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

Total population
6,879
1.2 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,000/yr
Private dwellings
3,518

Parry Sound population

How many people live in Parry Sound

Parry Sound is home to 6,879 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47% identify as male and 53% as female.

Total population
6,879
1.2% year-over-year change
Population density
524.9/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47%
3,230
Female
53%
3,650
Value Percent
Male 3,230 47%
Female 3,650 53%
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 Parry Sound is 49.4. Children under 15 make up 11.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.5% are 25 to 34, 9% are 35 to 44, and 10.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.7% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 32.1%.

Average age
49.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.7%
15 to 24
8.7%
25 to 34
12.5%
35 to 44
9%
45 to 54
10.2%
55 to 64
15.7%
Over 65
32.1%
Value Percent
Under 15 805 11.7%
15 to 24 600 8.7%
25 to 34 860 12.5%
35 to 44 620 9%
45 to 54 705 10.2%
55 to 64 1,080 15.7%
Over 65 2,205 32.1%
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 Parry Sound, 91.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 7.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
91.6%
Immigrants
7.5%
Non-permanent residents
1%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 5,905 91.6%
Immigrants 485 7.5%
Non-permanent residents 65 1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
5.3%
Non-minorities
94.7%
Value Percent
Minorities 340 5.3%
Non-minorities 6,110 94.7%
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 Parry Sound
English
98.4%
French
1.4%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 6,555 98.4%
French 90 1.4%
English and French 10 0.2%
Neither English nor French 10 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.4% of people in Parry Sound speak English as their primary language, 1.4% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% 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 Parry Sound

A peek inside Parry Sound households

Parry Sound has 3,195 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 40.4% of all homes, while 35.8% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 12.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
3,195
Average people per household
2
1 person
40.4%
2 persons
35.8%
3 persons
11.7%
4 persons
8.3%
5 or more persons
3.8%
Value Percent
1 person 1,290 40.4%
2 persons 1,145 35.8%
3 persons 375 11.7%
4 persons 265 8.3%
5 or more persons 120 3.8%
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 Parry Sound

The housing landscape of Parry Sound

Parry Sound has a total of 3,518 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 53.5% are single-detached houses, 40.6% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 5.9% are apartments. When it comes to space, Parry Sound offers a variety of home sizes: 23% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 60% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 17.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
3,518
Housing types
Single-detached homes
53.5%
Attached homes
40.6%
Apartments
5.9%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,715 53.5%
Attached homes 1,300 40.6%
Apartments 190 5.9%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
23%
2 or 3 bedrooms
60%
4 or more bedrooms
17.5%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 730 23%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,905 60%
4 or more bedrooms 560 17.5%
Homes built since 2011
325

The age of buildings in Parry Sound

About 22.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 17.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 15.3% went up in the 1960s, 13.7% in the 1970s, and 10.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 4.8% of homes were added, and 5.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 720 22.5%
Between 1946 and 1960 575 17.9%
Between 1961 and 1970 490 15.3%
Between 1971 and 1980 440 13.7%
Between 1981 and 1990 335 10.4%
Between 1991 and 2000 155 4.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 165 5.2%
After 2011 325 10.1%
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.

Parry Sound occupancy rates

In Parry Sound, there are 3,197 occupied private dwellings, of which 59.7% are owner-occupied and 40.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 321 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
3,197
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
40.3%
Owned households
59.7%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,290 40.3%
Owned households 1,910 59.7%
Unoccupied dwellings
321
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 Parry Sound, homeowners pay a median of $1,050 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,010. About 71.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 28.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,050
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,010
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
71.6%
≥30% on shelter
28.4%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 2,280 71.6%
≥30% on shelter 905 28.4%
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 Parry Sound

Parry Sound education at a glance

In Parry Sound, educational attainment varies across the community. About 22% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.5% have completed high school and 6.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 0.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 16.8% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,240 22%
High school diploma 1,775 31.5%
Apprenticeship diploma 370 6.6%
College diploma 1,260 22.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 50 0.9%
University degree 945 16.8%
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 Parry Sound

How much people earn in Parry Sound

In Parry Sound, the median household income sits at $62,000, while the median after-tax household income is $56,400.

Median household income
$62,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$56,400/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.

Parry Sound income by age

Young adults in Parry Sound between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,600, 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 $41,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $48,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $45,600, followed by $40,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,600
25 - 34 41,200
35 - 44 48,400
45 - 54 45,600
55 - 64 40,800
Over 65 34,000

Employment in Parry Sound

Workforce and job sectors in Parry Sound

In Parry Sound, 3,065 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.5%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and health employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
3,065
Unemployment rate
9.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 10 0.3%
Business, finance and administration 315 10.4%
Natural and applied sciences 110 3.6%
Health 365 12.1%
Education, law, community and government services 350 11.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 70 2.3%
Sales and service 1,030 34.1%
Trades and transport 610 20.2%
Natural resources and agriculture 50 1.7%
Manufacturing and utilities 110 3.6%
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 Parry Sound

How people get around in Parry Sound

In Parry Sound, the average commute is 16 minutes. The remaining 2.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
16 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
66.9%
15 to 29 minutes
16.5%
30 to 44 minutes
7.2%
45 to 59 minutes
4.8%
More than 60 minutes
4.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,620 66.9%
15 to 29 minutes 400 16.5%
30 to 44 minutes 175 7.2%
45 to 59 minutes 115 4.8%
More than 60 minutes 110 4.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,050 84.9%
By bicycle/by walking 305 12.6%
By other methods 60 2.5%
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 Parry Sound demographics 

What is the current total population in Parry Sound?

Parry Sound has a population of 6,879, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.2% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Parry Sound?  

Parry Sound has a population density of 524.9 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Parry Sound?

Parry Sound has the following gender distribution:
  • 47% males (3,230 residents)  
  • 53% females (3,650 residents)

What is the age distribution of Parry Sound residents?  

The age distribution of Parry Sound residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 11.7% (805 residents)   
  • 15-24: 8.7% (600 residents)   
  • 25-34: 12.5% (860 residents)   
  • 35-44: 9% (620 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.2% (705 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.7% (1,080 residents)   
  • Over 64: 32.1% (2,205 residents)  

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

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Parry Sound: 
  • 91.6% non-immigrants (5,905 residents)  
  • 7.5% immigrants (485 residents)  
  • 1% non-permanent residents (65 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Parry Sound?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Parry Sound: 
  • English: 98.4% 
  • French: 1.4% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Parry Sound?  

The typical household size in Parry Sound is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Parry Sound?  

The median household income in Parry Sound is $62,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Parry Sound residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Parry Sound is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 22% (1,240 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 31.5% (1,775 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 6.6% (370 residents) 
  • College diploma: 22.3% (1,260 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 0.9% (50 residents) 
  • University degree: 16.8% (945 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Parry Sound?  

The most common occupations in Parry Sound fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.3% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 10.4% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.6% 
  • Health: 12.1% 
  • Management: 0.3% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 3.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.7% 
  • Sales and service: 34.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 20.2% 

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