Port Colborne, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
20,033
1.7 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,000/yr
Private dwellings
10,219

Port Colborne population

How many people live in Port Colborne

Port Colborne is home to 20,033 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.5% identify as male and 51.5% as female.

Total population
20,033
1.7% year-over-year change
Population density
164.2/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
9,720
Female
51.5%
10,315
Value Percent
Male 9,720 48.5%
Female 10,315 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 Port Colborne is 47.2. Children under 15 make up 13.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.5%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.9% are 25 to 34, 10.3% are 35 to 44, and 12% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 17.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 26.8%.

Average age
47.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.2%
15 to 24
9.5%
25 to 34
10.9%
35 to 44
10.3%
45 to 54
12%
55 to 64
17.3%
Over 65
26.8%
Value Percent
Under 15 2,635 13.2%
15 to 24 1,900 9.5%
25 to 34 2,175 10.9%
35 to 44 2,065 10.3%
45 to 54 2,410 12%
55 to 64 3,470 17.3%
Over 65 5,380 26.8%
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 Port Colborne, 91% of residents were born in Canada, while 8.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
91%
Immigrants
8.8%
Non-permanent residents
0.1%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 17,660 91%
Immigrants 1,715 8.8%
Non-permanent residents 25 0.1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
2.8%
Non-minorities
97.2%
Value Percent
Minorities 535 2.8%
Non-minorities 18,875 97.2%
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 Port Colborne
English
96.3%
French
3.2%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.4%
Value Percent
English 18,970 96.3%
French 625 3.2%
English and French 20 0.1%
Neither English nor French 75 0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.3% of people in Port Colborne speak English as their primary language, 3.2% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% 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 Port Colborne

A peek inside Port Colborne households

Port Colborne has 8,710 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 31.6% of all homes, while 37.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
8,710
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
31.6%
2 persons
37.9%
3 persons
14.8%
4 persons
10.2%
5 or more persons
5.4%
Value Percent
1 person 2,755 31.6%
2 persons 3,305 37.9%
3 persons 1,285 14.8%
4 persons 890 10.2%
5 or more persons 475 5.4%
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 Port Colborne

The housing landscape of Port Colborne

Port Colborne has a total of 10,219 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 70.6% are single-detached houses, 23.1% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 2.2% are apartments. When it comes to space, Port Colborne offers a variety of home sizes: 11% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 72% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 17.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
10,219
Housing types
Single-detached homes
70.6%
Attached homes
23.1%
Apartments
2.2%
Movable homes
4.1%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 6,145 70.6%
Attached homes 2,015 23.1%
Apartments 190 2.2%
Movable homes 360 4.1%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
11%
2 or 3 bedrooms
72%
4 or more bedrooms
17.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 925 11%
2 or 3 bedrooms 6,235 72%
4 or more bedrooms 1,550 17.8%
Homes built since 2011
285

The age of buildings in Port Colborne

About 26.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 28.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 14.3% went up in the 1960s, 11.2% in the 1970s, and 7% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 4.6% of homes were added, and 4.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 2,330 26.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 2,455 28.2%
Between 1961 and 1970 1,245 14.3%
Between 1971 and 1980 980 11.2%
Between 1981 and 1990 610 7%
Between 1991 and 2000 405 4.6%
Between 2001 and 2010 400 4.6%
After 2011 285 3.3%
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.

Port Colborne occupancy rates

In Port Colborne, there are 8,710 occupied private dwellings, of which 72.7% are owner-occupied and 27.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,509 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
8,710
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
27.3%
Owned households
72.7%
Value Percent
Rented households 2,380 27.3%
Owned households 6,335 72.7%
Unoccupied dwellings
1,509
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 Port Colborne, homeowners pay a median of $1,060 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $930. About 79.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 20.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,060
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$930
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
79.6%
≥30% on shelter
20.4%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 6,885 79.6%
≥30% on shelter 1,765 20.4%
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 Port Colborne

Port Colborne education at a glance

In Port Colborne, educational attainment varies across the community. About 19% of residents have no formal diploma, while 35% have completed high school and 8.5% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24.5% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 11.8% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 3,180 19%
High school diploma 5,865 35%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,420 8.5%
College diploma 4,105 24.5%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 220 1.3%
University degree 1,985 11.8%
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 Port Colborne

How much people earn in Port Colborne

In Port Colborne, the median household income sits at $70,000, while the median after-tax household income is $63,200.

Median household income
$70,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$63,200/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.

Port Colborne income by age

Young adults in Port Colborne between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,800, 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 $42,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $48,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $50,800, followed by $42,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $33,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,800
25 - 34 42,800
35 - 44 48,800
45 - 54 50,800
55 - 64 42,000
Over 65 33,200

Employment in Port Colborne

Workforce and job sectors in Port Colborne

In Port Colborne, 9,100 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12.7%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
9,100
Unemployment rate
12.7%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 70 0.8%
Business, finance and administration 1,250 14%
Natural and applied sciences 305 3.4%
Health 780 8.8%
Education, law, community and government services 990 11.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 165 1.8%
Sales and service 2,265 25.4%
Trades and transport 2,135 24%
Natural resources and agriculture 225 2.5%
Manufacturing and utilities 715 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 Port Colborne

How people get around in Port Colborne

In Port Colborne, the average commute is 23 minutes. About 92.9% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.4% rely on public transit and 4.7% walk or bike. The remaining 2.1% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
23 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
37.6%
15 to 29 minutes
28.1%
30 to 44 minutes
22.3%
45 to 59 minutes
5%
More than 60 minutes
7%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,560 37.6%
15 to 29 minutes 1,915 28.1%
30 to 44 minutes 1,520 22.3%
45 to 59 minutes 340 5%
More than 60 minutes 480 7%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 6,320 92.9%
By public transit 25 0.4%
By bicycle/by walking 320 4.7%
By other methods 140 2.1%
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 Port Colborne demographics 

What is the current total population in Port Colborne?

Port Colborne has a population of 20,033, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.7% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Port Colborne?  

Port Colborne has a population density of 164.2 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Port Colborne?

Port Colborne has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.5% males (9,720 residents)  
  • 51.5% females (10,315 residents)

What is the age distribution of Port Colborne residents?  

The age distribution of Port Colborne residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 13.2% (2,635 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.5% (1,900 residents)   
  • 25-34: 10.9% (2,175 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.3% (2,065 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12% (2,410 residents)   
  • 55-64: 17.3% (3,470 residents)   
  • Over 64: 26.8% (5,380 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Port Colborne? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Port Colborne: 
  • 91% non-immigrants (17,660 residents)  
  • 8.8% immigrants (1,715 residents)  
  • 0.1% non-permanent residents (25 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Port Colborne?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Port Colborne: 
  • English: 96.3% 
  • French: 3.2% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.4% 

What is the typical household size in Port Colborne?  

The typical household size in Port Colborne is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Port Colborne?  

The median household income in Port Colborne is $70,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Port Colborne residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Port Colborne is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 19% (3,180 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 35% (5,865 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 8.5% (1,420 residents) 
  • College diploma: 24.5% (4,105 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.3% (220 residents) 
  • University degree: 11.8% (1,985 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Port Colborne?  

The most common occupations in Port Colborne fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.8% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.1% 
  • Health: 8.8% 
  • Management: 0.8% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 3.4% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.5% 
  • Sales and service: 25.4% 
  • Trades and transport: 24% 

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