Total population

18,192

0.9 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$110,000/yr

Private dwellings

7,123

Pelham population

How many people live in Pelham

Pelham is home to 18,192 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49% identify as male and 51% as female.

Total population

18,192

0.9% year-over-year change

Population density

144/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49%

8,905

Female

51%

9,285

	Value	Percent
Male	8,905	49%
Female	9,285	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 Pelham is 46.5. Children under 15 make up 15% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 8.5% are 25 to 34, 10.1% are 35 to 44, and 12.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 27.3%.

Average age

46.5

Age breakdown

Under 15: 15%
15 to 24: 10.4%
25 to 34: 8.5%
35 to 44: 10.1%
45 to 54: 12.4%
55 to 64: 16.4%
Over 65: 27.3%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	2,720	15%
15 to 24	1,895	10.4%
25 to 34	1,550	8.5%
35 to 44	1,835	10.1%
45 to 54	2,255	12.4%
55 to 64	2,975	16.4%
Over 65	4,960	27.3%

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 Pelham, 86.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 12.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 86.8%
Immigrants: 12.6%
Non-permanent residents: 0.6%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	15,455	86.8%
Immigrants	2,245	12.6%
Non-permanent residents	105	0.6%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 5.5%
Non-minorities: 94.5%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	975	5.5%
Non-minorities	16,830	94.5%

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 Pelham

English: 97.4%
French: 1.9%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

	Value	Percent
English	17,405	97.4%
French	345	1.9%
English and French	50	0.3%
Neither English nor French	65	0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.4% of people in Pelham speak English as their primary language, 1.9% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% are bilingual, and 0.4% 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 Pelham

A peek inside Pelham households

Pelham has 6,960 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 20% of all homes, while 41.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 23.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

6,960

Average people per household

2.6

1 person: 20%
2 persons: 41.3%
3 persons: 15.2%
4 persons: 14.9%
5 or more persons: 8.6%

	Value	Percent
1 person	1,390	20%
2 persons	2,875	41.3%
3 persons	1,055	15.2%
4 persons	1,040	14.9%
5 or more persons	600	8.6%

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 Pelham

The housing landscape of Pelham

Pelham has a total of 7,123 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 82.8% are single-detached houses, 15.4% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 1.8% are apartments. When it comes to space, Pelham offers a variety of home sizes: 4% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 58% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 37.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

7,123

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 82.8%
Attached homes: 15.4%
Apartments: 1.8%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	5,760	82.8%
Attached homes	1,070	15.4%
Apartments	125	1.8%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 4%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 58%
4 or more bedrooms: 37.1%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	310	4%
2 or 3 bedrooms	4,070	58%
4 or more bedrooms	2,580	37.1%

Homes built since 2011

880

The age of buildings in Pelham

About 12.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 11.5% between 1946 and 1960. Another 9.6% went up in the 1960s, 13.8% in the 1970s, and 15% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 14.2% of homes were added, and 10.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	875	12.6%
Between 1946 and 1960	800	11.5%
Between 1961 and 1970	665	9.6%
Between 1971 and 1980	960	13.8%
Between 1981 and 1990	1,045	15%
Between 1991 and 2000	990	14.2%
Between 2001 and 2010	745	10.7%
After 2011	880	12.6%

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.

Pelham occupancy rates

In Pelham, there are 6,959 occupied private dwellings, of which 87.6% are owner-occupied and 12.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 164 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

6,959

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 12.4%
Owned households: 87.6%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	860	12.4%
Owned households	6,105	87.6%

Unoccupied dwellings

164

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 Pelham, homeowners pay a median of $1,190 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,010. About 85% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 15% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,190

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,010

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 85%
≥30% on shelter: 15%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	5,825	85%
≥30% on shelter	1,025	15%

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 Pelham

Pelham education at a glance

In Pelham, educational attainment varies across the community. About 9.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 26.5% have completed high school and 6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24.9% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 31.2% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	1,450	9.6%
High school diploma	4,000	26.5%
Apprenticeship diploma	900	6%
College diploma	3,760	24.9%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	275	1.8%
University degree	4,700	31.2%

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 Pelham

How much people earn in Pelham

In Pelham, the median household income sits at $110,000, while the median after-tax household income is $95,000.

Median household income

$110,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$95,000/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.

Pelham income by age

Young adults in Pelham between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,400, 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 $45,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $68,500. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $73,500, followed by $56,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $45,200.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	16,400
25 - 34	45,200
35 - 44	68,500
45 - 54	73,500
55 - 64	56,800
Over 65	45,200

Employment in Pelham

Workforce and job sectors in Pelham

In Pelham, 8,710 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.6%. 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

8,710

Unemployment rate

8.6%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	150	1.8%
Business, finance and administration	1,550	18.1%
Natural and applied sciences	575	6.7%
Health	850	9.9%
Education, law, community and government services	1,350	15.8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	290	3.4%
Sales and service	1,890	22.1%
Trades and transport	1,240	14.5%
Natural resources and agriculture	430	5%
Manufacturing and utilities	240	2.8%

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 Pelham

How people get around in Pelham

In Pelham, the average commute is 23 minutes. About 95.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.2% rely on public transit and 3% walk or bike. The remaining 1.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

23 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 32.6%
15 to 29 minutes: 40.1%
30 to 44 minutes: 15.4%
45 to 59 minutes: 5.1%
More than 60 minutes: 6.8%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	1,815	32.6%
15 to 29 minutes	2,235	40.1%
30 to 44 minutes	860	15.4%
45 to 59 minutes	285	5.1%
More than 60 minutes	380	6.8%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	5,315	95.2%
By public transit	10	0.2%
By bicycle/by walking	170	3%
By other methods	85	1.5%

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 Pelham demographics

What is the current total population in Pelham?

Pelham has a population of 18,192, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.9% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Pelham?

Pelham has a population density of 144 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Pelham?

Pelham has the following gender distribution:

49% males (8,905 residents)
51% females (9,285 residents)

What is the age distribution of Pelham residents?

The age distribution of Pelham residents is as follows:

Under 15: 15% (2,720 residents)
15-24: 10.4% (1,895 residents)
25-34: 8.5% (1,550 residents)
35-44: 10.1% (1,835 residents)
45-54: 12.4% (2,255 residents)
55-64: 16.4% (2,975 residents)
Over 64: 27.3% (4,960 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Pelham?

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

86.8% non-immigrants (15,455 residents)
12.6% immigrants (2,245 residents)
0.6% non-permanent residents (105 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Pelham?

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

English: 97.4%
French: 1.9%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

What is the typical household size in Pelham?

The typical household size in Pelham is 2.6 people.

What is the median household income in Pelham?

The median household income in Pelham is $110,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Pelham residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Pelham is as follows:

No diploma: 9.6% (1,450 residents)
High school diploma: 26.5% (4,000 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 6% (900 residents)
College diploma: 24.9% (3,760 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.8% (275 residents)
University degree: 31.2% (4,700 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Pelham?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.4%
Business, finance and administration: 18.1%
Education, law, community and government services: 15.8%
Health: 9.9%
Management: 1.8%
Manufacturing and utilities: 2.8%
Natural and applied sciences: 6.7%
Natural resources and agriculture: 5%
Sales and service: 22.1%
Trades and transport: 14.5%

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

Pelham, ON demographics:population, income, and more