Total population

569,353

2.5 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$86,000/yr

Private dwellings

233,564

Hamilton population

How many people live in Hamilton

Hamilton is home to 569,353 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.1% identify as male and 50.9% as female.

Total population

569,353

2.5% year-over-year change

Population density

509.1/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.1%

279,640

Female

50.9%

289,715

	Value	Percent
Male	279,640	49.1%
Female	289,715	50.9%

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 Hamilton is 41.5. Children under 15 make up 16% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.4% are 25 to 34, 13% are 35 to 44, and 12.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 18.3%.

Average age

41.5

Age breakdown

Under 15: 16%
15 to 24: 12%
25 to 34: 14.4%
35 to 44: 13%
45 to 54: 12.4%
55 to 64: 13.9%
Over 65: 18.3%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	91,240	16%
15 to 24	68,200	12%
25 to 34	81,855	14.4%
35 to 44	73,965	13%
45 to 54	70,820	12.4%
55 to 64	78,975	13.9%
Over 65	104,290	18.3%

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 Hamilton, 71.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 25.9% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 71.8%
Immigrants: 25.9%
Non-permanent residents: 2.3%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	402,725	71.8%
Immigrants	145,550	25.9%
Non-permanent residents	12,640	2.3%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 25.1%
Non-minorities: 74.9%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	140,950	25.1%
Non-minorities	419,965	74.9%

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 Hamilton

English: 96.7%
French: 1.1%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 1.8%

	Value	Percent
English	545,085	96.7%
French	6,410	1.1%
English and French	2,195	0.4%
Neither English nor French	10,130	1.8%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.7% of people in Hamilton speak English as their primary language, 1.1% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% are bilingual, and 1.8% 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 Hamilton

A peek inside Hamilton households

Hamilton has 222,805 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 27.9% of all homes, while 32.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 24.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

222,805

Average people per household

2.5

1 person: 27.9%
2 persons: 32.1%
3 persons: 15.8%
4 persons: 14.7%
5 or more persons: 9.5%

	Value	Percent
1 person	62,110	27.9%
2 persons	71,460	32.1%
3 persons	35,325	15.8%
4 persons	32,690	14.7%
5 or more persons	21,220	9.5%

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 Hamilton

The housing landscape of Hamilton

Hamilton has a total of 233,564 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 56.2% are single-detached houses, 27.4% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 16.4% are apartments. When it comes to space, Hamilton offers a variety of home sizes: 15% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 60% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 24.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

233,564

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 56.2%
Attached homes: 27.4%
Apartments: 16.4%
Movable homes: 0.1%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	125,130	56.2%
Attached homes	61,065	27.4%
Apartments	36,465	16.4%
Movable homes	145	0.1%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 15%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 60%
4 or more bedrooms: 24.4%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	34,110	15%
2 or 3 bedrooms	134,420	60%
4 or more bedrooms	54,285	24.4%

Homes built since 2011

20,915

The age of buildings in Hamilton

About 15.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 17% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.6% went up in the 1960s, 14.4% in the 1970s, and 11.2% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 9.6% of homes were added, and 8.9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	35,185	15.8%
Between 1946 and 1960	37,925	17%
Between 1961 and 1970	30,370	13.6%
Between 1971 and 1980	32,190	14.4%
Between 1981 and 1990	24,990	11.2%
Between 1991 and 2000	21,365	9.6%
Between 2001 and 2010	19,865	8.9%
After 2011	20,915	9.4%

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.

