North Bay, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
52,662
5.9 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,000/yr
Private dwellings
25,077

North Bay population

How many people live in North Bay

North Bay is home to 52,662 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.6% identify as male and 51.4% as female.

Total population
52,662
5.9% year-over-year change
Population density
166.9/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
25,570
Female
51.4%
27,095
Value Percent
Male 25,570 48.6%
Female 27,095 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 North Bay is 43.6. Children under 15 make up 14.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.2% are 25 to 34, 11.8% are 35 to 44, and 11.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 21.7%.

Average age
43.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.4%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 34
13.2%
35 to 44
11.8%
45 to 54
11.7%
55 to 64
15.3%
Over 65
21.7%
Value Percent
Under 15 7,600 14.4%
15 to 24 6,215 11.8%
25 to 34 6,980 13.2%
35 to 44 6,215 11.8%
45 to 54 6,175 11.7%
55 to 64 8,055 15.3%
Over 65 11,430 21.7%
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 North Bay, 93.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 5.1% have settled here from abroad. Another 1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
93.9%
Immigrants
5.1%
Non-permanent residents
1%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 48,320 93.9%
Immigrants 2,615 5.1%
Non-permanent residents 525 1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
4.4%
Non-minorities
95.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 2,245 4.4%
Non-minorities 49,210 95.6%
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 North Bay
English
88.5%
French
10.9%
English and French
0.4%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 45,945 88.5%
French 5,670 10.9%
English and French 220 0.4%
Neither English nor French 95 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 88.5% of people in North Bay speak English as their primary language, 10.9% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% 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 North Bay

A peek inside North Bay households

North Bay has 23,470 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 33.7% of all homes, while 36.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 16% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
23,470
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
33.7%
2 persons
36.7%
3 persons
13.7%
4 persons
10.8%
5 or more persons
5.2%
Value Percent
1 person 7,910 33.7%
2 persons 8,610 36.7%
3 persons 3,215 13.7%
4 persons 2,525 10.8%
5 or more persons 1,210 5.2%
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 North Bay

The housing landscape of North Bay

North Bay has a total of 25,077 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 48.7% are single-detached houses, 42.1% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 8.9% are apartments. When it comes to space, North Bay offers a variety of home sizes: 16% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 57% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 26.7% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
25,077
Housing types
Single-detached homes
48.7%
Attached homes
42.1%
Apartments
8.9%
Movable homes
0.3%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 11,440 48.7%
Attached homes 9,885 42.1%
Apartments 2,080 8.9%
Movable homes 65 0.3%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
16%
2 or 3 bedrooms
57%
4 or more bedrooms
26.7%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 3,765 16%
2 or 3 bedrooms 13,445 57%
4 or more bedrooms 6,260 26.7%
Homes built since 2011
740

The age of buildings in North Bay

About 11.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 18.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 18.7% went up in the 1960s, 21.4% in the 1970s, and 14.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.8% of homes were added, and 5.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 2,690 11.5%
Between 1946 and 1960 4,245 18.1%
Between 1961 and 1970 4,380 18.7%
Between 1971 and 1980 5,030 21.4%
Between 1981 and 1990 3,365 14.3%
Between 1991 and 2000 1,820 7.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,190 5.1%
After 2011 740 3.2%
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.

North Bay occupancy rates

In North Bay, there are 23,467 occupied private dwellings, of which 59.2% are owner-occupied and 40.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,610 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
23,467
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
40.8%
Owned households
59.2%
Value Percent
Rented households 9,570 40.8%
Owned households 13,900 59.2%
Unoccupied dwellings
1,610
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 North Bay, homeowners pay a median of $1,200 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $990. About 79% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 21% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,200
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$990
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
79%
≥30% on shelter
21%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 18,475 79%
≥30% on shelter 4,925 21%
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 North Bay

North Bay education at a glance

In North Bay, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 27.3% have completed high school and 6.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 28.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 19.4% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 7,405 16.9%
High school diploma 11,985 27.3%
Apprenticeship diploma 2,760 6.3%
College diploma 12,655 28.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 575 1.3%
University degree 8,500 19.4%
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 North Bay

How much people earn in North Bay

In North Bay, the median household income sits at $72,000, while the median after-tax household income is $64,500.

Median household income
$72,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$64,500/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.

North Bay income by age

Young adults in North Bay between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,800, 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 $39,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $54,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $54,000, followed by $45,200 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 18,800
25 - 34 39,600
35 - 44 54,400
45 - 54 54,000
55 - 64 45,200
Over 65 36,000

Employment in North Bay

Workforce and job sectors in North Bay

In North Bay, 25,425 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12%. 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
25,425
Unemployment rate
12%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 200 0.8%
Business, finance and administration 3,750 15.2%
Natural and applied sciences 1,545 6.2%
Health 2,605 10.5%
Education, law, community and government services 3,745 15.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 625 2.5%
Sales and service 7,180 29.1%
Trades and transport 4,035 16.3%
Natural resources and agriculture 390 1.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 635 2.6%
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 North Bay

How people get around in North Bay

In North Bay, the average commute is 16 minutes. About 85.9% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 3.5% rely on public transit and 8.6% walk or bike. The remaining 2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
16 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
60%
15 to 29 minutes
29.2%
30 to 44 minutes
5.7%
45 to 59 minutes
2.1%
More than 60 minutes
3%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 10,910 60%
15 to 29 minutes 5,315 29.2%
30 to 44 minutes 1,035 5.7%
45 to 59 minutes 375 2.1%
More than 60 minutes 540 3%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 15,600 85.9%
By public transit 635 3.5%
By bicycle/by walking 1,565 8.6%
By other methods 365 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 North Bay demographics 

What is the current total population in North Bay?

North Bay has a population of 52,662, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +5.9% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of North Bay?  

North Bay has a population density of 166.9 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in North Bay?

North Bay has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.6% males (25,570 residents)  
  • 51.4% females (27,095 residents)

What is the age distribution of North Bay residents?  

The age distribution of North Bay residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.4% (7,600 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.8% (6,215 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13.2% (6,980 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.8% (6,215 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.7% (6,175 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.3% (8,055 residents)   
  • Over 64: 21.7% (11,430 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in North Bay? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in North Bay: 
  • 93.9% non-immigrants (48,320 residents)  
  • 5.1% immigrants (2,615 residents)  
  • 1% non-permanent residents (525 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in North Bay?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in North Bay: 
  • English: 88.5% 
  • French: 10.9% 
  • English and French: 0.4% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in North Bay?  

The typical household size in North Bay is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in North Bay?  

The median household income in North Bay is $72,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of North Bay residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in North Bay is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 16.9% (7,405 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 27.3% (11,985 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 6.3% (2,760 residents) 
  • College diploma: 28.8% (12,655 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.3% (575 residents) 
  • University degree: 19.4% (8,500 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in North Bay?  

The most common occupations in North Bay fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.5% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 15.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 15.2% 
  • Health: 10.5% 
  • Management: 0.8% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.2% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.6% 
  • Sales and service: 29.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 16.3% 

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