Markham, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
338,503
2.6 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$104,000/yr
Private dwellings
114,908

Markham population

How many people live in Markham

Markham is home to 338,503 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.6% identify as male and 51.4% as female.

Total population
338,503
2.6% year-over-year change
Population density
1,604.8/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
164,615
Female
51.4%
173,885
Value Percent
Male 164,615 48.6%
Female 173,885 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 Markham is 41.8. Children under 15 make up 15.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.7% are 25 to 34, 12.8% are 35 to 44, and 14.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 18.3%.

Average age
41.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.9%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 34
12.7%
35 to 44
12.8%
45 to 54
14.2%
55 to 64
14%
Over 65
18.3%
Value Percent
Under 15 53,880 15.9%
15 to 24 40,900 12.1%
25 to 34 42,900 12.7%
35 to 44 43,360 12.8%
45 to 54 48,195 14.2%
55 to 64 47,215 14%
Over 65 62,060 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 Markham, 38.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 58.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
38.4%
Immigrants
58.6%
Non-permanent residents
3%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 129,645 38.4%
Immigrants 197,535 58.6%
Non-permanent residents 10,065 3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
82.1%
Non-minorities
17.9%
Value Percent
Minorities 276,880 82.1%
Non-minorities 60,365 17.9%
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 Markham
English
88.6%
French
0.6%
English and French
0.8%
Neither English nor French
10.1%
Value Percent
English 299,050 88.6%
French 1,875 0.6%
English and French 2,575 0.8%
Neither English nor French 33,990 10.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 88.6% of people in Markham speak English as their primary language, 0.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.8% are bilingual, and 10.1% 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 Markham

A peek inside Markham households

Markham has 110,865 households, with an average of 3.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 15.6% of all homes, while 27.5% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 20.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 36.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
110,865
Average people per household
3
1 person
15.6%
2 persons
27.5%
3 persons
20.3%
4 persons
21.2%
5 or more persons
15.4%
Value Percent
1 person 17,295 15.6%
2 persons 30,515 27.5%
3 persons 22,460 20.3%
4 persons 23,525 21.2%
5 or more persons 17,070 15.4%
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 Markham

The housing landscape of Markham

Markham has a total of 114,908 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 56.2% are single-detached houses, 27.9% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 15.9% are apartments. When it comes to space, Markham offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 40% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 49.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
114,908
Housing types
Single-detached homes
56.2%
Attached homes
27.9%
Apartments
15.9%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 62,270 56.2%
Attached homes 30,955 27.9%
Apartments 17,635 15.9%
Movable homes 5 0%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
10%
2 or 3 bedrooms
40%
4 or more bedrooms
49.6%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 10,910 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms 44,915 40%
4 or more bedrooms 55,045 49.6%
Homes built since 2011
22,920

The age of buildings in Markham

About 1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 1.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 4.8% went up in the 1960s, 11.1% in the 1970s, and 18.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 15.6% of homes were added, and 26.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,100 1%
Between 1946 and 1960 1,730 1.6%
Between 1961 and 1970 5,380 4.8%
Between 1971 and 1980 12,325 11.1%
Between 1981 and 1990 20,570 18.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 17,270 15.6%
Between 2001 and 2010 29,560 26.7%
After 2011 22,920 20.7%
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.

Markham occupancy rates

In Markham, there are 110,867 occupied private dwellings, of which 81.7% are owner-occupied and 18.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 4,041 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
110,867
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
18.3%
Owned households
81.7%
Value Percent
Rented households 20,325 18.3%
Owned households 90,545 81.7%
Unoccupied dwellings
4,041
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 Markham, homeowners pay a median of $1,840 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,940. About 67.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 32.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,840
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,940
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
67.2%
≥30% on shelter
32.8%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 74,020 67.2%
≥30% on shelter 36,120 32.8%
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 Markham

Markham education at a glance

In Markham, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 25.2% have completed high school and 2.5% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 14.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 39.2% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 43,655 15.4%
High school diploma 71,355 25.2%
Apprenticeship diploma 7,030 2.5%
College diploma 40,775 14.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 9,420 3.3%
University degree 111,165 39.2%
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 Markham

How much people earn in Markham

In Markham, the median household income sits at $104,000, while the median after-tax household income is $92,000.

Median household income
$104,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$92,000/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.

Markham income by age

Young adults in Markham between 15 and 24 have a median income of $15,200, 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 $40,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $51,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $52,400, followed by $39,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $26,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 15,200
25 - 34 40,800
35 - 44 51,200
45 - 54 52,400
55 - 64 39,200
Over 65 26,400

Employment in Markham

Workforce and job sectors in Markham

In Markham, 170,540 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 13.8%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and natural and applied sciences employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
170,540
Unemployment rate
13.8%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 2,200 1.3%
Business, finance and administration 39,145 23.8%
Natural and applied sciences 24,110 14.7%
Health 11,120 6.8%
Education, law, community and government services 14,995 9.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 5,175 3.2%
Sales and service 41,680 25.4%
Trades and transport 17,160 10.4%
Natural resources and agriculture 950 0.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 7,600 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 Markham

How people get around in Markham

In Markham, the average commute is 30 minutes. About 87.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 7.8% rely on public transit and 2.7% walk or bike. The remaining 2.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
30 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
17%
15 to 29 minutes
34.3%
30 to 44 minutes
27.5%
45 to 59 minutes
10.3%
More than 60 minutes
10.8%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 15,220 17%
15 to 29 minutes 30,635 34.3%
30 to 44 minutes 24,575 27.5%
45 to 59 minutes 9,200 10.3%
More than 60 minutes 9,650 10.8%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 77,820 87.2%
By public transit 6,970 7.8%
By bicycle/by walking 2,395 2.7%
By other methods 2,095 2.4%
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 Markham demographics 

What is the current total population in Markham?

Markham has a population of 338,503, 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 Markham?  

Markham has a population density of 1,604.8 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Markham?

Markham has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.6% males (164,615 residents)  
  • 51.4% females (173,885 residents)

What is the age distribution of Markham residents?  

The age distribution of Markham residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 15.9% (53,880 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12.1% (40,900 residents)   
  • 25-34: 12.7% (42,900 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.8% (43,360 residents)   
  • 45-54: 14.2% (48,195 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14% (47,215 residents)   
  • Over 64: 18.3% (62,060 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Markham? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Markham: 
  • 38.4% non-immigrants (129,645 residents)  
  • 58.6% immigrants (197,535 residents)  
  • 3% non-permanent residents (10,065 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Markham?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Markham: 
  • English: 88.6% 
  • French: 0.6% 
  • English and French: 0.8% 
  • Neither English nor French: 10.1% 

What is the typical household size in Markham?  

The typical household size in Markham is 3 people. 

What is the median household income in Markham?  

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

What is the educational attainment level of Markham residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Markham is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 15.4% (43,655 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 25.2% (71,355 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 2.5% (7,030 residents) 
  • College diploma: 14.4% (40,775 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.3% (9,420 residents) 
  • University degree: 39.2% (111,165 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Markham?  

The most common occupations in Markham fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 23.8% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 9.1% 
  • Health: 6.8% 
  • Management: 1.3% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 14.7% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 0.6% 
  • Sales and service: 25.4% 
  • Trades and transport: 10.4% 

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