Hamilton occupancy rates

In Hamilton, there are 222,807 occupied private dwellings, of which 65.7% are owner-occupied and 34.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 10,757 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

222,807

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 34.3%
Owned households: 65.7%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	76,400	34.3%
Owned households	146,410	65.7%

Unoccupied dwellings

10,757

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 Hamilton, homeowners pay a median of $1,440 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,120. About 76.8% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 23.2% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,440

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,120

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 76.8%
≥30% on shelter: 23.2%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	169,815	76.8%
≥30% on shelter	51,305	23.2%

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 Hamilton

Hamilton education at a glance

In Hamilton, educational attainment varies across the community. About 17.2% of residents have no formal diploma, while 27.9% have completed high school and 5.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22.1% have graduated from college. Finally, 2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 25.2% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	80,780	17.2%
High school diploma	131,010	27.9%
Apprenticeship diploma	26,335	5.6%
College diploma	103,665	22.1%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	9,515	2%
University degree	118,490	25.2%

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 Hamilton

How much people earn in Hamilton

In Hamilton, the median household income sits at $86,000, while the median after-tax household income is $75,500.

Median household income

$86,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$75,500/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.

Hamilton income by age

Young adults in Hamilton between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,600, 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 $42,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $54,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $55,200, followed by $47,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,800.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,600
25 - 34	42,800
35 - 44	54,400
45 - 54	55,200
55 - 64	47,200
Over 65	34,800

Employment in Hamilton

Workforce and job sectors in Hamilton

In Hamilton, 290,990 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12.3%. 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

290,990

Unemployment rate

12.3%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	2,910	1%
Business, finance and administration	45,445	16.1%
Natural and applied sciences	21,440	7.6%
Health	26,740	9.4%
Education, law, community and government services	34,650	12.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	8,770	3.1%
Sales and service	72,160	25.5%
Trades and transport	49,190	17.4%
Natural resources and agriculture	4,665	1.6%
Manufacturing and utilities	16,945	6%

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 Hamilton

How people get around in Hamilton

In Hamilton, the average commute is 25 minutes. About 85.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 7.4% rely on public transit and 5.2% walk or bike. The remaining 2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

25 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 25.2%
15 to 29 minutes: 40.1%
30 to 44 minutes: 18.4%
45 to 59 minutes: 7.9%
More than 60 minutes: 8.5%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	47,920	25.2%
15 to 29 minutes	76,225	40.1%
30 to 44 minutes	34,950	18.4%
45 to 59 minutes	14,965	7.9%
More than 60 minutes	16,215	8.5%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	162,485	85.4%
By public transit	14,055	7.4%
By bicycle/by walking	9,925	5.2%
By other methods	3,815	2%

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 Hamilton demographics

What is the current total population in Hamilton?

Hamilton has a population of 569,353, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.5% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Hamilton?

Hamilton has a population density of 509.1 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Hamilton?

Hamilton has the following gender distribution:

49.1% males (279,640 residents)
50.9% females (289,715 residents)

What is the age distribution of Hamilton residents?

The age distribution of Hamilton residents is as follows:

Under 15: 16% (91,240 residents)
15-24: 12% (68,200 residents)
25-34: 14.4% (81,855 residents)
35-44: 13% (73,965 residents)
45-54: 12.4% (70,820 residents)
55-64: 13.9% (78,975 residents)
Over 64: 18.3% (104,290 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Hamilton?

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

71.8% non-immigrants (402,725 residents)
25.9% immigrants (145,550 residents)
2.3% non-permanent residents (12,640 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Hamilton?

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

English: 96.7%
French: 1.1%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 1.8%

What is the typical household size in Hamilton?

The typical household size in Hamilton is 2.5 people.

What is the median household income in Hamilton?

The median household income in Hamilton is $86,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Hamilton residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Hamilton is as follows:

No diploma: 17.2% (80,780 residents)
High school diploma: 27.9% (131,010 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 5.6% (26,335 residents)
College diploma: 22.1% (103,665 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2% (9,515 residents)
University degree: 25.2% (118,490 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Hamilton?

The most common occupations in Hamilton 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: 12.2%
Health: 9.4%
Management: 1%
Manufacturing and utilities: 6%
Natural and applied sciences: 7.6%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.6%
Sales and service: 25.5%
Trades and transport: 17.4%

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

Hamilton, ON demographics:population, income, and more