Central Elgin, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,746
3.0 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$103,000/yr
Private dwellings
5,845

Central Elgin population

How many people live in Central Elgin

Central Elgin is home to 13,746 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50% identify as male and 50% as female.

Total population
13,746
3.0% year-over-year change
Population density
49.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50%
6,875
Female
50%
6,870
Value Percent
Male 6,875 50%
Female 6,870 50%
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 Central Elgin is 45.3. Children under 15 make up 14.5% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 8.9% are 25 to 34, 11.9% are 35 to 44, and 13.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 18.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 23%.

Average age
45.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.5%
15 to 24
9.9%
25 to 34
8.9%
35 to 44
11.9%
45 to 54
13.7%
55 to 64
18.1%
Over 65
23%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,995 14.5%
15 to 24 1,360 9.9%
25 to 34 1,220 8.9%
35 to 44 1,640 11.9%
45 to 54 1,880 13.7%
55 to 64 2,490 18.1%
Over 65 3,155 23%
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 Central Elgin, 90% of residents were born in Canada, while 9.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
90%
Immigrants
9.8%
Non-permanent residents
0.2%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 12,255 90%
Immigrants 1,340 9.8%
Non-permanent residents 25 0.2%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
3.1%
Non-minorities
96.9%
Value Percent
Minorities 420 3.1%
Non-minorities 13,195 96.9%
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 Central Elgin
English
99.1%
French
0.8%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.1%
Value Percent
English 13,495 99.1%
French 105 0.8%
English and French 10 0.1%
Neither English nor French 10 0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.1% of people in Central Elgin speak English as their primary language, 0.8% 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 Central Elgin

A peek inside Central Elgin households

Central Elgin has 5,460 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 20.2% of all homes, while 42.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 21.9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
5,460
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
20.2%
2 persons
42.4%
3 persons
15.6%
4 persons
14.9%
5 or more persons
7%
Value Percent
1 person 1,100 20.2%
2 persons 2,315 42.4%
3 persons 850 15.6%
4 persons 815 14.9%
5 or more persons 380 7%
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 Central Elgin

The housing landscape of Central Elgin

Central Elgin has a total of 5,845 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Central Elgin offers a variety of home sizes: 4% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 64% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 32% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
5,845
Housing types
Single-detached homes
92.5%
Attached homes
7.3%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0.2%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 5,055 92.5%
Attached homes 400 7.3%
Movable homes 10 0.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
4%
2 or 3 bedrooms
64%
4 or more bedrooms
32%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 215 4%
2 or 3 bedrooms 3,500 64%
4 or more bedrooms 1,745 32%
Homes built since 2011
680

The age of buildings in Central Elgin

About 20.7% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 13% between 1946 and 1960. Another 12.4% went up in the 1960s, 12.2% in the 1970s, and 8.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.4% of homes were added, and 9.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,130 20.7%
Between 1946 and 1960 710 13%
Between 1961 and 1970 675 12.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 665 12.2%
Between 1981 and 1990 460 8.4%
Between 1991 and 2000 620 11.4%
Between 2001 and 2010 515 9.4%
After 2011 680 12.5%
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.

Central Elgin occupancy rates

In Central Elgin, there are 5,460 occupied private dwellings, of which 89.6% are owner-occupied and 10.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 385 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
5,460
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
10.4%
Owned households
89.6%
Value Percent
Rented households 565 10.4%
Owned households 4,895 89.6%
Unoccupied dwellings
385
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 Central Elgin, homeowners pay a median of $1,220 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,060. About 87% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 13% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,220
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,060
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
87%
≥30% on shelter
13%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 4,625 87%
≥30% on shelter 690 13%
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 Central Elgin

Central Elgin education at a glance

In Central Elgin, educational attainment varies across the community. About 13.1% of residents have no formal diploma, while 29.2% have completed high school and 7.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 29.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 19% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,525 13.1%
High school diploma 3,390 29.2%
Apprenticeship diploma 890 7.7%
College diploma 3,435 29.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 175 1.5%
University degree 2,205 19%
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 Central Elgin

How much people earn in Central Elgin

In Central Elgin, the median household income sits at $103,000, while the median after-tax household income is $89,000.

Median household income
$103,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$89,000/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.

Central Elgin income by age

Young adults in Central Elgin between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,000, 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 $48,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $64,500. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $65,000, followed by $54,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $40,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,000
25 - 34 48,000
35 - 44 64,500
45 - 54 65,000
55 - 64 54,000
Over 65 40,400

Employment in Central Elgin

Workforce and job sectors in Central Elgin

In Central Elgin, 7,325 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.4%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
7,325
Unemployment rate
9.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 115 1.6%
Business, finance and administration 1,095 15.1%
Natural and applied sciences 340 4.7%
Health 555 7.7%
Education, law, community and government services 935 12.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 175 2.4%
Sales and service 1,565 21.6%
Trades and transport 1,655 22.8%
Natural resources and agriculture 380 5.2%
Manufacturing and utilities 435 6%
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 Central Elgin

How people get around in Central Elgin

In Central Elgin, the average commute is 22 minutes. About 96.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.3% rely on public transit and 2.2% walk or bike. The remaining 1.3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
22 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
30.8%
15 to 29 minutes
38.6%
30 to 44 minutes
20.2%
45 to 59 minutes
6.4%
More than 60 minutes
4%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,580 30.8%
15 to 29 minutes 1,980 38.6%
30 to 44 minutes 1,035 20.2%
45 to 59 minutes 330 6.4%
More than 60 minutes 205 4%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 4,930 96.3%
By public transit 15 0.3%
By bicycle/by walking 110 2.2%
By other methods 65 1.3%
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 Central Elgin demographics 

What is the current total population in Central Elgin?

Central Elgin has a population of 13,746, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.0% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Central Elgin?  

Central Elgin has a population density of 49.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Central Elgin?

Central Elgin has the following gender distribution:
  • 50% males (6,875 residents)  
  • 50% females (6,870 residents)

What is the age distribution of Central Elgin residents?  

The age distribution of Central Elgin residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.5% (1,995 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.9% (1,360 residents)   
  • 25-34: 8.9% (1,220 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.9% (1,640 residents)   
  • 45-54: 13.7% (1,880 residents)   
  • 55-64: 18.1% (2,490 residents)   
  • Over 64: 23% (3,155 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Central Elgin? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Central Elgin: 
  • 90% non-immigrants (12,255 residents)  
  • 9.8% immigrants (1,340 residents)  
  • 0.2% non-permanent residents (25 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Central Elgin?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Central Elgin: 
  • English: 99.1% 
  • French: 0.8% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.1% 

What is the typical household size in Central Elgin?  

The typical household size in Central Elgin is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Central Elgin?  

The median household income in Central Elgin is $103,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Central Elgin residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Central Elgin is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 13.1% (1,525 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 29.2% (3,390 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.7% (890 residents) 
  • College diploma: 29.6% (3,435 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.5% (175 residents) 
  • University degree: 19% (2,205 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Central Elgin?  

The most common occupations in Central Elgin fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.4% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 15.1% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 12.9% 
  • Health: 7.7% 
  • Management: 1.6% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4.7% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 5.2% 
  • Sales and service: 21.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 22.8% 

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