Total population

79,247

0.8 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$82,000/yr

Private dwellings

38,947

Kawartha Lakes population

How many people live in Kawartha Lakes

Kawartha Lakes is home to 79,247 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.7% identify as male and 50.3% as female.

Total population

79,247

0.8% year-over-year change

Population density

26.1/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.7%

39,380

Female

50.3%

39,865

	Value	Percent
Male	39,380	49.7%
Female	39,865	50.3%

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 Kawartha Lakes is 47.4. Children under 15 make up 13.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.5% are 25 to 34, 10.2% are 35 to 44, and 11.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 17.8% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 28.2%.

Average age

47.4

Age breakdown

Under 15: 13.3%
15 to 24: 8.9%
25 to 34: 10.5%
35 to 44: 10.2%
45 to 54: 11.1%
55 to 64: 17.8%
Over 65: 28.2%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	10,540	13.3%
15 to 24	7,080	8.9%
25 to 34	8,340	10.5%
35 to 44	8,115	10.2%
45 to 54	8,765	11.1%
55 to 64	14,065	17.8%
Over 65	22,355	28.2%

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 Kawartha Lakes, 91.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 7.9% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 91.8%
Immigrants: 7.9%
Non-permanent residents: 0.3%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	70,930	91.8%
Immigrants	6,100	7.9%
Non-permanent residents	195	0.3%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 3.4%
Non-minorities: 96.6%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	2,635	3.4%
Non-minorities	74,595	96.6%

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 Kawartha Lakes

English: 98.9%
French: 0.9%
English and French: 0%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
English	76,945	98.9%
French	670	0.9%
English and French	40	0%
Neither English nor French	140	0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.9% of people in Kawartha Lakes speak English as their primary language, 0.9% communicate mainly in French, 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 Kawartha Lakes

A peek inside Kawartha Lakes households

Kawartha Lakes has 32,705 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 25.6% of all homes, while 41.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14%, and homes with four or more people account for 18.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

32,705

Average people per household

2.4

1 person: 25.6%
2 persons: 41.9%
3 persons: 14%
4 persons: 11.5%
5 or more persons: 7%

	Value	Percent
1 person	8,375	25.6%
2 persons	13,715	41.9%
3 persons	4,580	14%
4 persons	3,750	11.5%
5 or more persons	2,285	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 Kawartha Lakes

The housing landscape of Kawartha Lakes

Kawartha Lakes has a total of 38,947 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 83.8% are single-detached houses, 13.3% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 2.2% are apartments. When it comes to space, Kawartha Lakes offers a variety of home sizes: 8% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 64% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 28.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

38,947

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 83.8%
Attached homes: 13.3%
Apartments: 2.2%
Movable homes: 0.7%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	27,400	83.8%
Attached homes	4,350	13.3%
Apartments	730	2.2%
Movable homes	230	0.7%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 8%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 64%
4 or more bedrooms: 28.6%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	2,475	8%
2 or 3 bedrooms	20,895	64%
4 or more bedrooms	9,350	28.6%

Homes built since 2011

2,655

The age of buildings in Kawartha Lakes

About 17.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 9.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.5% went up in the 1960s, 17.6% in the 1970s, and 16.2% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 10.4% of homes were added, and 9.3% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	5,700	17.4%
Between 1946 and 1960	3,085	9.4%
Between 1961 and 1970	3,775	11.5%
Between 1971 and 1980	5,765	17.6%
Between 1981 and 1990	5,305	16.2%
Between 1991 and 2000	3,395	10.4%
Between 2001 and 2010	3,030	9.3%
After 2011	2,655	8.1%

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.

Kawartha Lakes occupancy rates

In Kawartha Lakes, there are 32,708 occupied private dwellings, of which 82.8% are owner-occupied and 17.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 6,239 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

32,708

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 17.2%
Owned households: 82.8%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	5,620	17.2%
Owned households	27,090	82.8%

Unoccupied dwellings

6,239

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 Kawartha Lakes, homeowners pay a median of $1,080 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,100. About 80.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 19.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,080

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,100

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 80.9%
≥30% on shelter: 19.1%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	25,715	80.9%
≥30% on shelter	6,085	19.1%

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 Kawartha Lakes

Kawartha Lakes education at a glance

In Kawartha Lakes, educational attainment varies across the community. About 17.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 33.6% have completed high school and 8.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 26% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 13.5% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	11,660	17.5%
High school diploma	22,385	33.6%
Apprenticeship diploma	5,420	8.1%
College diploma	17,330	26%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	920	1.4%
University degree	8,985	13.5%

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 Kawartha Lakes

How much people earn in Kawartha Lakes

In Kawartha Lakes, the median household income sits at $82,000, while the median after-tax household income is $72,500.

