Total population

11,485

0.2 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$79,500/yr

Private dwellings

5,828

Meaford population

How many people live in Meaford

Meaford is home to 11,485 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49% identify as male and 51% as female.

Total population

11,485

0.2% year-over-year change

Population density

19.5/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49%

5,630

Female

51%

5,855

	Value	Percent
Male	5,630	49%
Female	5,855	51%

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 Meaford is 48.8. Children under 15 make up 13.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 8.8% are 25 to 34, 10% are 35 to 44, and 10.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 17.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 31.4%.

Average age

48.8

Age breakdown

Under 15: 13.2%
15 to 24: 8.1%
25 to 34: 8.8%
35 to 44: 10%
45 to 54: 10.6%
55 to 64: 17.9%
Over 65: 31.4%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	1,515	13.2%
15 to 24	935	8.1%
25 to 34	1,015	8.8%
35 to 44	1,150	10%
45 to 54	1,215	10.6%
55 to 64	2,050	17.9%
Over 65	3,600	31.4%

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 Meaford, 89.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 10.1% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 89.8%
Immigrants: 10.1%
Non-permanent residents: 0.1%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	10,160	89.8%
Immigrants	1,140	10.1%
Non-permanent residents	15	0.1%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 3.7%
Non-minorities: 96.3%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	415	3.7%
Non-minorities	10,900	96.3%

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 Meaford

English: 98.7%
French: 1.1%
English and French: 0%
Neither English nor French: 0.1%

	Value	Percent
English	11,245	98.7%
French	130	1.1%
English and French	5	0%
Neither English nor French	15	0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.7% of people in Meaford speak English as their primary language, 1.1% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 0.1% 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 Meaford

A peek inside Meaford households

Meaford has 5,035 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 27.8% of all homes, while 44% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 16% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

5,035

Average people per household

2.3

1 person: 27.8%
2 persons: 44%
3 persons: 12.2%
4 persons: 10.7%
5 or more persons: 5.3%

	Value	Percent
1 person	1,400	27.8%
2 persons	2,215	44%
3 persons	615	12.2%
4 persons	540	10.7%
5 or more persons	265	5.3%

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 Meaford

The housing landscape of Meaford

Meaford has a total of 5,828 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Meaford offers a variety of home sizes: 9% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 62% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 28.7% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

5,828

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 81.4%
Attached homes: 18.6%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	4,090	81.4%
Attached homes	935	18.6%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 9%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 62%
4 or more bedrooms: 28.7%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	470	9%
2 or 3 bedrooms	3,120	62%
4 or more bedrooms	1,445	28.7%

Homes built since 2011

425

The age of buildings in Meaford

About 24.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 9.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11% went up in the 1960s, 12.9% in the 1970s, and 12% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11% of homes were added, and 10.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	1,240	24.6%
Between 1946 and 1960	490	9.7%
Between 1961 and 1970	555	11%
Between 1971 and 1980	650	12.9%
Between 1981 and 1990	605	12%
Between 1991 and 2000	555	11%
Between 2001 and 2010	515	10.2%
After 2011	425	8.4%

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.

Meaford occupancy rates

In Meaford, there are 5,035 occupied private dwellings, of which 80.8% are owner-occupied and 19.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 793 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

5,035

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 19.2%
Owned households: 80.8%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	965	19.2%
Owned households	4,070	80.8%

Unoccupied dwellings

793

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 Meaford, homeowners pay a median of $980 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $950. About 81.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 18.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$980

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$950

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 81.1%
≥30% on shelter: 18.9%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	3,910	81.1%
≥30% on shelter	910	18.9%

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 Meaford

Meaford education at a glance

In Meaford, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16.1% of residents have no formal diploma, while 28.6% have completed high school and 8.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24.5% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 20.3% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	1,580	16.1%
High school diploma	2,800	28.6%
Apprenticeship diploma	820	8.4%
College diploma	2,405	24.5%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	210	2.1%
University degree	1,985	20.3%

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 Meaford

How much people earn in Meaford

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

Median household income

$79,500/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.

Meaford income by age

Young adults in Meaford between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,800, 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 $42,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $50,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $52,800, followed by $43,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	16,800
25 - 34	42,800
35 - 44	50,000
45 - 54	52,800
55 - 64	43,200
Over 65	36,000

Employment in Meaford

Workforce and job sectors in Meaford

In Meaford, 5,375 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.2%. 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

5,375

Unemployment rate

10.2%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	60	1.1%
Business, finance and administration	805	15.2%
Natural and applied sciences	245	4.6%
Health	540	10.2%
Education, law, community and government services	465	8.8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	165	3.1%
Sales and service	1,340	25.4%
Trades and transport	1,070	20.3%
Natural resources and agriculture	435	8.2%
Manufacturing and utilities	155	2.9%

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 Meaford

How people get around in Meaford

In Meaford, the average commute is 22 minutes. About 93.5% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.4% rely on public transit and 4.8% walk or bike. The remaining 1.2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

22 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 38.5%
15 to 29 minutes: 30.9%
30 to 44 minutes: 20%
45 to 59 minutes: 4.6%
More than 60 minutes: 5.9%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	1,395	38.5%
15 to 29 minutes	1,120	30.9%
30 to 44 minutes	725	20%
45 to 59 minutes	165	4.6%
More than 60 minutes	215	5.9%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	3,385	93.5%
By public transit	15	0.4%
By bicycle/by walking	175	4.8%
By other methods	45	1.2%

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 Meaford demographics

What is the current total population in Meaford?

Meaford has a population of 11,485, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.2% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Meaford?

Meaford has a population density of 19.5 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Meaford?

Meaford has the following gender distribution:

49% males (5,630 residents)
51% females (5,855 residents)

What is the age distribution of Meaford residents?

The age distribution of Meaford residents is as follows:

Under 15: 13.2% (1,515 residents)
15-24: 8.1% (935 residents)
25-34: 8.8% (1,015 residents)
35-44: 10% (1,150 residents)
45-54: 10.6% (1,215 residents)
55-64: 17.9% (2,050 residents)
Over 64: 31.4% (3,600 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Meaford?

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

89.8% non-immigrants (10,160 residents)
10.1% immigrants (1,140 residents)
0.1% non-permanent residents (15 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Meaford?

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

English: 98.7%
French: 1.1%
English and French: 0%
Neither English nor French: 0.1%

What is the typical household size in Meaford?

The typical household size in Meaford is 2.3 people.

What is the median household income in Meaford?

The median household income in Meaford is $79,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Meaford residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Meaford is as follows:

No diploma: 16.1% (1,580 residents)
High school diploma: 28.6% (2,800 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 8.4% (820 residents)
College diploma: 24.5% (2,405 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2.1% (210 residents)
University degree: 20.3% (1,985 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Meaford?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.1%
Business, finance and administration: 15.2%
Education, law, community and government services: 8.8%
Health: 10.2%
Management: 1.1%
Manufacturing and utilities: 2.9%
Natural and applied sciences: 4.6%
Natural resources and agriculture: 8.2%
Sales and service: 25.4%
Trades and transport: 20.3%

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

Meaford, ON demographics:population, income, and more