Total population

32,901

1.7 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$76,000/yr

Private dwellings

15,875

Fort Erie population

How many people live in Fort Erie

Fort Erie is home to 32,901 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.9% identify as male and 51.1% as female.

Total population

32,901

1.7% year-over-year change

Population density

197.9/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.9%

16,080

Female

51.1%

16,825

	Value	Percent
Male	16,080	48.9%
Female	16,825	51.1%

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 Fort Erie is 47.2. Children under 15 make up 13.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.5%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.7% are 25 to 34, 9.9% are 35 to 44, and 12.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 18.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 27.3%.

Average age

47.2

Age breakdown

Under 15: 13.4%
15 to 24: 9.5%
25 to 34: 9.7%
35 to 44: 9.9%
45 to 54: 12.1%
55 to 64: 18.1%
Over 65: 27.3%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	4,405	13.4%
15 to 24	3,135	9.5%
25 to 34	3,185	9.7%
35 to 44	3,255	9.9%
45 to 54	3,985	12.1%
55 to 64	5,965	18.1%
Over 65	8,970	27.3%

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 Fort Erie, 82.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 16.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 82.9%
Immigrants: 16.6%
Non-permanent residents: 0.5%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	26,940	82.9%
Immigrants	5,380	16.6%
Non-permanent residents	175	0.5%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 7.8%
Non-minorities: 92.2%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	2,545	7.8%
Non-minorities	29,950	92.2%

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 Fort Erie

English: 97.9%
French: 1.5%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

	Value	Percent
English	31,960	97.9%
French	500	1.5%
English and French	40	0.1%
Neither English nor French	140	0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.9% of people in Fort Erie speak English as their primary language, 1.5% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% 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 Fort Erie

A peek inside Fort Erie households

Fort Erie has 14,080 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 27.8% of all homes, while 40.8% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 17.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

14,080

Average people per household

2.3

1 person: 27.8%
2 persons: 40.8%
3 persons: 14.2%
4 persons: 11%
5 or more persons: 6.2%

	Value	Percent
1 person	3,910	27.8%
2 persons	5,745	40.8%
3 persons	2,000	14.2%
4 persons	1,550	11%
5 or more persons	880	6.2%

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 Fort Erie

The housing landscape of Fort Erie

Fort Erie has a total of 15,875 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 82.6% are single-detached houses, 15.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 2.2% are apartments. When it comes to space, Fort Erie offers a variety of home sizes: 8% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 71% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 21.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

15,875

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 82.6%
Attached homes: 15.2%
Apartments: 2.2%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	11,620	82.6%
Attached homes	2,140	15.2%
Apartments	310	2.2%
Movable homes	5	0%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 8%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 71%
4 or more bedrooms: 21.1%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	1,075	8%
2 or 3 bedrooms	10,030	71%
4 or more bedrooms	2,975	21.1%

Homes built since 2011

1,355

The age of buildings in Fort Erie

About 20.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 18.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.7% went up in the 1960s, 11.4% in the 1970s, and 8.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 10.7% of homes were added, and 9.3% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	2,830	20.1%
Between 1946 and 1960	2,645	18.8%
Between 1961 and 1970	1,650	11.7%
Between 1971 and 1980	1,610	11.4%
Between 1981 and 1990	1,175	8.4%
Between 1991 and 2000	1,510	10.7%
Between 2001 and 2010	1,305	9.3%
After 2011	1,355	9.6%

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.

