Total population

99,186

4.0 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$118,000/yr

Private dwellings

34,327

Pickering population

How many people live in Pickering

Pickering is home to 99,186 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.5% identify as male and 51.5% as female.

Total population

99,186

4.0% year-over-year change

Population density

429.2/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.5%

48,095

Female

51.5%

51,090

	Value	Percent
Male	48,095	48.5%
Female	51,090	51.5%

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 Pickering is 40.9. Children under 15 make up 16.5% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.4% are 25 to 34, 13.3% are 35 to 44, and 13% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 16.6%.

Average age

40.9

Age breakdown

Under 15: 16.5%
15 to 24: 12.3%
25 to 34: 13.4%
35 to 44: 13.3%
45 to 54: 13%
55 to 64: 15%
Over 65: 16.6%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	16,405	16.5%
15 to 24	12,190	12.3%
25 to 34	13,250	13.4%
35 to 44	13,190	13.3%
45 to 54	12,850	13%
55 to 64	14,870	15%
Over 65	16,435	16.6%

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 Pickering, 62.7% of residents were born in Canada, while 36.3% have settled here from abroad. Another 1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 62.7%
Immigrants: 36.3%
Non-permanent residents: 1%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	61,835	62.7%
Immigrants	35,780	36.3%
Non-permanent residents	965	1%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 51.9%
Non-minorities: 48.1%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	51,125	51.9%
Non-minorities	47,460	48.1%

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 Pickering

English: 97.1%
French: 1.1%
English and French: 0.5%
Neither English nor French: 1.3%

	Value	Percent
English	95,855	97.1%
French	1,115	1.1%
English and French	500	0.5%
Neither English nor French	1,285	1.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.1% of people in Pickering speak English as their primary language, 1.1% communicate mainly in French, 0.5% are bilingual, and 1.3% 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 Pickering

A peek inside Pickering households

Pickering has 33,425 households, with an average of 3.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 17.2% of all homes, while 29.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 19.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 34.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

33,425

Average people per household

1 person: 17.2%
2 persons: 29.1%
3 persons: 19.3%
4 persons: 20.4%
5 or more persons: 14.1%

	Value	Percent
1 person	5,740	17.2%
2 persons	9,715	29.1%
3 persons	6,445	19.3%
4 persons	6,805	20.4%
5 or more persons	4,720	14.1%

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 Pickering

The housing landscape of Pickering

Pickering has a total of 34,327 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 59.6% are single-detached houses, 31.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 9.2% are apartments. When it comes to space, Pickering offers a variety of home sizes: 5% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 50% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 45.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

34,327

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 59.6%
Attached homes: 31.2%
Apartments: 9.2%
Movable homes: 0.1%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	19,915	59.6%
Attached homes	10,430	31.2%
Apartments	3,060	9.2%
Movable homes	20	0.1%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 5%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 50%
4 or more bedrooms: 45.1%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	1,755	5%
2 or 3 bedrooms	16,585	50%
4 or more bedrooms	15,085	45.1%

Homes built since 2011

4,515

The age of buildings in Pickering

About 2.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 9.4% went up in the 1960s, 15.6% in the 1970s, and 26.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 19.6% of homes were added, and 9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	710	2.1%
Between 1946 and 1960	1,355	4%
Between 1961 and 1970	3,140	9.4%
Between 1971 and 1980	5,210	15.6%
Between 1981 and 1990	8,960	26.8%
Between 1991 and 2000	6,545	19.6%
Between 2001 and 2010	2,995	9%
After 2011	4,515	13.5%

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.

