Cochrane, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,390
1.5 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$75,500/yr
Private dwellings
2,540

Cochrane population

How many people live in Cochrane

Cochrane is home to 5,390 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50% identify as male and 50% as female.

Total population
5,390
1.5% year-over-year change
Population density
10/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50%
2,695
Female
50%
2,700
Value Percent
Male 2,695 50%
Female 2,700 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 Cochrane is 42.3. Children under 15 make up 17.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.1% are 25 to 34, 11.5% are 35 to 44, and 12.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.7% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 20.6%.

Average age
42.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.9%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 34
11.1%
35 to 44
11.5%
45 to 54
12.1%
55 to 64
15.7%
Over 65
20.6%
Value Percent
Under 15 965 17.9%
15 to 24 600 11.1%
25 to 34 600 11.1%
35 to 44 620 11.5%
45 to 54 655 12.1%
55 to 64 845 15.7%
Over 65 1,110 20.6%
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 Cochrane, 97.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 1.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.7% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
97.6%
Immigrants
1.7%
Non-permanent residents
0.7%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 5,185 97.6%
Immigrants 90 1.7%
Non-permanent residents 35 0.7%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
2%
Non-minorities
98%
Value Percent
Minorities 105 2%
Non-minorities 5,210 98%
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 Cochrane
English
65.7%
French
33.3%
English and French
1%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 3,505 65.7%
French 1,775 33.3%
English and French 55 1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 65.7% of people in Cochrane speak English as their primary language, 33.3% communicate mainly in French, 1% are bilingual, and 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 Cochrane

A peek inside Cochrane households

Cochrane has 2,315 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 31.2% of all homes, while 37.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 18.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,315
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
31.2%
2 persons
37.2%
3 persons
13.2%
4 persons
11.5%
5 or more persons
6.9%
Value Percent
1 person 720 31.2%
2 persons 860 37.2%
3 persons 305 13.2%
4 persons 265 11.5%
5 or more persons 160 6.9%
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 Cochrane

The housing landscape of Cochrane

Cochrane has a total of 2,540 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Cochrane offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 59% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 27.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
2,540
Housing types
Single-detached homes
66.5%
Attached homes
27.4%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
6%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,540 66.5%
Attached homes 635 27.4%
Movable homes 140 6%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
14%
2 or 3 bedrooms
59%
4 or more bedrooms
27.6%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 315 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,360 59%
4 or more bedrooms 640 27.6%
Homes built since 2011
170

The age of buildings in Cochrane

About 16% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 14.5% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.9% went up in the 1960s, 20.8% in the 1970s, and 15.2% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 9.7% of homes were added, and 4.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 370 16%
Between 1946 and 1960 335 14.5%
Between 1961 and 1970 275 11.9%
Between 1971 and 1980 480 20.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 350 15.2%
Between 1991 and 2000 225 9.7%
Between 2001 and 2010 105 4.6%
After 2011 170 7.4%
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.

Cochrane occupancy rates

In Cochrane, there are 2,316 occupied private dwellings, of which 71.3% are owner-occupied and 28.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 224 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,316
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
28.7%
Owned households
71.3%
Value Percent
Rented households 665 28.7%
Owned households 1,650 71.3%
Unoccupied dwellings
224
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 Cochrane, homeowners pay a median of $890 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $820. About 85.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 14.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$890
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$820
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
85.9%
≥30% on shelter
14.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,980 85.9%
≥30% on shelter 325 14.1%
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 Cochrane

Cochrane education at a glance

In Cochrane, educational attainment varies across the community. About 25.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.9% have completed high school and 8.5% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 23.1% have graduated from college. Finally, 0.7% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 11.1% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,120 25.7%
High school diploma 1,345 30.9%
Apprenticeship diploma 370 8.5%
College diploma 1,005 23.1%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 30 0.7%
University degree 485 11.1%
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 Cochrane

How much people earn in Cochrane

In Cochrane, the median household income sits at $75,500, while the median after-tax household income is $68,000.

Median household income
$75,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$68,000/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.

Cochrane income by age

Young adults in Cochrane between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,400, 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 $51,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $57,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $57,200, followed by $44,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $30,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,400
25 - 34 51,200
35 - 44 57,200
45 - 54 57,200
55 - 64 44,400
Over 65 30,600

Employment in Cochrane

Workforce and job sectors in Cochrane

In Cochrane, 2,455 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.9%. 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
2,455
Unemployment rate
7.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 30 1.2%
Business, finance and administration 350 14.5%
Natural and applied sciences 70 2.9%
Health 170 7%
Education, law, community and government services 305 12.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 25 1%
Sales and service 545 22.6%
Trades and transport 595 24.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 125 5.2%
Manufacturing and utilities 200 8.3%
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 Cochrane

How people get around in Cochrane

In Cochrane, the average commute is 19 minutes. About 83.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 3.7% rely on public transit and 10.1% walk or bike. The remaining 3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
19 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
72.7%
15 to 29 minutes
12%
30 to 44 minutes
4.2%
45 to 59 minutes
1.5%
More than 60 minutes
9.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,480 72.7%
15 to 29 minutes 245 12%
30 to 44 minutes 85 4.2%
45 to 59 minutes 30 1.5%
More than 60 minutes 195 9.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 1,695 83.3%
By public transit 75 3.7%
By bicycle/by walking 205 10.1%
By other methods 60 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 Cochrane demographics 

What is the current total population in Cochrane?

Cochrane has a population of 5,390, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.5% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Cochrane?  

Cochrane has a population density of 10 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Cochrane?

Cochrane has the following gender distribution:
  • 50% males (2,695 residents)  
  • 50% females (2,700 residents)

What is the age distribution of Cochrane residents?  

The age distribution of Cochrane residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 17.9% (965 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.1% (600 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.1% (600 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.5% (620 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.1% (655 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.7% (845 residents)   
  • Over 64: 20.6% (1,110 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Cochrane? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Cochrane: 
  • 97.6% non-immigrants (5,185 residents)  
  • 1.7% immigrants (90 residents)  
  • 0.7% non-permanent residents (35 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Cochrane?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Cochrane: 
  • English: 65.7% 
  • French: 33.3% 
  • English and French: 1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Cochrane?  

The typical household size in Cochrane is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Cochrane?  

The median household income in Cochrane is $75,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Cochrane residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Cochrane is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 25.7% (1,120 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 30.9% (1,345 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 8.5% (370 residents) 
  • College diploma: 23.1% (1,005 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 0.7% (30 residents) 
  • University degree: 11.1% (485 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Cochrane?  

The most common occupations in Cochrane fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.5% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 12.6% 
  • Health: 7% 
  • Management: 1.2% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 8.3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 2.9% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 5.2% 
  • Sales and service: 22.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 24.6% 

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