Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
19,088
0.0 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$98,000/yr
Private dwellings
8,578

Niagara-on-the-Lake population

How many people live in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to 19,088 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.9% identify as male and 51.1% as female.

Total population
19,088
0.0% year-over-year change
Population density
145.3/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
9,335
Female
51.1%
9,755
Value Percent
Male 9,335 48.9%
Female 9,755 51.1%
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 Niagara-on-the-Lake is 51.3. Children under 15 make up 11% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 7.6% are 25 to 34, 8.3% are 35 to 44, and 10.3% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 17.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 36.2%.

Average age
51.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
11%
15 to 24
9.1%
25 to 34
7.6%
35 to 44
8.3%
45 to 54
10.3%
55 to 64
17.5%
Over 65
36.2%
Value Percent
Under 15 2,100 11%
15 to 24 1,730 9.1%
25 to 34 1,455 7.6%
35 to 44 1,590 8.3%
45 to 54 1,965 10.3%
55 to 64 3,340 17.5%
Over 65 6,905 36.2%
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 Niagara-on-the-Lake, 71.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 26.3% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
71.8%
Immigrants
26.3%
Non-permanent residents
1.9%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 13,250 71.8%
Immigrants 4,855 26.3%
Non-permanent residents 360 1.9%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
12.6%
Non-minorities
87.4%
Value Percent
Minorities 2,325 12.6%
Non-minorities 16,140 87.4%
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 Niagara-on-the-Lake
English
97.6%
French
1.4%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.8%
Value Percent
English 18,360 97.6%
French 260 1.4%
English and French 45 0.2%
Neither English nor French 155 0.8%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.6% of people in Niagara-on-the-Lake speak English as their primary language, 1.4% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 0.8% 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 Niagara-on-the-Lake

A peek inside Niagara-on-the-Lake households

Niagara-on-the-Lake has 7,855 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 24% of all homes, while 46.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 17.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
7,855
Average people per household
2.4
1 person
24%
2 persons
46.2%
3 persons
12.3%
4 persons
10.5%
5 or more persons
7%
Value Percent
1 person 1,885 24%
2 persons 3,630 46.2%
3 persons 965 12.3%
4 persons 825 10.5%
5 or more persons 550 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 Niagara-on-the-Lake

The housing landscape of Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake has a total of 8,578 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a variety of home sizes: 5% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 61% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 34.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
8,578
Housing types
Single-detached homes
79.2%
Attached homes
20.6%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0.2%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 6,225 79.2%
Attached homes 1,615 20.6%
Movable homes 15 0.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
5%
2 or 3 bedrooms
61%
4 or more bedrooms
34.1%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 420 5%
2 or 3 bedrooms 4,755 61%
4 or more bedrooms 2,675 34.1%
Homes built since 2011
1,840

The age of buildings in Niagara-on-the-Lake

About 9.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.3% between 1946 and 1960. Another 8.1% went up in the 1960s, 9.8% in the 1970s, and 9.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 10.2% of homes were added, and 18.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 775 9.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 810 10.3%
Between 1961 and 1970 635 8.1%
Between 1971 and 1980 775 9.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 745 9.5%
Between 1991 and 2000 805 10.2%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,480 18.8%
After 2011 1,840 23.4%
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.

Niagara-on-the-Lake occupancy rates

In Niagara-on-the-Lake, there are 7,857 occupied private dwellings, of which 84.7% are owner-occupied and 15.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 721 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
7,857
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
15.3%
Owned households
84.7%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,200 15.3%
Owned households 6,660 84.7%
Unoccupied dwellings
721
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 Niagara-on-the-Lake, homeowners pay a median of $960 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,430. About 80.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 19.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$960
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,430
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
80.4%
≥30% on shelter
19.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 6,150 80.4%
≥30% on shelter 1,500 19.6%
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 Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake education at a glance

In Niagara-on-the-Lake, educational attainment varies across the community. About 10.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 26.8% have completed high school and 5.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22% have graduated from college. Finally, 3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 31.9% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,770 10.8%
High school diploma 4,395 26.8%
Apprenticeship diploma 885 5.4%
College diploma 3,605 22%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 490 3%
University degree 5,225 31.9%
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 Niagara-on-the-Lake

How much people earn in Niagara-on-the-Lake

In Niagara-on-the-Lake, the median household income sits at $98,000, while the median after-tax household income is $86,000.

