Total population

143,740

1.8 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$93,000/yr

Private dwellings

59,746

Guelph population

How many people live in Guelph

Guelph is home to 143,740 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.7% identify as male and 51.3% as female.

Total population

143,740

1.8% year-over-year change

Population density

1,644.1/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.7%

70,065

Female

51.3%

73,675

	Value	Percent
Male	70,065	48.7%
Female	73,675	51.3%

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 Guelph is 40.1. Children under 15 make up 16.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 13.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 15.4% are 25 to 34, 13.6% are 35 to 44, and 12.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 16.4%.

Average age

40.1

Age breakdown

Under 15: 16.4%
15 to 24: 13.2%
25 to 34: 15.4%
35 to 44: 13.6%
45 to 54: 12.7%
55 to 64: 12.4%
Over 65: 16.4%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	23,505	16.4%
15 to 24	18,940	13.2%
25 to 34	22,075	15.4%
35 to 44	19,545	13.6%
45 to 54	18,275	12.7%
55 to 64	17,860	12.4%
Over 65	23,540	16.4%

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 Guelph, 74.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 23.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 74.3%
Immigrants: 23.8%
Non-permanent residents: 1.9%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	105,375	74.3%
Immigrants	33,775	23.8%
Non-permanent residents	2,680	1.9%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 25.3%
Non-minorities: 74.7%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	35,940	25.3%
Non-minorities	105,895	74.7%

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 Guelph

English: 97.1%
French: 1.1%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 1.4%

	Value	Percent
English	138,495	97.1%
French	1,565	1.1%
English and French	535	0.4%
Neither English nor French	2,030	1.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.1% of people in Guelph speak English as their primary language, 1.1% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% are bilingual, and 1.4% 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 Guelph

A peek inside Guelph households

Guelph has 56,480 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 26.9% of all homes, while 32.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.9%, and homes with four or more people account for 24.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

56,480

Average people per household

2.5

1 person: 26.9%
2 persons: 32.7%
3 persons: 15.9%
4 persons: 15.6%
5 or more persons: 8.8%

	Value	Percent
1 person	15,210	26.9%
2 persons	18,480	32.7%
3 persons	8,995	15.9%
4 persons	8,830	15.6%
5 or more persons	4,965	8.8%

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 Guelph

The housing landscape of Guelph

Guelph has a total of 59,746 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 48.6% are single-detached houses, 39.9% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 11.5% are apartments. When it comes to space, Guelph offers a variety of home sizes: 13% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 64% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 23.3% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

59,746

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 48.6%
Attached homes: 39.9%
Apartments: 11.5%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	27,445	48.6%
Attached homes	22,520	39.9%
Apartments	6,510	11.5%
Movable homes	5	0%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 13%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 64%
4 or more bedrooms: 23.3%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	7,210	13%
2 or 3 bedrooms	36,115	64%
4 or more bedrooms	13,160	23.3%

Homes built since 2011

7,785

The age of buildings in Guelph

About 10.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 9.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 10.6% went up in the 1960s, 13.4% in the 1970s, and 12.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13.5% of homes were added, and 16.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	5,695	10.1%
Between 1946 and 1960	5,425	9.6%
Between 1961 and 1970	6,010	10.6%
Between 1971 and 1980	7,555	13.4%
Between 1981 and 1990	7,135	12.6%
Between 1991 and 2000	7,620	13.5%
Between 2001 and 2010	9,250	16.4%
After 2011	7,785	13.8%

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.

Guelph occupancy rates

In Guelph, there are 56,480 occupied private dwellings, of which 65.7% are owner-occupied and 34.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 3,266 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

56,480

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 34.3%
Owned households: 65.7%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	19,385	34.3%
Owned households	37,095	65.7%

Unoccupied dwellings

3,266

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 Guelph, homeowners pay a median of $1,600 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,350. About 77.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 22.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,600

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,350

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 77.1%
≥30% on shelter: 22.9%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	43,400	77.1%
≥30% on shelter	12,905	22.9%

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 Guelph

Guelph education at a glance

In Guelph, educational attainment varies across the community. About 14.2% of residents have no formal diploma, while 27.1% have completed high school and 4.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 19.1% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 33.8% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	16,790	14.2%
High school diploma	32,075	27.1%
Apprenticeship diploma	4,860	4.1%
College diploma	22,585	19.1%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	2,090	1.8%
University degree	39,955	33.8%

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 Guelph

How much people earn in Guelph

In Guelph, the median household income sits at $93,000, while the median after-tax household income is $82,000.

Median household income

$93,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$82,000/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.

Guelph income by age

Young adults in Guelph between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,800, 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 $45,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $58,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $60,800, followed by $52,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $38,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,800
25 - 34	45,200
35 - 44	58,400
45 - 54	60,800
55 - 64	52,800
Over 65	38,000

Employment in Guelph

Workforce and job sectors in Guelph

In Guelph, 79,945 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.8%. 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

79,945

Unemployment rate

10.8%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	910	1.2%
Business, finance and administration	12,580	16.1%
Natural and applied sciences	7,350	9.4%
Health	5,465	7%
Education, law, community and government services	10,955	14%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	2,450	3.1%
Sales and service	17,245	22.1%
Trades and transport	11,550	14.8%
Natural resources and agriculture	1,310	1.7%
Manufacturing and utilities	8,375	10.7%

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 Guelph

How people get around in Guelph

In Guelph, the average commute is 22 minutes. About 87.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 4.5% rely on public transit and 6.3% 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: 40.6%
15 to 29 minutes: 31.6%
30 to 44 minutes: 14%
45 to 59 minutes: 6.6%
More than 60 minutes: 7.1%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	21,215	40.6%
15 to 29 minutes	16,520	31.6%
30 to 44 minutes	7,335	14%
45 to 59 minutes	3,455	6.6%
More than 60 minutes	3,700	7.1%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	45,645	87.4%
By public transit	2,335	4.5%
By bicycle/by walking	3,270	6.3%
By other methods	975	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.

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FAQs about Guelph demographics

What is the current total population in Guelph?

Guelph has a population of 143,740, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.8% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Guelph?

Guelph has a population density of 1,644.1 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Guelph?

Guelph has the following gender distribution:

48.7% males (70,065 residents)
51.3% females (73,675 residents)

What is the age distribution of Guelph residents?

The age distribution of Guelph residents is as follows:

Under 15: 16.4% (23,505 residents)
15-24: 13.2% (18,940 residents)
25-34: 15.4% (22,075 residents)
35-44: 13.6% (19,545 residents)
45-54: 12.7% (18,275 residents)
55-64: 12.4% (17,860 residents)
Over 64: 16.4% (23,540 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Guelph?

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

74.3% non-immigrants (105,375 residents)
23.8% immigrants (33,775 residents)
1.9% non-permanent residents (2,680 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Guelph?

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

English: 97.1%
French: 1.1%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 1.4%

What is the typical household size in Guelph?

The typical household size in Guelph is 2.5 people.

What is the median household income in Guelph?

The median household income in Guelph is $93,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Guelph residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Guelph is as follows:

No diploma: 14.2% (16,790 residents)
High school diploma: 27.1% (32,075 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 4.1% (4,860 residents)
College diploma: 19.1% (22,585 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.8% (2,090 residents)
University degree: 33.8% (39,955 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Guelph?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.1%
Business, finance and administration: 16.1%
Education, law, community and government services: 14%
Health: 7%
Management: 1.2%
Manufacturing and utilities: 10.7%
Natural and applied sciences: 9.4%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.7%
Sales and service: 22.1%
Trades and transport: 14.8%

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

Guelph, ON demographics:population, income, and more