Median household income

$82,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$72,500/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.

Kawartha Lakes income by age

Young adults in Kawartha Lakes between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,000, 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 $42,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $53,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $52,400, followed by $43,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,400.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	19,000
25 - 34	42,800
35 - 44	53,200
45 - 54	52,400
55 - 64	43,200
Over 65	34,400

Employment in Kawartha Lakes

Workforce and job sectors in Kawartha Lakes

In Kawartha Lakes, 36,495 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 11.2%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

36,495

Unemployment rate

11.2%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	275	0.8%
Business, finance and administration	4,855	13.7%
Natural and applied sciences	1,635	4.6%
Health	2,920	8.2%
Education, law, community and government services	3,950	11.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	725	2%
Sales and service	8,785	24.7%
Trades and transport	9,030	25.4%
Natural resources and agriculture	1,695	4.8%
Manufacturing and utilities	1,635	4.6%

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 Kawartha Lakes

How people get around in Kawartha Lakes

In Kawartha Lakes, the average commute is 33 minutes. About 94.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.6% rely on public transit and 3.4% walk or bike. The remaining 1.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

33 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 27.5%
15 to 29 minutes: 24.8%
30 to 44 minutes: 18.1%
45 to 59 minutes: 10.3%
More than 60 minutes: 19.3%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	7,185	27.5%
15 to 29 minutes	6,495	24.8%
30 to 44 minutes	4,730	18.1%
45 to 59 minutes	2,695	10.3%
More than 60 minutes	5,060	19.3%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	24,645	94.2%
By public transit	170	0.6%
By bicycle/by walking	880	3.4%
By other methods	470	1.8%

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 Kawartha Lakes demographics

What is the current total population in Kawartha Lakes?

Kawartha Lakes has a population of 79,247, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.8% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Kawartha Lakes?

Kawartha Lakes has a population density of 26.1 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Kawartha Lakes?

Kawartha Lakes has the following gender distribution:

49.7% males (39,380 residents)
50.3% females (39,865 residents)

What is the age distribution of Kawartha Lakes residents?

The age distribution of Kawartha Lakes residents is as follows:

Under 15: 13.3% (10,540 residents)
15-24: 8.9% (7,080 residents)
25-34: 10.5% (8,340 residents)
35-44: 10.2% (8,115 residents)
45-54: 11.1% (8,765 residents)
55-64: 17.8% (14,065 residents)
Over 64: 28.2% (22,355 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Kawartha Lakes?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Kawartha Lakes:

91.8% non-immigrants (70,930 residents)
7.9% immigrants (6,100 residents)
0.3% non-permanent residents (195 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Kawartha Lakes?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Kawartha Lakes:

English: 98.9%
French: 0.9%
English and French: 0%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

What is the typical household size in Kawartha Lakes?

The typical household size in Kawartha Lakes is 2.4 people.

What is the median household income in Kawartha Lakes?

The median household income in Kawartha Lakes is $82,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Kawartha Lakes residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Kawartha Lakes is as follows:

No diploma: 17.5% (11,660 residents)
High school diploma: 33.6% (22,385 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 8.1% (5,420 residents)
College diploma: 26% (17,330 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.4% (920 residents)
University degree: 13.5% (8,985 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Kawartha Lakes?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2%
Business, finance and administration: 13.7%
Education, law, community and government services: 11.1%
Health: 8.2%
Management: 0.8%
Manufacturing and utilities: 4.6%
Natural and applied sciences: 4.6%
Natural resources and agriculture: 4.8%
Sales and service: 24.7%
Trades and transport: 25.4%

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

Kawartha Lakes, ON demographics:population, income, and more