Total population

103,988

1.1 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$72,000/yr

Private dwellings

46,752

Chatham - Kent population

How many people live in Chatham - Kent

Chatham - Kent is home to 103,988 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.3% identify as male and 50.7% as female.

Total population

103,988

1.1% year-over-year change

Population density

42.4/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.3%

51,225

Female

50.7%

52,765

	Value	Percent
Male	51,225	49.3%
Female	52,765	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 Chatham - Kent is 44.3. Children under 15 make up 15.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.6% are 25 to 34, 11.2% are 35 to 44, and 11.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 23.6%.

Average age

44.3

Age breakdown

Under 15: 15.9%
15 to 24: 10.9%
25 to 34: 10.6%
35 to 44: 11.2%
45 to 54: 11.7%
55 to 64: 16.1%
Over 65: 23.6%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	16,550	15.9%
15 to 24	11,295	10.9%
25 to 34	11,075	10.6%
35 to 44	11,615	11.2%
45 to 54	12,150	11.7%
55 to 64	16,760	16.1%
Over 65	24,535	23.6%

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 Chatham - Kent, 90.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 9.1% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 90.4%
Immigrants: 9.1%
Non-permanent residents: 0.5%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	91,995	90.4%
Immigrants	9,240	9.1%
Non-permanent residents	530	0.5%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 6.6%
Non-minorities: 93.4%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	6,690	6.6%
Non-minorities	95,070	93.4%

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 Chatham - Kent

English: 97.4%
French: 1.9%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.6%

	Value	Percent
English	100,340	97.4%
French	1,915	1.9%
English and French	105	0.1%
Neither English nor French	620	0.6%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.4% of people in Chatham - Kent speak English as their primary language, 1.9% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.6% 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 Chatham - Kent

A peek inside Chatham - Kent households

Chatham - Kent has 44,025 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 30.3% of all homes, while 38.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 18.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

44,025

Average people per household

2.3

1 person: 30.3%
2 persons: 38.1%
3 persons: 13.3%
4 persons: 11%
5 or more persons: 7.2%

	Value	Percent
1 person	13,355	30.3%
2 persons	16,785	38.1%
3 persons	5,865	13.3%
4 persons	4,835	11%
5 or more persons	3,185	7.2%

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 Chatham - Kent

The housing landscape of Chatham - Kent

Chatham - Kent has a total of 46,752 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 76% are single-detached houses, 20.1% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 3.5% are apartments. When it comes to space, Chatham - Kent offers a variety of home sizes: 9% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 69% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 21.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

46,752

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 76%
Attached homes: 20.1%
Apartments: 3.5%
Movable homes: 0.4%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	33,455	76%
Attached homes	8,865	20.1%
Apartments	1,540	3.5%
Movable homes	175	0.4%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 9%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 69%
4 or more bedrooms: 21.4%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	4,095	9%
2 or 3 bedrooms	30,505	69%
4 or more bedrooms	9,425	21.4%

Homes built since 2011

1,685

The age of buildings in Chatham - Kent

About 21.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 18.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 15.3% went up in the 1960s, 18.7% in the 1970s, and 9% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 8.6% of homes were added, and 4.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	9,415	21.4%
Between 1946 and 1960	8,020	18.2%
Between 1961 and 1970	6,750	15.3%
Between 1971 and 1980	8,240	18.7%
Between 1981 and 1990	3,985	9%
Between 1991 and 2000	3,805	8.6%
Between 2001 and 2010	2,130	4.8%
After 2011	1,685	3.8%

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.

Chatham - Kent occupancy rates

In Chatham - Kent, there are 44,028 occupied private dwellings, of which 72% are owner-occupied and 28% are rented. Meanwhile, 2,724 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

44,028

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 28%
Owned households: 72%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	12,320	28%
Owned households	31,710	72%

Unoccupied dwellings

2,724

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 Chatham - Kent, homeowners pay a median of $860 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $870. About 84.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 15.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$860

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$870

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 84.3%
≥30% on shelter: 15.7%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	36,045	84.3%
≥30% on shelter	6,710	15.7%

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 Chatham - Kent

Chatham - Kent education at a glance

In Chatham - Kent, educational attainment varies across the community. About 21.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 32.2% have completed high school and 6.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 25.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 12.9% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	18,250	21.4%
High school diploma	27,480	32.2%
Apprenticeship diploma	5,500	6.4%
College diploma	21,780	25.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	1,185	1.4%
University degree	11,030	12.9%

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 Chatham - Kent

How much people earn in Chatham - Kent

In Chatham - Kent, the median household income sits at $72,000, while the median after-tax household income is $65,000.