Fort Erie occupancy rates

In Fort Erie, there are 14,081 occupied private dwellings, of which 79.8% are owner-occupied and 20.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,794 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

14,081

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 20.2%
Owned households: 79.8%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	2,850	20.2%
Owned households	11,230	79.8%

Unoccupied dwellings

1,794

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 Fort Erie, homeowners pay a median of $1,080 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $980. About 80.7% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 19.3% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,080

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$980

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 80.7%
≥30% on shelter: 19.3%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	11,295	80.7%
≥30% on shelter	2,695	19.3%

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 Fort Erie

Fort Erie education at a glance

In Fort Erie, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 35.2% have completed high school and 7.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 15.4% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	4,460	15.9%
High school diploma	9,895	35.2%
Apprenticeship diploma	2,180	7.8%
College diploma	6,745	24%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	495	1.8%
University degree	4,315	15.4%

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 Fort Erie

How much people earn in Fort Erie

In Fort Erie, the median household income sits at $76,000, while the median after-tax household income is $68,000.

Median household income

$76,000/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.

Fort Erie income by age

Young adults in Fort Erie between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,000, 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 $40,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $49,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $50,000, followed by $40,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,400.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	18,000
25 - 34	40,000
35 - 44	49,600
45 - 54	50,000
55 - 64	40,400
Over 65	34,400

Employment in Fort Erie

Workforce and job sectors in Fort Erie

In Fort Erie, 15,405 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 15.4%. 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

15,405

Unemployment rate

15.4%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	85	0.6%
Business, finance and administration	2,200	14.8%
Natural and applied sciences	735	4.9%
Health	1,070	7.2%
Education, law, community and government services	1,610	10.8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	385	2.6%
Sales and service	4,300	28.9%
Trades and transport	3,140	21.1%
Natural resources and agriculture	455	3%
Manufacturing and utilities	915	6.1%

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 Fort Erie

How people get around in Fort Erie

In Fort Erie, the average commute is 22 minutes. About 94.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.3% rely on public transit and 3.5% walk or bike. The remaining 1.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

22 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 38.4%
15 to 29 minutes: 29.8%
30 to 44 minutes: 21.3%
45 to 59 minutes: 4.4%
More than 60 minutes: 6%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	4,030	38.4%
15 to 29 minutes	3,130	29.8%
30 to 44 minutes	2,235	21.3%
45 to 59 minutes	465	4.4%
More than 60 minutes	625	6%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	9,885	94.3%
By public transit	30	0.3%
By bicycle/by walking	370	3.5%
By other methods	195	1.9%

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.

Find your place

Explore more communities

Nearby locations

Big cities by the numbers

FAQs about Fort Erie demographics

What is the current total population in Fort Erie?

Fort Erie has a population of 32,901, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.7% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Fort Erie?

Fort Erie has a population density of 197.9 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Fort Erie?

Fort Erie has the following gender distribution:

48.9% males (16,080 residents)
51.1% females (16,825 residents)

What is the age distribution of Fort Erie residents?

The age distribution of Fort Erie residents is as follows:

Under 15: 13.4% (4,405 residents)
15-24: 9.5% (3,135 residents)
25-34: 9.7% (3,185 residents)
35-44: 9.9% (3,255 residents)
45-54: 12.1% (3,985 residents)
55-64: 18.1% (5,965 residents)
Over 64: 27.3% (8,970 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Fort Erie?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Fort Erie:

82.9% non-immigrants (26,940 residents)
16.6% immigrants (5,380 residents)
0.5% non-permanent residents (175 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Fort Erie?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Fort Erie:

English: 97.9%
French: 1.5%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

What is the typical household size in Fort Erie?

The typical household size in Fort Erie is 2.3 people.

What is the median household income in Fort Erie?

The median household income in Fort Erie is $76,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Fort Erie residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Fort Erie is as follows:

No diploma: 15.9% (4,460 residents)
High school diploma: 35.2% (9,895 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 7.8% (2,180 residents)
College diploma: 24% (6,745 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.8% (495 residents)
University degree: 15.4% (4,315 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Fort Erie?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.6%
Business, finance and administration: 14.8%
Education, law, community and government services: 10.8%
Health: 7.2%
Management: 0.6%
Manufacturing and utilities: 6.1%
Natural and applied sciences: 4.9%
Natural resources and agriculture: 3%
Sales and service: 28.9%
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

Fort Erie, ON demographics:population, income, and more