Total population

175,383

5.5 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$86,000/yr

Private dwellings

69,324

Oshawa population

How many people live in Oshawa

Oshawa is home to 175,383 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49% identify as male and 51% as female.

Total population

175,383

5.5% year-over-year change

Population density

1,203.6/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49%

85,980

Female

51%

89,400

	Value	Percent
Male	85,980	49%
Female	89,400	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 Oshawa is 40.3. Children under 15 make up 17.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.6% are 25 to 34, 13.5% are 35 to 44, and 12.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 16.7%.

Average age

40.3

Age breakdown

Under 15: 17.6%
15 to 24: 11.7%
25 to 34: 14.6%
35 to 44: 13.5%
45 to 54: 12.4%
55 to 64: 13.5%
Over 65: 16.7%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	30,805	17.6%
15 to 24	20,480	11.7%
25 to 34	25,630	14.6%
35 to 44	23,695	13.5%
45 to 54	21,695	12.4%
55 to 64	23,750	13.5%
Over 65	29,325	16.7%

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 Oshawa, 76.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 22.1% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 76.4%
Immigrants: 22.1%
Non-permanent residents: 1.5%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	132,890	76.4%
Immigrants	38,520	22.1%
Non-permanent residents	2,595	1.5%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 28.9%
Non-minorities: 71.1%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	50,280	28.9%
Non-minorities	123,735	71.1%

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 Oshawa

English: 97%
French: 1.7%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 0.9%

	Value	Percent
English	169,235	97%
French	2,935	1.7%
English and French	670	0.4%
Neither English nor French	1,550	0.9%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97% of people in Oshawa speak English as their primary language, 1.7% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% are bilingual, and 0.9% 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 Oshawa

A peek inside Oshawa households

Oshawa has 66,630 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 25.3% of all homes, while 31.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 17.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 25.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

66,630

Average people per household

2.6

1 person: 25.3%
2 persons: 31.6%
3 persons: 17.2%
4 persons: 15%
5 or more persons: 10.8%

	Value	Percent
1 person	16,845	25.3%
2 persons	21,080	31.6%
3 persons	11,490	17.2%
4 persons	10,010	15%
5 or more persons	7,205	10.8%

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 Oshawa

The housing landscape of Oshawa

Oshawa has a total of 69,324 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 55.5% are single-detached houses, 33.1% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 11.4% are apartments. When it comes to space, Oshawa offers a variety of home sizes: 11% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 60% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 28.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

69,324

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 55.5%
Attached homes: 33.1%
Apartments: 11.4%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	37,000	55.5%
Attached homes	22,045	33.1%
Apartments	7,590	11.4%
Movable homes	5	0%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 11%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 60%
4 or more bedrooms: 28.9%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	7,195	11%
2 or 3 bedrooms	40,205	60%
4 or more bedrooms	19,240	28.9%

Homes built since 2011

7,430

The age of buildings in Oshawa

About 9.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 14.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 15.8% went up in the 1960s, 19.2% in the 1970s, and 11.9% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 8.2% of homes were added, and 10.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	6,210	9.3%
Between 1946 and 1960	9,495	14.2%
Between 1961 and 1970	10,530	15.8%
Between 1971 and 1980	12,795	19.2%
Between 1981 and 1990	7,925	11.9%
Between 1991 and 2000	5,430	8.2%
Between 2001 and 2010	6,815	10.2%
After 2011	7,430	11.2%

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.

Oshawa occupancy rates

In Oshawa, there are 66,634 occupied private dwellings, of which 64.2% are owner-occupied and 35.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 2,690 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

66,634

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 35.8%
Owned households: 64.2%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	23,880	35.8%
Owned households	42,750	64.2%

Unoccupied dwellings

2,690

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 Oshawa, homeowners pay a median of $1,640 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,300. About 72.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 27.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,640

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,300

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 72.4%
≥30% on shelter: 27.6%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	48,015	72.4%
≥30% on shelter	18,330	27.6%

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 Oshawa

Oshawa education at a glance

In Oshawa, educational attainment varies across the community. About 17% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.7% have completed high school and 5.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.7% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 19.1% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	24,415	17%
High school diploma	45,345	31.7%
Apprenticeship diploma	8,405	5.9%
College diploma	35,280	24.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	2,490	1.7%
University degree	27,300	19.1%

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 Oshawa

How much people earn in Oshawa

In Oshawa, the median household income sits at $86,000, while the median after-tax household income is $76,000.

Median household income

$86,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$76,000/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.

Oshawa income by age

Young adults in Oshawa between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,200, 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 $52,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $52,400, followed by $44,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $35,600.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	18,200
25 - 34	40,800
35 - 44	52,000
45 - 54	52,400
55 - 64	44,800
Over 65	35,600

Employment in Oshawa

Workforce and job sectors in Oshawa

In Oshawa, 87,550 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 15.2%. 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

87,550

Unemployment rate

15.2%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	500	0.6%
Business, finance and administration	14,165	16.9%
Natural and applied sciences	6,245	7.4%
Health	6,435	7.7%
Education, law, community and government services	9,590	11.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	2,105	2.5%
Sales and service	23,235	27.7%
Trades and transport	16,915	20.1%
Natural resources and agriculture	1,120	1.3%
Manufacturing and utilities	3,680	4.4%

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 Oshawa

How people get around in Oshawa

In Oshawa, the average commute is 29 minutes. About 88% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 6.3% rely on public transit and 3.4% walk or bike. The remaining 2.3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

29 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 26.3%
15 to 29 minutes: 30.9%
30 to 44 minutes: 17%
45 to 59 minutes: 10.5%
More than 60 minutes: 15.3%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	14,955	26.3%
15 to 29 minutes	17,575	30.9%
30 to 44 minutes	9,710	17%
45 to 59 minutes	5,995	10.5%
More than 60 minutes	8,715	15.3%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	50,150	88%
By public transit	3,570	6.3%
By bicycle/by walking	1,925	3.4%
By other methods	1,315	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 Oshawa demographics

What is the current total population in Oshawa?

Oshawa has a population of 175,383, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +5.5% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Oshawa?

Oshawa has a population density of 1,203.6 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Oshawa?

Oshawa has the following gender distribution:

49% males (85,980 residents)
51% females (89,400 residents)

What is the age distribution of Oshawa residents?

The age distribution of Oshawa residents is as follows:

Under 15: 17.6% (30,805 residents)
15-24: 11.7% (20,480 residents)
25-34: 14.6% (25,630 residents)
35-44: 13.5% (23,695 residents)
45-54: 12.4% (21,695 residents)
55-64: 13.5% (23,750 residents)
Over 64: 16.7% (29,325 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Oshawa?

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

76.4% non-immigrants (132,890 residents)
22.1% immigrants (38,520 residents)
1.5% non-permanent residents (2,595 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Oshawa?

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

English: 97%
French: 1.7%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 0.9%

What is the typical household size in Oshawa?

The typical household size in Oshawa is 2.6 people.

What is the median household income in Oshawa?

The median household income in Oshawa is $86,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Oshawa residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Oshawa is as follows:

No diploma: 17% (24,415 residents)
High school diploma: 31.7% (45,345 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 5.9% (8,405 residents)
College diploma: 24.6% (35,280 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.7% (2,490 residents)
University degree: 19.1% (27,300 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Oshawa?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.5%
Business, finance and administration: 16.9%
Education, law, community and government services: 11.4%
Health: 7.7%
Management: 0.6%
Manufacturing and utilities: 4.4%
Natural and applied sciences: 7.4%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.3%
Sales and service: 27.7%
Trades and transport: 20.1%

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

Oshawa, ON demographics:population, income, and more