Total population

83,651

5.6 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$71,500/yr

Private dwellings

38,006

Peterborough population

How many people live in Peterborough

Peterborough is home to 83,651 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.2% identify as male and 52.8% as female.

Total population

83,651

5.6% year-over-year change

Population density

1,291.8/km2

Gender ratio

Male

47.2%

39,490

Female

52.8%

44,160

	Value	Percent
Male	39,490	47.2%
Female	44,160	52.8%

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 Peterborough is 44.1. Children under 15 make up 14.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.7% are 25 to 34, 11.6% are 35 to 44, and 10.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 24.2%.

Average age

44.1

Age breakdown

Under 15: 14.3%
15 to 24: 12.2%
25 to 34: 13.7%
35 to 44: 11.6%
45 to 54: 10.7%
55 to 64: 13.3%
Over 65: 24.2%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	11,960	14.3%
15 to 24	10,180	12.2%
25 to 34	11,470	13.7%
35 to 44	9,690	11.6%
45 to 54	8,975	10.7%
55 to 64	11,125	13.3%
Over 65	20,265	24.2%

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 Peterborough, 88.5% of residents were born in Canada, while 9.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 88.5%
Immigrants: 9.7%
Non-permanent residents: 1.9%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	72,185	88.5%
Immigrants	7,880	9.7%
Non-permanent residents	1,535	1.9%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 9.4%
Non-minorities: 90.6%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	7,635	9.4%
Non-minorities	73,960	90.6%

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 Peterborough

English: 98.5%
French: 1%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.3%

	Value	Percent
English	81,205	98.5%
French	800	1%
English and French	135	0.2%
Neither English nor French	270	0.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.5% of people in Peterborough speak English as their primary language, 1% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 0.3% 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 Peterborough

A peek inside Peterborough households

Peterborough has 35,980 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 32.5% of all homes, while 35.5% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 17.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

35,980

Average people per household

2.3

1 person: 32.5%
2 persons: 35.5%
3 persons: 14.4%
4 persons: 11.2%
5 or more persons: 6.4%

	Value	Percent
1 person	11,680	32.5%
2 persons	12,785	35.5%
3 persons	5,165	14.4%
4 persons	4,035	11.2%
5 or more persons	2,305	6.4%

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 Peterborough

The housing landscape of Peterborough

Peterborough has a total of 38,006 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 57.1% are single-detached houses, 35.7% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 7.2% are apartments. When it comes to space, Peterborough offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 60% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 25.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

38,006

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 57.1%
Attached homes: 35.7%
Apartments: 7.2%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	20,560	57.1%
Attached homes	12,835	35.7%
Apartments	2,585	7.2%
Movable homes	5	0%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 60%
4 or more bedrooms: 25.8%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	5,210	14%
2 or 3 bedrooms	21,485	60%
4 or more bedrooms	9,275	25.8%

Homes built since 2011

2,430

The age of buildings in Peterborough

About 18.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 17.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.8% went up in the 1960s, 13.9% in the 1970s, and 11.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 9.1% of homes were added, and 8.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	6,630	18.4%
Between 1946 and 1960	6,340	17.6%
Between 1961 and 1970	4,960	13.8%
Between 1971 and 1980	4,990	13.9%
Between 1981 and 1990	4,255	11.8%
Between 1991 and 2000	3,265	9.1%
Between 2001 and 2010	3,100	8.6%
After 2011	2,430	6.8%

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.

Peterborough occupancy rates

In Peterborough, there are 35,977 occupied private dwellings, of which 59.4% are owner-occupied and 40.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 2,029 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

35,977

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 40.6%
Owned households: 59.4%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	14,610	40.6%
Owned households	21,375	59.4%

Unoccupied dwellings

2,029

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 Peterborough, homeowners pay a median of $1,160 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,110. About 74.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 25.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,160

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,110

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 74.3%
≥30% on shelter: 25.7%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	26,660	74.3%
≥30% on shelter	9,235	25.7%

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 Peterborough

Peterborough education at a glance

In Peterborough, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.8% have completed high school and 4.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 23.2% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	10,465	15%
High school diploma	21,450	30.8%
Apprenticeship diploma	3,385	4.9%
College diploma	17,155	24.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	1,035	1.5%
University degree	16,155	23.2%

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 Peterborough

How much people earn in Peterborough

In Peterborough, the median household income sits at $71,500, while the median after-tax household income is $64,500.

Median household income

$71,500/year

Median after-tax household income

$64,500/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.

Peterborough income by age

Young adults in Peterborough between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,200, 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 $38,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $48,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $50,800, followed by $43,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $35,600.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	18,200
25 - 34	38,000
35 - 44	48,400
45 - 54	50,800
55 - 64	43,200
Over 65	35,600

Employment in Peterborough

Workforce and job sectors in Peterborough

In Peterborough, 39,845 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 14.7%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, 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

39,845

Unemployment rate

14.7%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	325	0.8%
Business, finance and administration	5,135	13.3%
Natural and applied sciences	2,440	6.3%
Health	4,125	10.7%
Education, law, community and government services	5,600	14.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	1,160	3%
Sales and service	11,795	30.6%
Trades and transport	5,665	14.7%
Natural resources and agriculture	560	1.4%
Manufacturing and utilities	1,705	4.4%

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 Peterborough

How people get around in Peterborough

In Peterborough, the average commute is 20 minutes. About 85% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 3.7% rely on public transit and 9.2% walk or bike. The remaining 2.2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

20 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 51.8%
15 to 29 minutes: 27%
30 to 44 minutes: 9.5%
45 to 59 minutes: 5.2%
More than 60 minutes: 6.5%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	13,915	51.8%
15 to 29 minutes	7,245	27%
30 to 44 minutes	2,550	9.5%
45 to 59 minutes	1,400	5.2%
More than 60 minutes	1,735	6.5%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	22,805	85%
By public transit	985	3.7%
By bicycle/by walking	2,465	9.2%
By other methods	590	2.2%

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 Peterborough demographics

What is the current total population in Peterborough?

Peterborough has a population of 83,651, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +5.6% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Peterborough?

Peterborough has a population density of 1,291.8 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Peterborough?

Peterborough has the following gender distribution:

47.2% males (39,490 residents)
52.8% females (44,160 residents)

What is the age distribution of Peterborough residents?

The age distribution of Peterborough residents is as follows:

Under 15: 14.3% (11,960 residents)
15-24: 12.2% (10,180 residents)
25-34: 13.7% (11,470 residents)
35-44: 11.6% (9,690 residents)
45-54: 10.7% (8,975 residents)
55-64: 13.3% (11,125 residents)
Over 64: 24.2% (20,265 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Peterborough?

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

88.5% non-immigrants (72,185 residents)
9.7% immigrants (7,880 residents)
1.9% non-permanent residents (1,535 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Peterborough?

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

English: 98.5%
French: 1%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.3%

What is the typical household size in Peterborough?

The typical household size in Peterborough is 2.3 people.

What is the median household income in Peterborough?

The median household income in Peterborough is $71,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Peterborough residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Peterborough is as follows:

No diploma: 15% (10,465 residents)
High school diploma: 30.8% (21,450 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 4.9% (3,385 residents)
College diploma: 24.6% (17,155 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.5% (1,035 residents)
University degree: 23.2% (16,155 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Peterborough?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3%
Business, finance and administration: 13.3%
Education, law, community and government services: 14.5%
Health: 10.7%
Management: 0.8%
Manufacturing and utilities: 4.4%
Natural and applied sciences: 6.3%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.4%
Sales and service: 30.6%
Trades and transport: 14.7%

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

Peterborough, ON demographics:population, income, and more