Greater Sudbury, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
166,004
3.7 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$84,000/yr
Private dwellings
75,967

Greater Sudbury population

How many people live in Greater Sudbury

Greater Sudbury is home to 166,004 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.2% identify as male and 50.8% as female.

Total population
166,004
3.7% year-over-year change
Population density
52.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
81,645
Female
50.8%
84,355
Value Percent
Male 81,645 49.2%
Female 84,355 50.8%
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 Greater Sudbury is 42.9. Children under 15 make up 15.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.6%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.7% are 25 to 34, 12.3% are 35 to 44, and 12.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 20.4%.

Average age
42.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.4%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 34
12.7%
35 to 44
12.3%
45 to 54
12.5%
55 to 64
15.1%
Over 65
20.4%
Value Percent
Under 15 25,625 15.4%
15 to 24 19,300 11.6%
25 to 34 21,090 12.7%
35 to 44 20,415 12.3%
45 to 54 20,770 12.5%
55 to 64 25,020 15.1%
Over 65 33,780 20.4%
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 Greater Sudbury, 91.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 6% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
91.8%
Immigrants
6%
Non-permanent residents
2.2%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 149,620 91.8%
Immigrants 9,850 6%
Non-permanent residents 3,555 2.2%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
6.6%
Non-minorities
93.4%
Value Percent
Minorities 10,825 6.6%
Non-minorities 152,205 93.4%
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 Greater Sudbury
English
76.6%
French
22.5%
English and French
0.7%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 125,690 76.6%
French 36,980 22.5%
English and French 1,095 0.7%
Neither English nor French 380 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 76.6% of people in Greater Sudbury speak English as their primary language, 22.5% communicate mainly in French, 0.7% 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 Greater Sudbury

A peek inside Greater Sudbury households

Greater Sudbury has 71,475 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 30.8% of all homes, while 36.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 18.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
71,475
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
30.8%
2 persons
36.4%
3 persons
14.7%
4 persons
12.4%
5 or more persons
5.7%
Value Percent
1 person 22,040 30.8%
2 persons 25,990 36.4%
3 persons 10,510 14.7%
4 persons 8,890 12.4%
5 or more persons 4,050 5.7%
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 Greater Sudbury

The housing landscape of Greater Sudbury

Greater Sudbury has a total of 75,967 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 60.6% are single-detached houses, 32% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 6.7% are apartments. When it comes to space, Greater Sudbury offers a variety of home sizes: 13% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 62% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 25.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
75,967
Housing types
Single-detached homes
60.6%
Attached homes
32%
Apartments
6.7%
Movable homes
0.7%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 43,325 60.6%
Attached homes 22,845 32%
Apartments 4,785 6.7%
Movable homes 530 0.7%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
13%
2 or 3 bedrooms
62%
4 or more bedrooms
25.2%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 9,410 13%
2 or 3 bedrooms 44,025 62%
4 or more bedrooms 18,040 25.2%
Homes built since 2011
4,025

The age of buildings in Greater Sudbury

About 9.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 20.5% between 1946 and 1960. Another 18.4% went up in the 1960s, 18.7% in the 1970s, and 11.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 9.5% of homes were added, and 6.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 6,715 9.4%
Between 1946 and 1960 14,665 20.5%
Between 1961 and 1970 13,145 18.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 13,335 18.7%
Between 1981 and 1990 8,115 11.4%
Between 1991 and 2000 6,800 9.5%
Between 2001 and 2010 4,670 6.5%
After 2011 4,025 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.

