Total population

7,881

1.0 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$69,500/yr

Private dwellings

3,899

Goderich population

How many people live in Goderich

Goderich is home to 7,881 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.2% identify as male and 52.8% as female.

Total population

7,881

1.0% year-over-year change

Population density

923.1/km2

Gender ratio

Male

47.2%

3,720

Female

52.8%

4,160

	Value	Percent
Male	3,720	47.2%
Female	4,160	52.8%

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 Goderich is 48.7. Children under 15 make up 13% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.5% are 25 to 34, 10.2% are 35 to 44, and 10.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 32%.

Average age

48.7

Age breakdown

Under 15: 13%
15 to 24: 9.3%
25 to 34: 9.5%
35 to 44: 10.2%
45 to 54: 10.7%
55 to 64: 15.4%
Over 65: 32%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	1,025	13%
15 to 24	735	9.3%
25 to 34	745	9.5%
35 to 44	800	10.2%
45 to 54	840	10.7%
55 to 64	1,210	15.4%
Over 65	2,520	32%

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 Goderich, 92% of residents were born in Canada, while 7.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 92%
Immigrants: 7.5%
Non-permanent residents: 0.5%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	7,060	92%
Immigrants	575	7.5%
Non-permanent residents	35	0.5%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 2.9%
Non-minorities: 97.1%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	225	2.9%
Non-minorities	7,450	97.1%

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 Goderich

English: 99.2%
French: 0.6%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.1%

	Value	Percent
English	7,735	99.2%
French	45	0.6%
English and French	5	0.1%
Neither English nor French	10	0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.2% of people in Goderich speak English as their primary language, 0.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.1% 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 Goderich

A peek inside Goderich households

Goderich has 3,670 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 35.7% of all homes, while 38.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 13.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

3,670

Average people per household

2.1

1 person: 35.7%
2 persons: 38.6%
3 persons: 12.4%
4 persons: 8.9%
5 or more persons: 4.4%

	Value	Percent
1 person	1,310	35.7%
2 persons	1,415	38.6%
3 persons	455	12.4%
4 persons	325	8.9%
5 or more persons	160	4.4%

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 Goderich

The housing landscape of Goderich

Goderich has a total of 3,899 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Goderich offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 66% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 20.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

3,899

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 65.6%
Attached homes: 33.8%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 0.6%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	2,405	65.6%
Attached homes	1,240	33.8%
Movable homes	20	0.6%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 66%
4 or more bedrooms: 20.9%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	495	14%
2 or 3 bedrooms	2,405	66%
4 or more bedrooms	765	20.9%

Homes built since 2011

265

The age of buildings in Goderich

About 31.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 14.3% between 1946 and 1960. Another 12.7% went up in the 1960s, 15.8% in the 1970s, and 7.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 6.3% of homes were added, and 5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	1,140	31.1%
Between 1946 and 1960	525	14.3%
Between 1961 and 1970	465	12.7%
Between 1971 and 1980	580	15.8%
Between 1981 and 1990	280	7.6%
Between 1991 and 2000	230	6.3%
Between 2001 and 2010	185	5%
After 2011	265	7.2%

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.

Goderich occupancy rates

In Goderich, there are 3,667 occupied private dwellings, of which 65.3% are owner-occupied and 34.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 232 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

3,667

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 34.7%
Owned households: 65.3%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	1,270	34.7%
Owned households	2,390	65.3%

Unoccupied dwellings

232

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 Goderich, homeowners pay a median of $900 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,000. About 79.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 20.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$900

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,000

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 79.6%
≥30% on shelter: 20.4%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	2,915	79.6%
≥30% on shelter	745	20.4%

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 Goderich

Goderich education at a glance

In Goderich, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 32.3% have completed high school and 8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 23.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 18% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	1,115	16.8%
High school diploma	2,150	32.3%
Apprenticeship diploma	530	8%
College diploma	1,555	23.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	105	1.6%
University degree	1,200	18%

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 Goderich

How much people earn in Goderich

In Goderich, the median household income sits at $69,500, while the median after-tax household income is $62,800.

Median household income

$69,500/year

Median after-tax household income

$62,800/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.

Goderich income by age

Young adults in Goderich between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,000, 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 $43,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $53,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $53,200, followed by $42,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,400.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,000
25 - 34	43,200
35 - 44	53,600
45 - 54	53,200
55 - 64	42,800
Over 65	36,400

Employment in Goderich

Workforce and job sectors in Goderich

In Goderich, 3,490 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.3%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

3,490

Unemployment rate

9.3%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	25	0.7%
Business, finance and administration	430	12.6%
Natural and applied sciences	125	3.7%
Health	310	9.1%
Education, law, community and government services	470	13.8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	75	2.2%
Sales and service	1,010	29.6%
Trades and transport	615	18%
Natural resources and agriculture	170	5%
Manufacturing and utilities	180	5.3%

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 Goderich

How people get around in Goderich

In Goderich, the average commute is 16 minutes. About 85.9% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.7% rely on public transit and 11.9% walk or bike. The remaining 1.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

16 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 66%
15 to 29 minutes: 17.2%
30 to 44 minutes: 5.7%
45 to 59 minutes: 5.3%
More than 60 minutes: 5.8%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	1,805	66%
15 to 29 minutes	470	17.2%
30 to 44 minutes	155	5.7%
45 to 59 minutes	145	5.3%
More than 60 minutes	160	5.8%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	2,350	85.9%
By public transit	20	0.7%
By bicycle/by walking	325	11.9%
By other methods	40	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.

Find your place

Explore more communities

Nearby locations

Big cities by the numbers

FAQs about Goderich demographics

What is the current total population in Goderich?

Goderich has a population of 7,881, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.0% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Goderich?

Goderich has a population density of 923.1 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Goderich?

Goderich has the following gender distribution:

47.2% males (3,720 residents)
52.8% females (4,160 residents)

What is the age distribution of Goderich residents?

The age distribution of Goderich residents is as follows:

Under 15: 13% (1,025 residents)
15-24: 9.3% (735 residents)
25-34: 9.5% (745 residents)
35-44: 10.2% (800 residents)
45-54: 10.7% (840 residents)
55-64: 15.4% (1,210 residents)
Over 64: 32% (2,520 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Goderich?

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

92% non-immigrants (7,060 residents)
7.5% immigrants (575 residents)
0.5% non-permanent residents (35 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Goderich?

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

English: 99.2%
French: 0.6%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.1%

What is the typical household size in Goderich?

The typical household size in Goderich is 2.1 people.

What is the median household income in Goderich?

The median household income in Goderich is $69,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Goderich residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Goderich is as follows:

No diploma: 16.8% (1,115 residents)
High school diploma: 32.3% (2,150 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 8% (530 residents)
College diploma: 23.4% (1,555 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.6% (105 residents)
University degree: 18% (1,200 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Goderich?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.2%
Business, finance and administration: 12.6%
Education, law, community and government services: 13.8%
Health: 9.1%
Management: 0.7%
Manufacturing and utilities: 5.3%
Natural and applied sciences: 3.7%
Natural resources and agriculture: 5%
Sales and service: 29.6%
Trades and transport: 18%

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

Goderich, ON demographics:population, income, and more