 44 minutes
23.5%
45 to 59 minutes
5.1%
More than 60 minutes
10.9%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 925 26.8%
15 to 29 minutes 1,165 33.8%
30 to 44 minutes 810 23.5%
45 to 59 minutes 175 5.1%
More than 60 minutes 375 10.9%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 3,315 96.1%
By bicycle/by walking 75 2.2%
By other methods 60 1.7%
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.

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Brighton demographics 

What is the current total population in Brighton?

Brighton has a population of 12,108, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.8% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Brighton?  

Brighton has a population density of 54.2 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Brighton?

Brighton has the following gender distribution:
  • 51% males (6,175 residents)  
  • 49% females (5,935 residents)

What is the age distribution of Brighton residents?  

The age distribution of Brighton residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 11.3% (1,365 residents)   
  • 15-24: 8% (975 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9.3% (1,130 residents)   
  • 35-44: 9.4% (1,135 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.7% (1,295 residents)   
  • 55-64: 18.2% (2,205 residents)   
  • Over 64: 33.1% (4,005 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Brighton? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Brighton: 
  • 87% non-immigrants (10,010 residents)  
  • 12.7% immigrants (1,465 residents)  
  • 0.2% non-permanent residents (25 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Brighton?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Brighton: 
  • English: 97.7% 
  • French: 2.1% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.1% 

What is the typical household size in Brighton?  

The typical household size in Brighton is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Brighton?  

The median household income in Brighton is $81,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Brighton residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Brighton is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 15.9% (1,610 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 33.7% (3,415 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.8% (785 residents) 
  • College diploma: 25.8% (2,610 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.7% (175 residents) 
  • University degree: 15.2% (1,540 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Brighton?  

The most common occupations in Brighton fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.1% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 11.9% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 14.1% 
  • Health: 8% 
  • Management: 1.1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 8.5% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4.5% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 4.7% 
  • Sales and service: 23.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 22.1% 

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