Greater Sudbury occupancy rates

In Greater Sudbury, there are 71,476 occupied private dwellings, of which 64.5% are owner-occupied and 35.5% are rented. Meanwhile, 4,491 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
71,476
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
35.5%
Owned households
64.5%
Value Percent
Rented households 25,400 35.5%
Owned households 46,075 64.5%
Unoccupied dwellings
4,491
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 Greater Sudbury, homeowners pay a median of $1,240 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,000. About 82.8% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.2% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,240
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,000
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
82.8%
≥30% on shelter
17.2%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 58,895 82.8%
≥30% on shelter 12,260 17.2%
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 Greater Sudbury

Greater Sudbury education at a glance

In Greater Sudbury, educational attainment varies across the community. About 17.2% of residents have no formal diploma, while 26.8% have completed high school and 7.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 28.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 19.3% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 23,565 17.2%
High school diploma 36,820 26.8%
Apprenticeship diploma 9,775 7.1%
College diploma 38,855 28.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 1,855 1.4%
University degree 26,565 19.3%
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 Greater Sudbury

How much people earn in Greater Sudbury

In Greater Sudbury, the median household income sits at $84,000, while the median after-tax household income is $74,000.

Median household income
$84,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$74,000/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.

Greater Sudbury income by age

Young adults in Greater Sudbury between 15 and 24 have a median income of $20,200, 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 $47,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $62,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $62,400, followed by $50,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $39,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 20,200
25 - 34 47,200
35 - 44 62,400
45 - 54 62,400
55 - 64 50,000
Over 65 39,200

Employment in Greater Sudbury

Workforce and job sectors in Greater Sudbury

In Greater Sudbury, 84,005 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.4%. 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
84,005
Unemployment rate
10.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 685 0.8%
Business, finance and administration 14,465 17.6%
Natural and applied sciences 5,805 7.1%
Health 8,235 10%
Education, law, community and government services 10,220 12.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 1,435 1.8%
Sales and service 20,115 24.5%
Trades and transport 15,320 18.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 4,130 5%
Manufacturing and utilities 1,700 2.1%
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 Greater Sudbury

How people get around in Greater Sudbury

In Greater Sudbury, the average commute is 21 minutes. About 89.9% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 4.1% rely on public transit and 3.8% walk or bike. The remaining 2.1% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
21 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
35.9%
15 to 29 minutes
40.6%
30 to 44 minutes
15.1%
45 to 59 minutes
4.6%
More than 60 minutes
3.8%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 21,855 35.9%
15 to 29 minutes 24,710 40.6%
30 to 44 minutes 9,165 15.1%
45 to 59 minutes 2,770 4.6%
More than 60 minutes 2,345 3.8%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 54,715 89.9%
By public transit 2,515 4.1%
By bicycle/by walking 2,320 3.8%
By other methods 1,290 2.1%
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

FAQs about Greater Sudbury demographics 

What is the current total population in Greater Sudbury?

Greater Sudbury has a population of 166,004, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.7% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Greater Sudbury?  

Greater Sudbury has a population density of 52.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Greater Sudbury?

Greater Sudbury has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.2% males (81,645 residents)  
  • 50.8% females (84,355 residents)

What is the age distribution of Greater Sudbury residents?  

The age distribution of Greater Sudbury residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 15.4% (25,625 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.6% (19,300 residents)   
  • 25-34: 12.7% (21,090 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.3% (20,415 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.5% (20,770 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.1% (25,020 residents)   
  • Over 64: 20.4% (33,780 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Greater Sudbury? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Greater Sudbury: 
  • 91.8% non-immigrants (149,620 residents)  
  • 6% immigrants (9,850 residents)  
  • 2.2% non-permanent residents (3,555 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Greater Sudbury?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Greater Sudbury: 
  • English: 76.6% 
  • French: 22.5% 
  • English and French: 0.7% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Greater Sudbury?  

The typical household size in Greater Sudbury is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Greater Sudbury?  

The median household income in Greater Sudbury is $84,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Greater Sudbury residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Greater Sudbury is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 17.2% (23,565 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 26.8% (36,820 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.1% (9,775 residents) 
  • College diploma: 28.3% (38,855 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.4% (1,855 residents) 
  • University degree: 19.3% (26,565 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Greater Sudbury?  

The most common occupations in Greater Sudbury fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.8% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 17.6% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 12.4% 
  • Health: 10% 
  • Management: 0.8% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.1% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 7.1% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 5% 
  • Sales and service: 24.5% 
  • Trades and transport: 18.7% 

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