Grimsby, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
28,883
2.0 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$104,000/yr
Private dwellings
11,626

Grimsby population

How many people live in Grimsby

Grimsby is home to 28,883 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.6% identify as male and 51.4% as female.

Total population
28,883
2.0% year-over-year change
Population density
420.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
14,025
Female
51.4%
14,855
Value Percent
Male 14,025 48.6%
Female 14,855 51.4%
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 Grimsby is 43.5. Children under 15 make up 16.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.7% are 25 to 34, 12.2% are 35 to 44, and 13.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 21.3%.

Average age
43.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.2%
15 to 24
10.8%
25 to 34
10.7%
35 to 44
12.2%
45 to 54
13.6%
55 to 64
15.1%
Over 65
21.3%
Value Percent
Under 15 4,680 16.2%
15 to 24 3,120 10.8%
25 to 34 3,100 10.7%
35 to 44 3,540 12.2%
45 to 54 3,920 13.6%
55 to 64 4,365 15.1%
Over 65 6,165 21.3%
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 Grimsby, 81.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 17.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
81.8%
Immigrants
17.8%
Non-permanent residents
0.4%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 23,380 81.8%
Immigrants 5,090 17.8%
Non-permanent residents 100 0.4%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
9.7%
Non-minorities
90.3%
Value Percent
Minorities 2,775 9.7%
Non-minorities 25,790 90.3%
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 Grimsby
English
98.5%
French
0.9%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.4%
Value Percent
English 28,265 98.5%
French 265 0.9%
English and French 40 0.1%
Neither English nor French 115 0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.5% of people in Grimsby speak English as their primary language, 0.9% 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 Grimsby

A peek inside Grimsby households

Grimsby has 11,395 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 24.3% of all homes, while 36.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 24.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
11,395
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
24.3%
2 persons
36.1%
3 persons
15.3%
4 persons
16.6%
5 or more persons
7.8%
Value Percent
1 person 2,770 24.3%
2 persons 4,115 36.1%
3 persons 1,740 15.3%
4 persons 1,890 16.6%
5 or more persons 890 7.8%
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 Grimsby

The housing landscape of Grimsby

Grimsby has a total of 11,626 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 64.4% are single-detached houses, 32.5% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Grimsby offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 63% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 27.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
11,626
Housing types
Single-detached homes
64.4%
Attached homes
32.5%
Apartments
3%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 7,340 64.4%
Attached homes 3,710 32.5%
Apartments 345 3%
Movable homes 5 0%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
10%
2 or 3 bedrooms
63%
4 or more bedrooms
27.2%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 1,095 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms 7,195 63%
4 or more bedrooms 3,100 27.2%
Homes built since 2011
2,080

The age of buildings in Grimsby

About 8.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 12.3% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.9% went up in the 1960s, 7.9% in the 1970s, and 11.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.4% of homes were added, and 16.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 925 8.1%
Between 1946 and 1960 1,400 12.3%
Between 1961 and 1970 1,580 13.9%
Between 1971 and 1980 900 7.9%
Between 1981 and 1990 1,290 11.3%
Between 1991 and 2000 1,295 11.4%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,915 16.8%
After 2011 2,080 18.3%
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.

Grimsby occupancy rates

In Grimsby, there are 11,395 occupied private dwellings, of which 82.7% are owner-occupied and 17.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 231 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
11,395
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
17.3%
Owned households
82.7%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,975 17.3%
Owned households 9,415 82.7%
Unoccupied dwellings
231
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 Grimsby, homeowners pay a median of $1,540 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,620. About 80.8% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 19.2% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,540
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,620
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
80.8%
≥30% on shelter
19.2%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 9,155 80.8%
≥30% on shelter 2,180 19.2%
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 Grimsby

Grimsby education at a glance

In Grimsby, educational attainment varies across the community. About 13.3% of residents have no formal diploma, while 27.4% have completed high school and 6.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 25% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 25.8% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 3,185 13.3%
High school diploma 6,555 27.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,465 6.1%
College diploma 5,965 25%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 570 2.4%
University degree 6,160 25.8%
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 Grimsby

How much people earn in Grimsby

In Grimsby, the median household income sits at $104,000, while the median after-tax household income is $89,000.

Median household income
$104,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$89,000/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.

Grimsby income by age

Young adults in Grimsby between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,800, 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 $49,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $68,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $72,000, followed by $57,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $39,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 16,800
25 - 34 49,600
35 - 44 68,000
45 - 54 72,000
55 - 64 57,600
Over 65 39,600

Employment in Grimsby

Workforce and job sectors in Grimsby

In Grimsby, 15,355 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.2%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
15,355
Unemployment rate
10.2%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 300 2%
Business, finance and administration 2,760 18.3%
Natural and applied sciences 1,060 7%
Health 1,290 8.6%
Education, law, community and government services 2,045 13.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 370 2.5%
Sales and service 3,665 24.4%
Trades and transport 2,500 16.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 380 2.5%
Manufacturing and utilities 675 4.5%
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 Grimsby

How people get around in Grimsby

In Grimsby, the average commute is 25 minutes. About 94.6% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.7% rely on public transit and 3.2% walk or bike. The remaining 1.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
25 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
28.8%
15 to 29 minutes
34.1%
30 to 44 minutes
21.4%
45 to 59 minutes
7%
More than 60 minutes
8.5%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,845 28.8%
15 to 29 minutes 3,365 34.1%
30 to 44 minutes 2,115 21.4%
45 to 59 minutes 695 7%
More than 60 minutes 840 8.5%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 9,335 94.6%
By public transit 65 0.7%
By bicycle/by walking 315 3.2%
By other methods 150 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.

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FAQs about Grimsby demographics 

What is the current total population in Grimsby?

Grimsby has a population of 28,883, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.0% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Grimsby?  

Grimsby has a population density of 420.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Grimsby?

Grimsby has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.6% males (14,025 residents)  
  • 51.4% females (14,855 residents)

What is the age distribution of Grimsby residents?  

The age distribution of Grimsby residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 16.2% (4,680 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.8% (3,120 residents)   
  • 25-34: 10.7% (3,100 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.2% (3,540 residents)   
  • 45-54: 13.6% (3,920 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.1% (4,365 residents)   
  • Over 64: 21.3% (6,165 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Grimsby? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Grimsby: 
  • 81.8% non-immigrants (23,380 residents)  
  • 17.8% immigrants (5,090 residents)  
  • 0.4% non-permanent residents (100 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Grimsby?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Grimsby: 
  • English: 98.5% 
  • French: 0.9% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.4% 

What is the typical household size in Grimsby?  

The typical household size in Grimsby is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Grimsby?  

The median household income in Grimsby is $104,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Grimsby residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Grimsby is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 13.3% (3,185 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 27.4% (6,555 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 6.1% (1,465 residents) 
  • College diploma: 25% (5,965 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.4% (570 residents) 
  • University degree: 25.8% (6,160 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Grimsby?  

The most common occupations in Grimsby fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.5% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 18.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 13.6% 
  • Health: 8.6% 
  • Management: 2% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.5% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 7% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.5% 
  • Sales and service: 24.4% 
  • Trades and transport: 16.6% 

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