Total population

47,845

3.1 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$60,000/yr

Private dwellings

22,214

Cornwall population

How many people live in Cornwall

Cornwall is home to 47,845 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.2% identify as male and 51.8% as female.

Total population

47,845

3.1% year-over-year change

Population density

777.9/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.2%

23,075

Female

51.8%

24,765

	Value	Percent
Male	23,075	48.2%
Female	24,765	51.8%

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 Cornwall is 45.0. Children under 15 make up 15.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.4% are 25 to 34, 10.6% are 35 to 44, and 10.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 25.4%.

Average age

Age breakdown

Under 15: 15.7%
15 to 24: 10%
25 to 34: 12.4%
35 to 44: 10.6%
45 to 54: 10.7%
55 to 64: 15.3%
Over 65: 25.4%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	7,505	15.7%
15 to 24	4,770	10%
25 to 34	5,925	12.4%
35 to 44	5,050	10.6%
45 to 54	5,115	10.7%
55 to 64	7,340	15.3%
Over 65	12,145	25.4%

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 Cornwall, 90.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 8.4% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 90.4%
Immigrants: 8.4%
Non-permanent residents: 1.2%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	41,905	90.4%
Immigrants	3,885	8.4%
Non-permanent residents	550	1.2%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 9.9%
Non-minorities: 90.1%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	4,595	9.9%
Non-minorities	41,750	90.1%

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 Cornwall

English: 79.2%
French: 19.3%
English and French: 1%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

	Value	Percent
English	37,170	79.2%
French	9,040	19.3%
English and French	490	1%
Neither English nor French	200	0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 79.2% of people in Cornwall speak English as their primary language, 19.3% communicate mainly in French, 1% are bilingual, and 0.4% 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 Cornwall

A peek inside Cornwall households

Cornwall has 21,390 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 35.9% of all homes, while 36% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.9%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

21,390

Average people per household

2.2

1 person: 35.9%
2 persons: 36%
3 persons: 12.9%
4 persons: 9.1%
5 or more persons: 6%

	Value	Percent
1 person	7,685	35.9%
2 persons	7,695	36%
3 persons	2,765	12.9%
4 persons	1,955	9.1%
5 or more persons	1,285	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 Cornwall

The housing landscape of Cornwall

Cornwall has a total of 22,214 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 49% are single-detached houses, 45.4% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 5.4% are apartments. When it comes to space, Cornwall offers a variety of home sizes: 15% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 69% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 16.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

22,214

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 49%
Attached homes: 45.4%
Apartments: 5.4%
Movable homes: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	10,480	49%
Attached homes	9,705	45.4%
Apartments	1,145	5.4%
Movable homes	45	0.2%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 15%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 69%
4 or more bedrooms: 16.1%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	3,275	15%
2 or 3 bedrooms	14,670	69%
4 or more bedrooms	3,440	16.1%

Homes built since 2011

1,205

The age of buildings in Cornwall

About 15.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 21.5% between 1946 and 1960. Another 16.3% went up in the 1960s, 16.7% in the 1970s, and 12.2% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7% of homes were added, and 4.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	3,410	15.9%
Between 1946 and 1960	4,590	21.5%
Between 1961 and 1970	3,490	16.3%
Between 1971 and 1980	3,570	16.7%
Between 1981 and 1990	2,605	12.2%
Between 1991 and 2000	1,505	7%
Between 2001 and 2010	1,015	4.8%
After 2011	1,205	5.6%

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.