Pickering occupancy rates

In Pickering, there are 33,425 occupied private dwellings, of which 85.2% are owner-occupied and 14.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 902 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

33,425

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 14.8%
Owned households: 85.2%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	4,960	14.8%
Owned households	28,470	85.2%

Unoccupied dwellings

902

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 Pickering, homeowners pay a median of $1,980 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,720. About 75.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 24.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,980

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,720

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 75.9%
≥30% on shelter: 24.1%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	25,240	75.9%
≥30% on shelter	8,030	24.1%

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 Pickering

Pickering education at a glance

In Pickering, educational attainment varies across the community. About 11.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 28.5% have completed high school and 4.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 21.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 30.7% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	9,500	11.6%
High school diploma	23,440	28.5%
Apprenticeship diploma	4,000	4.9%
College diploma	17,880	21.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	2,125	2.6%
University degree	25,245	30.7%

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 Pickering

How much people earn in Pickering

In Pickering, the median household income sits at $118,000, while the median after-tax household income is $102,000.

Median household income

$118,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$102,000/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.

Pickering income by age

Young adults in Pickering 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 $62,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $64,000, followed by $54,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $37,200.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,400
25 - 34	46,400
35 - 44	62,400
45 - 54	64,000
55 - 64	54,800
Over 65	37,200

Employment in Pickering

Workforce and job sectors in Pickering

In Pickering, 53,705 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12.9%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

53,705

Unemployment rate

12.9%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	800	1.5%
Business, finance and administration	11,605	22.3%
Natural and applied sciences	5,375	10.3%
Health	3,400	6.5%
Education, law, community and government services	6,490	12.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	1,540	3%
Sales and service	12,370	23.8%
Trades and transport	8,185	15.7%
Natural resources and agriculture	635	1.2%
Manufacturing and utilities	1,585	3%

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 Pickering

How people get around in Pickering

In Pickering, the average commute is 31 minutes. About 87.1% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 7.8% rely on public transit and 2.2% walk or bike. The remaining 3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

31 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 18.8%
15 to 29 minutes: 28.3%
30 to 44 minutes: 27.4%
45 to 59 minutes: 12.8%
More than 60 minutes: 12.8%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	5,605	18.8%
15 to 29 minutes	8,450	28.3%
30 to 44 minutes	8,175	27.4%
45 to 59 minutes	3,820	12.8%
More than 60 minutes	3,810	12.8%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	26,000	87.1%
By public transit	2,335	7.8%
By bicycle/by walking	645	2.2%
By other methods	880	3%

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 Pickering demographics

What is the current total population in Pickering?

Pickering has a population of 99,186, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +4.0% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Pickering?

Pickering has a population density of 429.2 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Pickering?

Pickering has the following gender distribution:

48.5% males (48,095 residents)
51.5% females (51,090 residents)

What is the age distribution of Pickering residents?

The age distribution of Pickering residents is as follows:

Under 15: 16.5% (16,405 residents)
15-24: 12.3% (12,190 residents)
25-34: 13.4% (13,250 residents)
35-44: 13.3% (13,190 residents)
45-54: 13% (12,850 residents)
55-64: 15% (14,870 residents)
Over 64: 16.6% (16,435 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Pickering?

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

62.7% non-immigrants (61,835 residents)
36.3% immigrants (35,780 residents)
1% non-permanent residents (965 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Pickering?

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

English: 97.1%
French: 1.1%
English and French: 0.5%
Neither English nor French: 1.3%

What is the typical household size in Pickering?

The typical household size in Pickering is 3 people.

What is the median household income in Pickering?

The median household income in Pickering is $118,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Pickering residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Pickering is as follows:

No diploma: 11.6% (9,500 residents)
High school diploma: 28.5% (23,440 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 4.9% (4,000 residents)
College diploma: 21.8% (17,880 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2.6% (2,125 residents)
University degree: 30.7% (25,245 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Pickering?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3%
Business, finance and administration: 22.3%
Education, law, community and government services: 12.5%
Health: 6.5%
Management: 1.5%
Manufacturing and utilities: 3%
Natural and applied sciences: 10.3%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.2%
Sales and service: 23.8%
Trades and transport: 15.7%

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

Pickering, ON demographics:population, income, and more