Total population

20,519

0.9 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$77,000/yr

Private dwellings

9,520

Cobourg population

How many people live in Cobourg

Cobourg is home to 20,519 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 46.4% identify as male and 53.6% as female.

Total population

20,519

0.9% year-over-year change

Population density

915.7/km2

Gender ratio

Male

46.4%

9,510

Female

53.6%

11,010

	Value	Percent
Male	9,510	46.4%
Female	11,010	53.6%

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 Cobourg is 49.9. Children under 15 make up 12.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.3% are 25 to 34, 10% are 35 to 44, and 10% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 34%.

Average age

49.9

Age breakdown

Under 15: 12.4%
15 to 24: 8.8%
25 to 34: 9.3%
35 to 44: 10%
45 to 54: 10%
55 to 64: 15.6%
Over 65: 34%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	2,535	12.4%
15 to 24	1,805	8.8%
25 to 34	1,915	9.3%
35 to 44	2,045	10%
45 to 54	2,045	10%
55 to 64	3,190	15.6%
Over 65	6,985	34%

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 Cobourg, 86.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 12.9% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 86.9%
Immigrants: 12.9%
Non-permanent residents: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	17,190	86.9%
Immigrants	2,550	12.9%
Non-permanent residents	40	0.2%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 5%
Non-minorities: 95%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	990	5%
Non-minorities	18,785	95%

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 Cobourg

English: 98.4%
French: 1.3%
English and French: 0%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
English	19,750	98.4%
French	265	1.3%
English and French	10	0%
Neither English nor French	40	0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.4% of people in Cobourg speak English as their primary language, 1.3% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 0.2% 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 Cobourg

A peek inside Cobourg households

Cobourg has 9,135 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 32.4% of all homes, while 40.5% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.5%, and homes with four or more people account for 14.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

9,135

Average people per household

2.2

1 person: 32.4%
2 persons: 40.5%
3 persons: 12.5%
4 persons: 9.6%
5 or more persons: 5.1%

	Value	Percent
1 person	2,955	32.4%
2 persons	3,700	40.5%
3 persons	1,140	12.5%
4 persons	875	9.6%
5 or more persons	465	5.1%

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 Cobourg

The housing landscape of Cobourg

Cobourg has a total of 9,520 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 57.6% are single-detached houses, 38.5% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 4% are apartments. When it comes to space, Cobourg offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 68% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 19.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

9,520

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 57.6%
Attached homes: 38.5%
Apartments: 4%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	5,255	57.6%
Attached homes	3,510	38.5%
Apartments	360	4%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 68%
4 or more bedrooms: 19.6%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	1,100	12%
2 or 3 bedrooms	6,240	68%
4 or more bedrooms	1,790	19.6%

Homes built since 2011

1,120

The age of buildings in Cobourg

About 14.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 13.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 12% went up in the 1960s, 12.1% in the 1970s, and 10.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.2% of homes were added, and 12.9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	1,355	14.8%
Between 1946 and 1960	1,200	13.1%
Between 1961 and 1970	1,100	12%
Between 1971 and 1980	1,105	12.1%
Between 1981 and 1990	970	10.6%
Between 1991 and 2000	1,115	12.2%
Between 2001 and 2010	1,175	12.9%
After 2011	1,120	12.2%

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.

Cobourg occupancy rates

In Cobourg, there are 9,134 occupied private dwellings, of which 68.7% are owner-occupied and 31.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 386 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

9,134

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 31.3%
Owned households: 68.7%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	2,860	31.3%
Owned households	6,275	68.7%

Unoccupied dwellings

386

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 Cobourg, homeowners pay a median of $1,010 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,220. About 77.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 22.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,010

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,220

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 77.2%
≥30% on shelter: 22.8%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	7,045	77.2%
≥30% on shelter	2,075	22.8%

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 Cobourg

Cobourg education at a glance

In Cobourg, educational attainment varies across the community. About 14.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 32.2% have completed high school and 6.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 25% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 20.2% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	2,540	14.7%
High school diploma	5,550	32.2%
Apprenticeship diploma	1,095	6.4%
College diploma	4,315	25%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	270	1.6%
University degree	3,480	20.2%

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 Cobourg

How much people earn in Cobourg

In Cobourg, the median household income sits at $77,000, while the median after-tax household income is $69,000.

Median household income

$77,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$69,000/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.

Cobourg income by age

Young adults in Cobourg between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,200, 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 $41,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $52,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $51,600, followed by $46,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $38,800.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,200
25 - 34	41,600
35 - 44	52,400
45 - 54	51,600
55 - 64	46,000
Over 65	38,800

Employment in Cobourg

Workforce and job sectors in Cobourg

In Cobourg, 8,765 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12.4%. 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

8,765

Unemployment rate

12.4%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	80	0.9%
Business, finance and administration	1,185	13.9%
Natural and applied sciences	445	5.2%
Health	755	8.8%
Education, law, community and government services	1,170	13.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	285	3.3%
Sales and service	2,420	28.3%
Trades and transport	1,405	16.4%
Natural resources and agriculture	180	2.1%
Manufacturing and utilities	620	7.3%

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 Cobourg

How people get around in Cobourg

In Cobourg, the average commute is 20 minutes. About 88.5% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.1% rely on public transit and 8.8% walk or bike. The remaining 1.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

20 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 54.3%
15 to 29 minutes: 20.4%
30 to 44 minutes: 10.6%
45 to 59 minutes: 7.3%
More than 60 minutes: 7.3%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	3,365	54.3%
15 to 29 minutes	1,265	20.4%
30 to 44 minutes	655	10.6%
45 to 59 minutes	455	7.3%
More than 60 minutes	455	7.3%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	5,480	88.5%
By public transit	70	1.1%
By bicycle/by walking	545	8.8%
By other methods	95	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 Cobourg demographics

What is the current total population in Cobourg?

Cobourg has a population of 20,519, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.9% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Cobourg?

Cobourg has a population density of 915.7 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Cobourg?

Cobourg has the following gender distribution:

46.4% males (9,510 residents)
53.6% females (11,010 residents)

What is the age distribution of Cobourg residents?

The age distribution of Cobourg residents is as follows:

Under 15: 12.4% (2,535 residents)
15-24: 8.8% (1,805 residents)
25-34: 9.3% (1,915 residents)
35-44: 10% (2,045 residents)
45-54: 10% (2,045 residents)
55-64: 15.6% (3,190 residents)
Over 64: 34% (6,985 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Cobourg?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Cobourg:

86.9% non-immigrants (17,190 residents)
12.9% immigrants (2,550 residents)
0.2% non-permanent residents (40 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Cobourg?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Cobourg:

English: 98.4%
French: 1.3%
English and French: 0%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

What is the typical household size in Cobourg?

The typical household size in Cobourg is 2.2 people.

What is the median household income in Cobourg?

The median household income in Cobourg is $77,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Cobourg residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Cobourg is as follows:

No diploma: 14.7% (2,540 residents)
High school diploma: 32.2% (5,550 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 6.4% (1,095 residents)
College diploma: 25% (4,315 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.6% (270 residents)
University degree: 20.2% (3,480 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Cobourg?

The most common occupations in Cobourg fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.3%
Business, finance and administration: 13.9%
Education, law, community and government services: 13.7%
Health: 8.8%
Management: 0.9%
Manufacturing and utilities: 7.3%
Natural and applied sciences: 5.2%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.1%
Sales and service: 28.3%
Trades and transport: 16.4%

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

Cobourg, ON demographics:population, income, and more