Kingston, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
132,485
2.6 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$79,000/yr
Private dwellings
63,095

Kingston population

How many people live in Kingston

Kingston is home to 132,485 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.4% identify as male and 51.6% as female.

Total population
132,485
2.6% year-over-year change
Population density
293.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
64,095
Female
51.6%
68,385
Value Percent
Male 64,095 48.4%
Female 68,385 51.6%
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 Kingston is 42.7. Children under 15 make up 14.1% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 13%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.9% are 25 to 34, 12.2% are 35 to 44, and 11.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 21.1%.

Average age
42.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.1%
15 to 24
13%
25 to 34
14.9%
35 to 44
12.2%
45 to 54
11.2%
55 to 64
13.5%
Over 65
21.1%
Value Percent
Under 15 18,730 14.1%
15 to 24 17,225 13%
25 to 34 19,765 14.9%
35 to 44 16,150 12.2%
45 to 54 14,815 11.2%
55 to 64 17,895 13.5%
Over 65 27,900 21.1%
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 Kingston, 83.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 13.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
83.9%
Immigrants
13.6%
Non-permanent residents
2.5%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 108,280 83.9%
Immigrants 17,545 13.6%
Non-permanent residents 3,285 2.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
13.4%
Non-minorities
86.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 17,330 13.4%
Non-minorities 111,785 86.6%
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 Kingston
English
95.8%
French
3.2%
English and French
0.5%
Neither English nor French
0.6%
Value Percent
English 124,345 95.8%
French 4,120 3.2%
English and French 620 0.5%
Neither English nor French 745 0.6%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 95.8% of people in Kingston speak English as their primary language, 3.2% communicate mainly in French, 0.5% are bilingual, and 0.6% 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 Kingston

A peek inside Kingston households

Kingston has 57,835 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 33% of all homes, while 36.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 17% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
57,835
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
33%
2 persons
36.2%
3 persons
13.8%
4 persons
11.3%
5 or more persons
5.7%
Value Percent
1 person 19,055 33%
2 persons 20,950 36.2%
3 persons 7,960 13.8%
4 persons 6,550 11.3%
5 or more persons 3,320 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 Kingston

The housing landscape of Kingston

Kingston has a total of 63,095 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 48% are single-detached houses, 34.8% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 16.8% are apartments. When it comes to space, Kingston offers a variety of home sizes: 15% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 61% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 24% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
63,095
Housing types
Single-detached homes
48%
Attached homes
34.8%
Apartments
16.8%
Movable homes
0.3%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 27,790 48%
Attached homes 20,110 34.8%
Apartments 9,745 16.8%
Movable homes 190 0.3%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
15%
2 or 3 bedrooms
61%
4 or more bedrooms
24%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 8,795 15%
2 or 3 bedrooms 35,185 61%
4 or more bedrooms 13,855 24%
Homes built since 2011
5,695

The age of buildings in Kingston

About 9.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 11.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 14% went up in the 1960s, 17.2% in the 1970s, and 15% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.2% of homes were added, and 11.3% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 5,535 9.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 6,900 11.9%
Between 1961 and 1970 8,115 14%
Between 1971 and 1980 9,950 17.2%
Between 1981 and 1990 8,650 15%
Between 1991 and 2000 6,470 11.2%
Between 2001 and 2010 6,530 11.3%
After 2011 5,695 9.8%
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.

Kingston occupancy rates

In Kingston, there are 57,836 occupied private dwellings, of which 55.8% are owner-occupied and 44.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 5,259 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
57,836
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
44.2%
Owned households
55.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 25,540 44.2%
Owned households 32,295 55.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
5,259
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 Kingston, homeowners pay a median of $1,310 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,250. About 75% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 25% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,310
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,250
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
75%
≥30% on shelter
25%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 43,060 75%
≥30% on shelter 14,380 25%
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 Kingston

Kingston education at a glance

In Kingston, educational attainment varies across the community. About 11.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 28.6% have completed high school and 4.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.7% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 30.7% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 13,020 11.8%
High school diploma 31,590 28.6%
Apprenticeship diploma 4,865 4.4%
College diploma 25,200 22.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 1,855 1.7%
University degree 33,875 30.7%
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 Kingston

How much people earn in Kingston

In Kingston, the median household income sits at $79,000, while the median after-tax household income is $70,500.

Median household income
$79,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$70,500/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.

Kingston income by age

Young adults in Kingston 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 $41,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $56,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $57,600, followed by $49,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $41,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,800
25 - 34 41,200
35 - 44 56,000
45 - 54 57,600
55 - 64 49,200
Over 65 41,600

Employment in Kingston

Workforce and job sectors in Kingston

In Kingston, 66,980 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 13.2%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, education, law, community and government services, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
66,980
Unemployment rate
13.2%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 670 1%
Business, finance and administration 9,380 14.4%
Natural and applied sciences 4,755 7.3%
Health 7,860 12.1%
Education, law, community and government services 13,005 20%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 1,915 2.9%
Sales and service 17,430 26.8%
Trades and transport 7,910 12.2%
Natural resources and agriculture 780 1.2%
Manufacturing and utilities 1,405 2.2%
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 Kingston

How people get around in Kingston

In Kingston, the average commute is 18 minutes. About 81.5% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 6.2% rely on public transit and 10% walk or bike. The remaining 2.3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
18 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
42.8%
15 to 29 minutes
42.1%
30 to 44 minutes
9.8%
45 to 59 minutes
2.5%
More than 60 minutes
2.8%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 18,470 42.8%
15 to 29 minutes 18,150 42.1%
30 to 44 minutes 4,220 9.8%
45 to 59 minutes 1,085 2.5%
More than 60 minutes 1,205 2.8%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 35,135 81.5%
By public transit 2,680 6.2%
By bicycle/by walking 4,325 10%
By other methods 990 2.3%
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 Kingston demographics 

What is the current total population in Kingston?

Kingston has a population of 132,485, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.6% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Kingston?  

Kingston has a population density of 293.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Kingston?

Kingston has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.4% males (64,095 residents)  
  • 51.6% females (68,385 residents)

What is the age distribution of Kingston residents?  

The age distribution of Kingston residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.1% (18,730 residents)   
  • 15-24: 13% (17,225 residents)   
  • 25-34: 14.9% (19,765 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.2% (16,150 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.2% (14,815 residents)   
  • 55-64: 13.5% (17,895 residents)   
  • Over 64: 21.1% (27,900 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Kingston? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Kingston: 
  • 83.9% non-immigrants (108,280 residents)  
  • 13.6% immigrants (17,545 residents)  
  • 2.5% non-permanent residents (3,285 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Kingston?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Kingston: 
  • English: 95.8% 
  • French: 3.2% 
  • English and French: 0.5% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.6% 

What is the typical household size in Kingston?  

The typical household size in Kingston is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Kingston?  

The median household income in Kingston is $79,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Kingston residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Kingston is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 11.8% (13,020 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 28.6% (31,590 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 4.4% (4,865 residents) 
  • College diploma: 22.8% (25,200 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.7% (1,855 residents) 
  • University degree: 30.7% (33,875 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Kingston?  

The most common occupations in Kingston fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.9% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.4% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 20% 
  • Health: 12.1% 
  • Management: 1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.2% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 7.3% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.2% 
  • Sales and service: 26.8% 
  • Trades and transport: 12.2% 

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