Total population

21,612

1.4 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$63,200/yr

Private dwellings

10,406

Owen Sound population

How many people live in Owen Sound

Owen Sound is home to 21,612 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 46.7% identify as male and 53.3% as female.

Total population

21,612

1.4% year-over-year change

Population density

892.6/km2

Gender ratio

Male

46.7%

10,090

Female

53.3%

11,515

	Value	Percent
Male	10,090	46.7%
Female	11,515	53.3%

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 Owen Sound is 46.3. Children under 15 make up 14.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.2% are 25 to 34, 10.9% are 35 to 44, and 10.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 27.2%.

Average age

46.3

Age breakdown

Under 15: 14.3%
15 to 24: 9.9%
25 to 34: 12.2%
35 to 44: 10.9%
45 to 54: 10.6%
55 to 64: 15%
Over 65: 27.2%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	3,085	14.3%
15 to 24	2,145	9.9%
25 to 34	2,635	12.2%
35 to 44	2,355	10.9%
45 to 54	2,290	10.6%
55 to 64	3,230	15%
Over 65	5,870	27.2%

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 Owen Sound, 91.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 7.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 91.6%
Immigrants: 7.8%
Non-permanent residents: 0.6%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	19,080	91.6%
Immigrants	1,620	7.8%
Non-permanent residents	125	0.6%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 5.8%
Non-minorities: 94.2%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	1,200	5.8%
Non-minorities	19,620	94.2%

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 Owen Sound

English: 98.9%
French: 0.8%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
English	20,985	98.9%
French	175	0.8%
English and French	20	0.1%
Neither English nor French	45	0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.9% of people in Owen Sound speak English as their primary language, 0.8% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% 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 Owen Sound

A peek inside Owen Sound households

Owen Sound has 9,895 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 38.2% of all homes, while 34.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 14.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

9,895

Average people per household

2.1

1 person: 38.2%
2 persons: 34.9%
3 persons: 12.4%
4 persons: 9.5%
5 or more persons: 4.9%

	Value	Percent
1 person	3,780	38.2%
2 persons	3,455	34.9%
3 persons	1,230	12.4%
4 persons	940	9.5%
5 or more persons	485	4.9%

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 Owen Sound

The housing landscape of Owen Sound

Owen Sound has a total of 10,406 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 51.1% are single-detached houses, 41.1% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 7.4% are apartments. When it comes to space, Owen Sound offers a variety of home sizes: 19% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 61% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 19.7% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

10,406

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 51.1%
Attached homes: 41.1%
Apartments: 7.4%
Movable homes: 0.4%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	5,055	51.1%
Attached homes	4,070	41.1%
Apartments	735	7.4%
Movable homes	35	0.4%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 19%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 61%
4 or more bedrooms: 19.7%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	1,885	19%
2 or 3 bedrooms	6,060	61%
4 or more bedrooms	1,950	19.7%

Homes built since 2011

435

The age of buildings in Owen Sound

About 29.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 13.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.6% went up in the 1960s, 15.1% in the 1970s, and 12.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 6.4% of homes were added, and 4.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	2,945	29.8%
Between 1946 and 1960	1,370	13.8%
Between 1961 and 1970	1,350	13.6%
Between 1971 and 1980	1,490	15.1%
Between 1981 and 1990	1,195	12.1%
Between 1991 and 2000	635	6.4%
Between 2001 and 2010	470	4.8%
After 2011	435	4.4%

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.

