Total population

1,017,449

3.4 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$102,000/yr

Private dwellings

427,113

Ottawa population

How many people live in Ottawa

Ottawa is home to 1,017,449 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.8% identify as male and 51.2% as female.

Total population

1,017,449

3.4% year-over-year change

Population density

364.9/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.8%

496,045

Female

51.2%

521,405

	Value	Percent
Male	496,045	48.8%
Female	521,405	51.2%

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 Ottawa is 40.7. Children under 15 make up 16.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.1% are 25 to 34, 13.3% are 35 to 44, and 13.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 16.9%.

Average age

40.7

Age breakdown

Under 15: 16.4%
15 to 24: 12.9%
25 to 34: 14.1%
35 to 44: 13.3%
45 to 54: 13.1%
55 to 64: 13.3%
Over 65: 16.9%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	166,920	16.4%
15 to 24	131,170	12.9%
25 to 34	143,020	14.1%
35 to 44	135,410	13.3%
45 to 54	133,505	13.1%
55 to 64	135,260	13.3%
Over 65	172,150	16.9%

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 Ottawa, 71.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 25.9% have settled here from abroad. Another 3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 71.1%
Immigrants: 25.9%
Non-permanent residents: 3%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	712,100	71.1%
Immigrants	259,215	25.9%
Non-permanent residents	29,620	3%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 32.5%
Non-minorities: 67.5%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	324,960	32.5%
Non-minorities	675,975	67.5%

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 Ottawa

English: 81.9%
French: 14.1%
English and French: 2.6%
Neither English nor French: 1.5%

	Value	Percent
English	824,560	81.9%
French	141,555	14.1%
English and French	25,845	2.6%
Neither English nor French	15,000	1.5%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 81.9% of people in Ottawa speak English as their primary language, 14.1% communicate mainly in French, 2.6% are bilingual, and 1.5% 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 Ottawa

A peek inside Ottawa households

Ottawa has 407,250 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 28.6% of all homes, while 33.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 23% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

407,250

Average people per household

2.5

1 person: 28.6%
2 persons: 33.2%
3 persons: 15.2%
4 persons: 14.5%
5 or more persons: 8.5%

	Value	Percent
1 person	116,370	28.6%
2 persons	135,365	33.2%
3 persons	61,740	15.2%
4 persons	59,175	14.5%
5 or more persons	34,605	8.5%

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 Ottawa

The housing landscape of Ottawa

Ottawa has a total of 427,113 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 41.7% are single-detached houses, 39.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 18.9% are apartments. When it comes to space, Ottawa offers a variety of home sizes: 16% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 58% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 26.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

427,113

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 41.7%
Attached homes: 39.2%
Apartments: 18.9%
Movable homes: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	169,760	41.7%
Attached homes	159,800	39.2%
Apartments	76,895	18.9%
Movable homes	795	0.2%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 16%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 58%
4 or more bedrooms: 26.6%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	63,605	16%
2 or 3 bedrooms	235,535	58%
4 or more bedrooms	108,110	26.6%

Homes built since 2011

59,840

The age of buildings in Ottawa

About 6.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 12.2% went up in the 1960s, 16.1% in the 1970s, and 15.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.3% of homes were added, and 14.3% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	28,150	6.9%
Between 1946 and 1960	36,665	9%
Between 1961 and 1970	49,490	12.2%
Between 1971 and 1980	65,585	16.1%
Between 1981 and 1990	63,195	15.5%
Between 1991 and 2000	46,095	11.3%
Between 2001 and 2010	58,250	14.3%
After 2011	59,840	14.7%

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.

