Total population

6,013

0.1 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$86,000/yr

Private dwellings

2,524

Petrolia population

How many people live in Petrolia

Petrolia is home to 6,013 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48% identify as male and 52% as female.

Total population

6,013

0.1% year-over-year change

Population density

482.6/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48%

2,885

Female

52%

3,125

	Value	Percent
Male	2,885	48%
Female	3,125	52%

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 Petrolia is 43.3. Children under 15 make up 17.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.7% are 25 to 34, 12.9% are 35 to 44, and 10.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 24%.

Average age

43.3

Age breakdown

Under 15: 17.6%
15 to 24: 10.1%
25 to 34: 11.7%
35 to 44: 12.9%
45 to 54: 10.7%
55 to 64: 12.9%
Over 65: 24%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	1,060	17.6%
15 to 24	605	10.1%
25 to 34	705	11.7%
35 to 44	775	12.9%
45 to 54	645	10.7%
55 to 64	775	12.9%
Over 65	1,440	24%

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 Petrolia, 93.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 5.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 93.9%
Immigrants: 5.6%
Non-permanent residents: 0.4%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	5,465	93.9%
Immigrants	325	5.6%
Non-permanent residents	25	0.4%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 2.4%
Non-minorities: 97.6%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	140	2.4%
Non-minorities	5,680	97.6%

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 Petrolia

English: 98.9%
French: 0.9%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.1%

	Value	Percent
English	5,805	98.9%
French	55	0.9%
English and French	5	0.1%
Neither English nor French	5	0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.9% of people in Petrolia speak English as their primary language, 0.9% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% 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 Petrolia

A peek inside Petrolia households

Petrolia has 2,460 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 29% of all homes, while 36.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 20.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

2,460

Average people per household

2.4

1 person: 29%
2 persons: 36.1%
3 persons: 14.4%
4 persons: 13.4%
5 or more persons: 7.1%

	Value	Percent
1 person	715	29%
2 persons	890	36.1%
3 persons	355	14.4%
4 persons	330	13.4%
5 or more persons	175	7.1%

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 Petrolia

The housing landscape of Petrolia

Petrolia has a total of 2,524 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Petrolia offers a variety of home sizes: 8% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 58% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 32.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

2,524

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 82.3%
Attached homes: 17.7%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	2,025	82.3%
Attached homes	435	17.7%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 8%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 58%
4 or more bedrooms: 32.9%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	210	8%
2 or 3 bedrooms	1,440	58%
4 or more bedrooms	810	32.9%

Homes built since 2011

275

The age of buildings in Petrolia

About 22.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.3% between 1946 and 1960. Another 9.7% went up in the 1960s, 12.1% in the 1970s, and 8.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.1% of homes were added, and 13.9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	560	22.6%
Between 1946 and 1960	255	10.3%
Between 1961 and 1970	240	9.7%
Between 1971 and 1980	300	12.1%
Between 1981 and 1990	205	8.3%
Between 1991 and 2000	300	12.1%
Between 2001 and 2010	345	13.9%
After 2011	275	11.1%

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.

Petrolia occupancy rates

In Petrolia, there are 2,460 occupied private dwellings, of which 79.1% are owner-occupied and 20.9% are rented. Meanwhile, 64 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

2,460

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 20.9%
Owned households: 79.1%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	515	20.9%
Owned households	1,945	79.1%

Unoccupied dwellings

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 Petrolia, homeowners pay a median of $1,070 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $850. About 88.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 11.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,070

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$850

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 88.4%
≥30% on shelter: 11.6%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	2,175	88.4%
≥30% on shelter	285	11.6%

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 Petrolia

Petrolia education at a glance

In Petrolia, educational attainment varies across the community. About 13.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 29.2% have completed high school and 10.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 31.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 14% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	645	13.6%
High school diploma	1,380	29.2%
Apprenticeship diploma	480	10.2%
College diploma	1,505	31.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	55	1.2%
University degree	660	14%

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 Petrolia

How much people earn in Petrolia

In Petrolia, the median household income sits at $86,000, while the median after-tax household income is $75,500.

Median household income

$86,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$75,500/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.

Petrolia income by age

Young adults in Petrolia between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,400, 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 $46,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $56,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $56,400, followed by $46,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $38,400.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,400
25 - 34	46,400
35 - 44	56,800
45 - 54	56,400
55 - 64	46,400
Over 65	38,400

Employment in Petrolia

Workforce and job sectors in Petrolia

In Petrolia, 2,750 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.1%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, 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

2,750

Unemployment rate

9.1%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	15	0.6%
Business, finance and administration	385	14.2%
Natural and applied sciences	155	5.7%
Health	275	10.2%
Education, law, community and government services	360	13.3%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	30	1.1%
Sales and service	555	20.5%
Trades and transport	625	23.1%
Natural resources and agriculture	70	2.6%
Manufacturing and utilities	240	8.9%

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 Petrolia

How people get around in Petrolia

In Petrolia, the average commute is 18 minutes. The remaining 0.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

18 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 41.5%
15 to 29 minutes: 38%
30 to 44 minutes: 15.8%
45 to 59 minutes: 2.1%
More than 60 minutes: 2.6%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	895	41.5%
15 to 29 minutes	820	38%
30 to 44 minutes	340	15.8%
45 to 59 minutes	45	2.1%
More than 60 minutes	55	2.6%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	2,055	94.9%
By bicycle/by walking	95	4.4%
By other methods	15	0.7%

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 Petrolia demographics

What is the current total population in Petrolia?

Petrolia has a population of 6,013, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.1% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Petrolia?

Petrolia has a population density of 482.6 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Petrolia?

Petrolia has the following gender distribution:

48% males (2,885 residents)
52% females (3,125 residents)

What is the age distribution of Petrolia residents?

The age distribution of Petrolia residents is as follows:

Under 15: 17.6% (1,060 residents)
15-24: 10.1% (605 residents)
25-34: 11.7% (705 residents)
35-44: 12.9% (775 residents)
45-54: 10.7% (645 residents)
55-64: 12.9% (775 residents)
Over 64: 24% (1,440 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Petrolia?

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

93.9% non-immigrants (5,465 residents)
5.6% immigrants (325 residents)
0.4% non-permanent residents (25 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Petrolia?

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

English: 98.9%
French: 0.9%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.1%

What is the typical household size in Petrolia?

The typical household size in Petrolia is 2.4 people.

What is the median household income in Petrolia?

The median household income in Petrolia is $86,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Petrolia residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Petrolia is as follows:

No diploma: 13.6% (645 residents)
High school diploma: 29.2% (1,380 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 10.2% (480 residents)
College diploma: 31.8% (1,505 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.2% (55 residents)
University degree: 14% (660 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Petrolia?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.1%
Business, finance and administration: 14.2%
Education, law, community and government services: 13.3%
Health: 10.2%
Management: 0.6%
Manufacturing and utilities: 8.9%
Natural and applied sciences: 5.7%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.6%
Sales and service: 20.5%
Trades and transport: 23.1%

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

Petrolia, ON demographics:population, income, and more