Median household income
$98,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$86,000/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.

Niagara-on-the-Lake income by age

Young adults in Niagara-on-the-Lake between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,400, 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 $38,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $56,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $58,400, followed by $48,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $46,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 16,400
25 - 34 38,400
35 - 44 56,000
45 - 54 58,400
55 - 64 48,000
Over 65 46,400

Employment in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Workforce and job sectors in Niagara-on-the-Lake

In Niagara-on-the-Lake, 8,290 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 15%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
8,290
Unemployment rate
15%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 230 2.9%
Business, finance and administration 1,310 16.3%
Natural and applied sciences 540 6.7%
Health 595 7.4%
Education, law, community and government services 940 11.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 355 4.4%
Sales and service 2,220 27.6%
Trades and transport 1,070 13.3%
Natural resources and agriculture 550 6.8%
Manufacturing and utilities 245 3%
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 Niagara-on-the-Lake

How people get around in Niagara-on-the-Lake

In Niagara-on-the-Lake, the average commute is 21 minutes. About 90% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.6% rely on public transit and 4.8% walk or bike. The remaining 4.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
21 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
39.6%
15 to 29 minutes
36.1%
30 to 44 minutes
13.2%
45 to 59 minutes
3.8%
More than 60 minutes
7.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,860 39.6%
15 to 29 minutes 1,695 36.1%
30 to 44 minutes 620 13.2%
45 to 59 minutes 180 3.8%
More than 60 minutes 340 7.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 4,235 90%
By public transit 30 0.6%
By bicycle/by walking 225 4.8%
By other methods 215 4.6%
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.

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Niagara-on-the-Lake demographics 

What is the current total population in Niagara-on-the-Lake?

Niagara-on-the-Lake has a population of 19,088, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a 0.0% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Niagara-on-the-Lake?  

Niagara-on-the-Lake has a population density of 145.3 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Niagara-on-the-Lake?

Niagara-on-the-Lake has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.9% males (9,335 residents)  
  • 51.1% females (9,755 residents)

What is the age distribution of Niagara-on-the-Lake residents?  

The age distribution of Niagara-on-the-Lake residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 11% (2,100 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.1% (1,730 residents)   
  • 25-34: 7.6% (1,455 residents)   
  • 35-44: 8.3% (1,590 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.3% (1,965 residents)   
  • 55-64: 17.5% (3,340 residents)   
  • Over 64: 36.2% (6,905 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Niagara-on-the-Lake? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Niagara-on-the-Lake: 
  • 71.8% non-immigrants (13,250 residents)  
  • 26.3% immigrants (4,855 residents)  
  • 1.9% non-permanent residents (360 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Niagara-on-the-Lake?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Niagara-on-the-Lake: 
  • English: 97.6% 
  • French: 1.4% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.8% 

What is the typical household size in Niagara-on-the-Lake?  

The typical household size in Niagara-on-the-Lake is 2.4 people. 

What is the median household income in Niagara-on-the-Lake?  

The median household income in Niagara-on-the-Lake is $98,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Niagara-on-the-Lake residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Niagara-on-the-Lake is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 10.8% (1,770 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 26.8% (4,395 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 5.4% (885 residents) 
  • College diploma: 22% (3,605 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3% (490 residents) 
  • University degree: 31.9% (5,225 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Niagara-on-the-Lake?  

The most common occupations in Niagara-on-the-Lake fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 4.4% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 16.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.7% 
  • Health: 7.4% 
  • Management: 2.9% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.7% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 6.8% 
  • Sales and service: 27.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 13.3% 

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