Median household income

$72,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$65,000/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.

Chatham - Kent income by age

Young adults in Chatham - Kent 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 $41,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $51,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $49,600, followed by $41,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $33,600.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,400
25 - 34	41,600
35 - 44	51,200
45 - 54	49,600
55 - 64	41,600
Over 65	33,600

Employment in Chatham - Kent

Workforce and job sectors in Chatham - Kent

In Chatham - Kent, 48,900 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, 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

48,900

Unemployment rate

10.7%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	285	0.6%
Business, finance and administration	6,230	13%
Natural and applied sciences	2,465	5.1%
Health	4,160	8.7%
Education, law, community and government services	4,900	10.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	650	1.4%
Sales and service	11,990	25%
Trades and transport	10,095	21.1%
Natural resources and agriculture	3,105	6.5%
Manufacturing and utilities	4,045	8.4%

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 Chatham - Kent

How people get around in Chatham - Kent

In Chatham - Kent, the average commute is 19 minutes. About 93% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.4% rely on public transit and 5% walk or bike. The remaining 1.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

19 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 48.8%
15 to 29 minutes: 26.7%
30 to 44 minutes: 14.4%
45 to 59 minutes: 4.9%
More than 60 minutes: 5.2%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	17,780	48.8%
15 to 29 minutes	9,735	26.7%
30 to 44 minutes	5,270	14.4%
45 to 59 minutes	1,795	4.9%
More than 60 minutes	1,885	5.2%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	33,910	93%
By public transit	160	0.4%
By bicycle/by walking	1,835	5%
By other methods	560	1.5%

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 Chatham - Kent demographics

What is the current total population in Chatham - Kent?

Chatham - Kent has a population of 103,988, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.1% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Chatham - Kent?

Chatham - Kent has a population density of 42.4 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Chatham - Kent?

Chatham - Kent has the following gender distribution:

49.3% males (51,225 residents)
50.7% females (52,765 residents)

What is the age distribution of Chatham - Kent residents?

The age distribution of Chatham - Kent residents is as follows:

Under 15: 15.9% (16,550 residents)
15-24: 10.9% (11,295 residents)
25-34: 10.6% (11,075 residents)
35-44: 11.2% (11,615 residents)
45-54: 11.7% (12,150 residents)
55-64: 16.1% (16,760 residents)
Over 64: 23.6% (24,535 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Chatham - Kent?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Chatham - Kent:

90.4% non-immigrants (91,995 residents)
9.1% immigrants (9,240 residents)
0.5% non-permanent residents (530 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Chatham - Kent?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Chatham - Kent:

English: 97.4%
French: 1.9%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.6%

What is the typical household size in Chatham - Kent?

The typical household size in Chatham - Kent is 2.3 people.

What is the median household income in Chatham - Kent?

The median household income in Chatham - Kent is $72,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Chatham - Kent residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Chatham - Kent is as follows:

No diploma: 21.4% (18,250 residents)
High school diploma: 32.2% (27,480 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 6.4% (5,500 residents)
College diploma: 25.6% (21,780 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.4% (1,185 residents)
University degree: 12.9% (11,030 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Chatham - Kent?

The most common occupations in Chatham - Kent fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.4%
Business, finance and administration: 13%
Education, law, community and government services: 10.2%
Health: 8.7%
Management: 0.6%
Manufacturing and utilities: 8.4%
Natural and applied sciences: 5.1%
Natural resources and agriculture: 6.5%
Sales and service: 25%
Trades and transport: 21.1%

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

Chatham - Kent, ON demographics:population, income, and more