Cornwall occupancy rates

In Cornwall, there are 21,386 occupied private dwellings, of which 53.6% are owner-occupied and 46.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 828 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

21,386

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 46.4%
Owned households: 53.6%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	9,915	46.4%
Owned households	11,475	53.6%

Unoccupied dwellings

828

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 Cornwall, homeowners pay a median of $900 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $880. About 77.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 22.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$900

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$880

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 77.9%
≥30% on shelter: 22.1%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	16,605	77.9%
≥30% on shelter	4,705	22.1%

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 Cornwall

Cornwall education at a glance

In Cornwall, educational attainment varies across the community. About 22% of residents have no formal diploma, while 34.7% have completed high school and 6.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 23.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 11.4% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	8,535	22%
High school diploma	13,475	34.7%
Apprenticeship diploma	2,655	6.8%
College diploma	9,210	23.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	550	1.4%
University degree	4,410	11.4%

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 Cornwall

How much people earn in Cornwall

In Cornwall, the median household income sits at $60,000, while the median after-tax household income is $55,200.

Median household income

$60,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$55,200/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.

Cornwall income by age

Young adults in Cornwall between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,400, 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 $39,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $45,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $43,200, followed by $38,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $29,600.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	19,400
25 - 34	39,600
35 - 44	45,200
45 - 54	43,200
55 - 64	38,000
Over 65	29,600

Employment in Cornwall

Workforce and job sectors in Cornwall

In Cornwall, 20,310 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

20,310

Unemployment rate

12.4%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	115	0.6%
Business, finance and administration	2,810	14.2%
Natural and applied sciences	745	3.8%
Health	1,945	9.8%
Education, law, community and government services	1,950	9.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	305	1.5%
Sales and service	5,945	30.1%
Trades and transport	4,005	20.2%
Natural resources and agriculture	245	1.2%
Manufacturing and utilities	1,715	8.7%

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 Cornwall

How people get around in Cornwall

In Cornwall, the average commute is 16 minutes. About 88.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 3% rely on public transit and 6.4% walk or bike. The remaining 2.3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

16 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 59.7%
15 to 29 minutes: 26.4%
30 to 44 minutes: 5.8%
45 to 59 minutes: 2.2%
More than 60 minutes: 5.9%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	9,380	59.7%
15 to 29 minutes	4,145	26.4%
30 to 44 minutes	910	5.8%
45 to 59 minutes	345	2.2%
More than 60 minutes	925	5.9%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	13,865	88.3%
By public transit	470	3%
By bicycle/by walking	1,000	6.4%
By other methods	365	2.3%

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 Cornwall demographics

What is the current total population in Cornwall?

Cornwall has a population of 47,845, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.1% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Cornwall?

Cornwall has a population density of 777.9 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Cornwall?

Cornwall has the following gender distribution:

48.2% males (23,075 residents)
51.8% females (24,765 residents)

What is the age distribution of Cornwall residents?

The age distribution of Cornwall residents is as follows:

Under 15: 15.7% (7,505 residents)
15-24: 10% (4,770 residents)
25-34: 12.4% (5,925 residents)
35-44: 10.6% (5,050 residents)
45-54: 10.7% (5,115 residents)
55-64: 15.3% (7,340 residents)
Over 64: 25.4% (12,145 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Cornwall?

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

90.4% non-immigrants (41,905 residents)
8.4% immigrants (3,885 residents)
1.2% non-permanent residents (550 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Cornwall?

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

English: 79.2%
French: 19.3%
English and French: 1%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

What is the typical household size in Cornwall?

The typical household size in Cornwall is 2.2 people.

What is the median household income in Cornwall?

The median household income in Cornwall is $60,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Cornwall residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Cornwall is as follows:

No diploma: 22% (8,535 residents)
High school diploma: 34.7% (13,475 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 6.8% (2,655 residents)
College diploma: 23.7% (9,210 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.4% (550 residents)
University degree: 11.4% (4,410 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Cornwall?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.5%
Business, finance and administration: 14.2%
Education, law, community and government services: 9.9%
Health: 9.8%
Management: 0.6%
Manufacturing and utilities: 8.7%
Natural and applied sciences: 3.8%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.2%
Sales and service: 30.1%
Trades and transport: 20.2%

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

Cornwall, ON demographics:population, income, and more