Ottawa occupancy rates

In Ottawa, there are 407,252 occupied private dwellings, of which 63.9% are owner-occupied and 36.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 19,861 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

407,252

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 36.1%
Owned households: 63.9%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	147,030	36.1%
Owned households	260,220	63.9%

Unoccupied dwellings

19,861

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 Ottawa, homeowners pay a median of $1,560 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,380. About 79.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 20.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,560

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,380

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 79.9%
≥30% on shelter: 20.1%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	323,340	79.9%
≥30% on shelter	81,575	20.1%

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 Ottawa

Ottawa education at a glance

In Ottawa, educational attainment varies across the community. About 11% of residents have no formal diploma, while 23% have completed high school and 3.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.9% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 41.4% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	92,035	11%
High school diploma	192,100	23%
Apprenticeship diploma	29,735	3.6%
College diploma	157,470	18.9%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	17,325	2.1%
University degree	345,465	41.4%

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 Ottawa

How much people earn in Ottawa

In Ottawa, the median household income sits at $102,000, while the median after-tax household income is $88,000.

Median household income

$102,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$88,000/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.

Ottawa income by age

Young adults in Ottawa between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,400, 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 $48,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $68,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $74,500, followed by $59,600 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	18,400
25 - 34	48,800
35 - 44	68,000
45 - 54	74,500
55 - 64	59,600
Over 65	46,400

Employment in Ottawa

Workforce and job sectors in Ottawa

In Ottawa, 549,990 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.3%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

549,990

Unemployment rate

10.3%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	8,485	1.6%
Business, finance and administration	109,065	20.4%
Natural and applied sciences	81,345	15.2%
Health	39,930	7.4%
Education, law, community and government services	95,710	17.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	20,320	3.8%
Sales and service	114,705	21.4%
Trades and transport	54,825	10.2%
Natural resources and agriculture	5,320	1%
Manufacturing and utilities	6,280	1.2%

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 Ottawa

How people get around in Ottawa

In Ottawa, the average commute is 23 minutes. About 76.8% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 11.2% rely on public transit and 8.6% walk or bike. The remaining 3.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

23 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 26.9%
15 to 29 minutes: 42.2%
30 to 44 minutes: 20.1%
45 to 59 minutes: 5.8%
More than 60 minutes: 5.1%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	74,060	26.9%
15 to 29 minutes	116,260	42.2%
30 to 44 minutes	55,365	20.1%
45 to 59 minutes	15,975	5.8%
More than 60 minutes	14,030	5.1%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	211,755	76.8%
By public transit	31,015	11.2%
By bicycle/by walking	23,655	8.6%
By other methods	9,265	3.4%

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.

Find your place

Explore more communities

Nearby locations

Big cities by the numbers

FAQs about Ottawa demographics

What is the current total population in Ottawa?

Ottawa has a population of 1,017,449, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.4% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Ottawa?

Ottawa has a population density of 364.9 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Ottawa?

Ottawa has the following gender distribution:

48.8% males (496,045 residents)
51.2% females (521,405 residents)

What is the age distribution of Ottawa residents?

The age distribution of Ottawa residents is as follows:

Under 15: 16.4% (166,920 residents)
15-24: 12.9% (131,170 residents)
25-34: 14.1% (143,020 residents)
35-44: 13.3% (135,410 residents)
45-54: 13.1% (133,505 residents)
55-64: 13.3% (135,260 residents)
Over 64: 16.9% (172,150 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Ottawa?

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

71.1% non-immigrants (712,100 residents)
25.9% immigrants (259,215 residents)
3% non-permanent residents (29,620 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Ottawa?

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

English: 81.9%
French: 14.1%
English and French: 2.6%
Neither English nor French: 1.5%

What is the typical household size in Ottawa?

The typical household size in Ottawa is 2.5 people.

What is the median household income in Ottawa?

The median household income in Ottawa is $102,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Ottawa residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Ottawa is as follows:

No diploma: 11% (92,035 residents)
High school diploma: 23% (192,100 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 3.6% (29,735 residents)
College diploma: 18.9% (157,470 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2.1% (17,325 residents)
University degree: 41.4% (345,465 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Ottawa?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.8%
Business, finance and administration: 20.4%
Education, law, community and government services: 17.9%
Health: 7.4%
Management: 1.6%
Manufacturing and utilities: 1.2%
Natural and applied sciences: 15.2%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1%
Sales and service: 21.4%
Trades and transport: 10.2%

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

Ottawa, ON demographics:population, income, and more