Owen Sound occupancy rates

In Owen Sound, there are 9,895 occupied private dwellings, of which 58% are owner-occupied and 42% are rented. Meanwhile, 511 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

9,895

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 42%
Owned households: 58%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	4,155	42%
Owned households	5,735	58%

Unoccupied dwellings

511

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 Owen Sound, homeowners pay a median of $1,060 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $930. About 75.7% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 24.3% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,060

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$930

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 75.7%
≥30% on shelter: 24.3%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	7,475	75.7%
≥30% on shelter	2,395	24.3%

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 Owen Sound

Owen Sound education at a glance

In Owen Sound, educational attainment varies across the community. About 20.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.6% have completed high school and 5.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 16.2% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	3,635	20.5%
High school diploma	5,605	31.6%
Apprenticeship diploma	1,000	5.6%
College diploma	4,405	24.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	225	1.3%
University degree	2,875	16.2%

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 Owen Sound

How much people earn in Owen Sound

In Owen Sound, the median household income sits at $63,200, while the median after-tax household income is $57,600.

Median household income

$63,200/year

Median after-tax household income

$57,600/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.

Owen Sound income by age

Young adults in Owen Sound between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,000, 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 $40,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $46,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $46,800, followed by $38,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $32,800.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,000
25 - 34	40,000
35 - 44	46,800
45 - 54	46,800
55 - 64	38,000
Over 65	32,800

Employment in Owen Sound

Workforce and job sectors in Owen Sound

In Owen Sound, 9,785 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 11.1%. 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

9,785

Unemployment rate

11.1%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	45	0.5%
Business, finance and administration	1,225	12.8%
Natural and applied sciences	390	4.1%
Health	1,120	11.7%
Education, law, community and government services	1,140	11.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	220	2.3%
Sales and service	2,990	31.2%
Trades and transport	1,820	19%
Natural resources and agriculture	150	1.6%
Manufacturing and utilities	500	5.2%

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 Owen Sound

How people get around in Owen Sound

In Owen Sound, the average commute is 18 minutes. About 88.1% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.8% rely on public transit and 8.5% walk or bike. The remaining 1.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

18 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 60.8%
15 to 29 minutes: 19.6%
30 to 44 minutes: 10.3%
45 to 59 minutes: 3.3%
More than 60 minutes: 6%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	4,645	60.8%
15 to 29 minutes	1,500	19.6%
30 to 44 minutes	785	10.3%
45 to 59 minutes	250	3.3%
More than 60 minutes	455	6%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	6,715	88.1%
By public transit	135	1.8%
By bicycle/by walking	650	8.5%
By other methods	120	1.6%

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.

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FAQs about Owen Sound demographics

What is the current total population in Owen Sound?

Owen Sound has a population of 21,612, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.4% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Owen Sound?

Owen Sound has a population density of 892.6 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Owen Sound?

Owen Sound has the following gender distribution:

46.7% males (10,090 residents)
53.3% females (11,515 residents)

What is the age distribution of Owen Sound residents?

The age distribution of Owen Sound residents is as follows:

Under 15: 14.3% (3,085 residents)
15-24: 9.9% (2,145 residents)
25-34: 12.2% (2,635 residents)
35-44: 10.9% (2,355 residents)
45-54: 10.6% (2,290 residents)
55-64: 15% (3,230 residents)
Over 64: 27.2% (5,870 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Owen Sound?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Owen Sound:

91.6% non-immigrants (19,080 residents)
7.8% immigrants (1,620 residents)
0.6% non-permanent residents (125 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Owen Sound?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Owen Sound:

English: 98.9%
French: 0.8%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

What is the typical household size in Owen Sound?

The typical household size in Owen Sound is 2.1 people.

What is the median household income in Owen Sound?

The median household income in Owen Sound is $63,200 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Owen Sound residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Owen Sound is as follows:

No diploma: 20.5% (3,635 residents)
High school diploma: 31.6% (5,605 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 5.6% (1,000 residents)
College diploma: 24.8% (4,405 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.3% (225 residents)
University degree: 16.2% (2,875 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Owen Sound?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.3%
Business, finance and administration: 12.8%
Education, law, community and government services: 11.9%
Health: 11.7%
Management: 0.5%
Manufacturing and utilities: 5.2%
Natural and applied sciences: 4.1%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.6%
Sales and service: 31.2%
Trades and transport: 19%

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

Owen Sound, ON demographics:population, income, and more