Burlington, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
186,948
0.5 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$110,000/yr
Private dwellings
74,891

Burlington population

How many people live in Burlington

Burlington is home to 186,948 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.8% identify as male and 52.2% as female.

Total population
186,948
0.5% year-over-year change
Population density
1,004.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47.8%
89,460
Female
52.2%
97,485
Value Percent
Male 89,460 47.8%
Female 97,485 52.2%
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 Burlington is 43.3. Children under 15 make up 16% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.6% are 25 to 34, 13.4% are 35 to 44, and 14.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.8% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 21%.

Average age
43.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 34
10.6%
35 to 44
13.4%
45 to 54
14.2%
55 to 64
13.8%
Over 65
21%
Value Percent
Under 15 29,900 16%
15 to 24 20,810 11.1%
25 to 34 19,900 10.6%
35 to 44 24,955 13.4%
45 to 54 26,445 14.2%
55 to 64 25,755 13.8%
Over 65 39,180 21%
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 Burlington, 73.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 25.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
73.4%
Immigrants
25.7%
Non-permanent residents
0.9%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 135,070 73.4%
Immigrants 47,210 25.7%
Non-permanent residents 1,675 0.9%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
20.9%
Non-minorities
79.1%
Value Percent
Minorities 38,390 20.9%
Non-minorities 145,565 79.1%
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 Burlington
English
97.2%
French
1.4%
English and French
0.5%
Neither English nor French
0.9%
Value Percent
English 179,390 97.2%
French 2,585 1.4%
English and French 875 0.5%
Neither English nor French 1,705 0.9%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.2% of people in Burlington speak English as their primary language, 1.4% communicate mainly in French, 0.5% are bilingual, and 0.9% 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 Burlington

A peek inside Burlington households

Burlington has 73,180 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 25.2% of all homes, while 33.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 24.9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
73,180
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
25.2%
2 persons
33.7%
3 persons
16.2%
4 persons
17.3%
5 or more persons
7.6%
Value Percent
1 person 18,430 25.2%
2 persons 24,680 33.7%
3 persons 11,865 16.2%
4 persons 12,670 17.3%
5 or more persons 5,535 7.6%
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 Burlington

The housing landscape of Burlington

Burlington has a total of 74,891 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 50.3% are single-detached houses, 32.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 17.5% are apartments. When it comes to space, Burlington offers a variety of home sizes: 11% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 59% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 29.3% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
74,891
Housing types
Single-detached homes
50.3%
Attached homes
32.2%
Apartments
17.5%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 36,795 50.3%
Attached homes 23,535 32.2%
Apartments 12,830 17.5%
Movable homes 10 0%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
11%
2 or 3 bedrooms
59%
4 or more bedrooms
29.3%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 8,255 11%
2 or 3 bedrooms 43,510 59%
4 or more bedrooms 21,410 29.3%
Homes built since 2011
6,275

The age of buildings in Burlington

About 2.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 11.3% between 1946 and 1960. Another 15.4% went up in the 1960s, 18.1% in the 1970s, and 13.7% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 14.5% of homes were added, and 15.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,930 2.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 8,285 11.3%
Between 1961 and 1970 11,235 15.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 13,250 18.1%
Between 1981 and 1990 10,035 13.7%
Between 1991 and 2000 10,595 14.5%
Between 2001 and 2010 11,570 15.8%
After 2011 6,275 8.6%
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.

Burlington occupancy rates

In Burlington, there are 73,180 occupied private dwellings, of which 75.1% are owner-occupied and 24.9% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,711 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
73,180
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
24.9%
Owned households
75.1%
Value Percent
Rented households 18,220 24.9%
Owned households 54,955 75.1%
Unoccupied dwellings
1,711
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 Burlington, homeowners pay a median of $1,720 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,660. About 76.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 23.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,720
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,660
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
76.9%
≥30% on shelter
23.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 56,120 76.9%
≥30% on shelter 16,875 23.1%
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 Burlington

Burlington education at a glance

In Burlington, educational attainment varies across the community. About 10.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 25.2% have completed high school and 4.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 21.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 35.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 16,595 10.8%
High school diploma 38,855 25.2%
Apprenticeship diploma 6,550 4.2%
College diploma 33,495 21.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 3,705 2.4%
University degree 54,880 35.6%
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 Burlington

How much people earn in Burlington

In Burlington, the median household income sits at $110,000, while the median after-tax household income is $94,000.

Median household income
$110,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$94,000/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.

Burlington income by age

Young adults in Burlington between 15 and 24 have a median income of $15,500, 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 $50,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $71,500. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $73,500, followed by $60,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $42,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 15,500
25 - 34 50,000
35 - 44 71,500
45 - 54 73,500
55 - 64 60,000
Over 65 42,000

Employment in Burlington

Workforce and job sectors in Burlington

In Burlington, 100,160 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.7%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, 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
100,160
Unemployment rate
10.7%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 2,480 2.5%
Business, finance and administration 20,930 21.3%
Natural and applied sciences 9,970 10.2%
Health 7,270 7.4%
Education, law, community and government services 12,345 12.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 3,465 3.5%
Sales and service 24,630 25.1%
Trades and transport 12,230 12.5%
Natural resources and agriculture 1,265 1.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 3,595 3.7%
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 Burlington

How people get around in Burlington

In Burlington, the average commute is 24 minutes. About 88.8% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 4.3% rely on public transit and 4.5% walk or bike. The remaining 2.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
24 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
32.5%
15 to 29 minutes
34.2%
30 to 44 minutes
17.9%
45 to 59 minutes
7.9%
More than 60 minutes
7.5%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 18,265 32.5%
15 to 29 minutes 19,215 34.2%
30 to 44 minutes 10,040 17.9%
45 to 59 minutes 4,455 7.9%
More than 60 minutes 4,205 7.5%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 49,885 88.8%
By public transit 2,415 4.3%
By bicycle/by walking 2,540 4.5%
By other methods 1,330 2.4%
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 Burlington demographics 

What is the current total population in Burlington?

Burlington has a population of 186,948, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.5% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Burlington?  

Burlington has a population density of 1,004.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Burlington?

Burlington has the following gender distribution:
  • 47.8% males (89,460 residents)  
  • 52.2% females (97,485 residents)

What is the age distribution of Burlington residents?  

The age distribution of Burlington residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 16% (29,900 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.1% (20,810 residents)   
  • 25-34: 10.6% (19,900 residents)   
  • 35-44: 13.4% (24,955 residents)   
  • 45-54: 14.2% (26,445 residents)   
  • 55-64: 13.8% (25,755 residents)   
  • Over 64: 21% (39,180 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Burlington? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Burlington: 
  • 73.4% non-immigrants (135,070 residents)  
  • 25.7% immigrants (47,210 residents)  
  • 0.9% non-permanent residents (1,675 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Burlington?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Burlington: 
  • English: 97.2% 
  • French: 1.4% 
  • English and French: 0.5% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.9% 

What is the typical household size in Burlington?  

The typical household size in Burlington is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Burlington?  

The median household income in Burlington is $110,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Burlington residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Burlington is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 10.8% (16,595 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 25.2% (38,855 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 4.2% (6,550 residents) 
  • College diploma: 21.7% (33,495 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.4% (3,705 residents) 
  • University degree: 35.6% (54,880 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Burlington?  

The most common occupations in Burlington fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.5% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 21.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 12.6% 
  • Health: 7.4% 
  • Management: 2.5% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3.7% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 10.2% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.3% 
  • Sales and service: 25.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 12.5% 

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