Total population

18,160

1.9 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$102,000/yr

Private dwellings

7,174

Petawawa population

How many people live in Petawawa

Petawawa is home to 18,160 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 53.8% identify as male and 46.2% as female.

Total population

18,160

1.9% year-over-year change

Population density

110.3/km2

Gender ratio

Male

53.8%

9,780

Female

46.2%

8,385

	Value	Percent
Male	9,780	53.8%
Female	8,385	46.2%

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 Petawawa is 34.1. Children under 15 make up 21.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.6%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 22.4% are 25 to 34, 15% are 35 to 44, and 9.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 9.4%.

Average age

34.1

Age breakdown

Under 15: 21.8%
15 to 24: 12.6%
25 to 34: 22.4%
35 to 44: 15%
45 to 54: 9.8%
55 to 64: 9%
Over 65: 9.4%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	3,955	21.8%
15 to 24	2,280	12.6%
25 to 34	4,070	22.4%
35 to 44	2,720	15%
45 to 54	1,785	9.8%
55 to 64	1,645	9%
Over 65	1,715	9.4%

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 Petawawa, 93.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 6.2% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 93.3%
Immigrants: 6.2%
Non-permanent residents: 0.6%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	16,125	93.3%
Immigrants	1,065	6.2%
Non-permanent residents	100	0.6%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 6.2%
Non-minorities: 93.8%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	1,075	6.2%
Non-minorities	16,215	93.8%

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 Petawawa

English: 89.8%
French: 9.6%
English and French: 0.6%
Neither English nor French: 0.1%

	Value	Percent
English	16,305	89.8%
French	1,745	9.6%
English and French	100	0.6%
Neither English nor French	15	0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 89.8% of people in Petawawa speak English as their primary language, 9.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.6% are bilingual, and 0.1% 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 Petawawa

A peek inside Petawawa households

Petawawa has 6,760 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 23% of all homes, while 34.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 17%, and homes with four or more people account for 25.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

6,760

Average people per household

2.6

1 person: 23%
2 persons: 34.9%
3 persons: 17%
4 persons: 16.9%
5 or more persons: 8.2%

	Value	Percent
1 person	1,555	23%
2 persons	2,355	34.9%
3 persons	1,150	17%
4 persons	1,140	16.9%
5 or more persons	555	8.2%

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 Petawawa

The housing landscape of Petawawa

Petawawa has a total of 7,174 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Petawawa offers a variety of home sizes: 4% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 60% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 35.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

7,174

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 70.4%
Attached homes: 29.5%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 0.1%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	4,760	70.4%
Attached homes	1,995	29.5%
Movable homes	5	0.1%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 4%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 60%
4 or more bedrooms: 35.6%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	285	4%
2 or 3 bedrooms	4,065	60%
4 or more bedrooms	2,410	35.6%

Homes built since 2011

1,055

The age of buildings in Petawawa

About 3.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 13.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 12.8% went up in the 1960s, 16.8% in the 1970s, and 11.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13.5% of homes were added, and 12.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	235	3.5%
Between 1946 and 1960	895	13.2%
Between 1961 and 1970	865	12.8%
Between 1971 and 1980	1,135	16.8%
Between 1981 and 1990	795	11.8%
Between 1991 and 2000	910	13.5%
Between 2001 and 2010	865	12.8%
After 2011	1,055	15.6%

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.

Petawawa occupancy rates

In Petawawa, there are 6,762 occupied private dwellings, of which 64.2% are owner-occupied and 35.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 412 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

6,762

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 35.8%
Owned households: 64.2%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	2,420	35.8%
Owned households	4,340	64.2%

Unoccupied dwellings

412

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 Petawawa, homeowners pay a median of $1,430 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $950. About 91.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 8.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,430

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$950

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 91.5%
≥30% on shelter: 8.5%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	6,170	91.5%
≥30% on shelter	575	8.5%

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 Petawawa

Petawawa education at a glance

In Petawawa, educational attainment varies across the community. About 12% of residents have no formal diploma, while 35.9% have completed high school and 6.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 27% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17.1% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	1,600	12%
High school diploma	4,800	35.9%
Apprenticeship diploma	920	6.9%
College diploma	3,610	27%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	155	1.2%
University degree	2,280	17.1%

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 Petawawa

How much people earn in Petawawa

In Petawawa, the median household income sits at $102,000, while the median after-tax household income is $89,000.

Median household income

$102,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$89,000/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.

Petawawa income by age

Young adults in Petawawa between 15 and 24 have a median income of $22,600, 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 $63,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $73,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $73,500, followed by $52,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $38,800.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	22,600
25 - 34	63,600
35 - 44	73,000
45 - 54	73,500
55 - 64	52,800
Over 65	38,800

Employment in Petawawa

Workforce and job sectors in Petawawa

In Petawawa, 9,475 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.3%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, education, law, community and government services, sales and service, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

9,475

Unemployment rate

6.3%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	70	0.8%
Business, finance and administration	1,090	11.7%
Natural and applied sciences	600	6.4%
Health	735	7.9%
Education, law, community and government services	3,795	40.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	130	1.4%
Sales and service	1,715	18.4%
Trades and transport	1,020	10.9%
Natural resources and agriculture	70	0.8%
Manufacturing and utilities	115	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 Petawawa

How people get around in Petawawa

In Petawawa, the average commute is 15 minutes. About 94.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.1% rely on public transit and 3.6% walk or bike. The remaining 1.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

15 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 55.6%
15 to 29 minutes: 34.1%
30 to 44 minutes: 7.5%
45 to 59 minutes: 1%
More than 60 minutes: 1.7%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	4,040	55.6%
15 to 29 minutes	2,475	34.1%
30 to 44 minutes	545	7.5%
45 to 59 minutes	75	1%
More than 60 minutes	125	1.7%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	6,860	94.4%
By public transit	10	0.1%
By bicycle/by walking	265	3.6%
By other methods	130	1.8%

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 Petawawa demographics

What is the current total population in Petawawa?

Petawawa has a population of 18,160, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.9% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Petawawa?

Petawawa has a population density of 110.3 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Petawawa?

Petawawa has the following gender distribution:

53.8% males (9,780 residents)
46.2% females (8,385 residents)

What is the age distribution of Petawawa residents?

The age distribution of Petawawa residents is as follows:

Under 15: 21.8% (3,955 residents)
15-24: 12.6% (2,280 residents)
25-34: 22.4% (4,070 residents)
35-44: 15% (2,720 residents)
45-54: 9.8% (1,785 residents)
55-64: 9% (1,645 residents)
Over 64: 9.4% (1,715 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Petawawa?

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

93.3% non-immigrants (16,125 residents)
6.2% immigrants (1,065 residents)
0.6% non-permanent residents (100 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Petawawa?

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

English: 89.8%
French: 9.6%
English and French: 0.6%
Neither English nor French: 0.1%

What is the typical household size in Petawawa?

The typical household size in Petawawa is 2.6 people.

What is the median household income in Petawawa?

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

What is the educational attainment level of Petawawa residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Petawawa is as follows:

No diploma: 12% (1,600 residents)
High school diploma: 35.9% (4,800 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 6.9% (920 residents)
College diploma: 27% (3,610 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.2% (155 residents)
University degree: 17.1% (2,280 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Petawawa?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.4%
Business, finance and administration: 11.7%
Education, law, community and government services: 40.6%
Health: 7.9%
Management: 0.8%
Manufacturing and utilities: 1.2%
Natural and applied sciences: 6.4%
Natural resources and agriculture: 0.8%
Sales and service: 18.4%
Trades and transport: 10.9%

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

Petawawa, ON demographics:population, income, and more