Renfrew, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,190
0.3 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,400/yr
Private dwellings
4,117

Renfrew population

How many people live in Renfrew

Renfrew is home to 8,190 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.2% identify as male and 52.8% as female.

Total population
8,190
0.3% year-over-year change
Population density
639.3/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47.2%
3,870
Female
52.8%
4,320
Value Percent
Male 3,870 47.2%
Female 4,320 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 Renfrew is 49.4. Children under 15 make up 12.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10% are 25 to 34, 9.3% are 35 to 44, and 10.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 32.1%.

Average age
49.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.2%
15 to 24
9%
25 to 34
10%
35 to 44
9.3%
45 to 54
10.5%
55 to 64
16.9%
Over 65
32.1%
Value Percent
Under 15 995 12.2%
15 to 24 740 9%
25 to 34 820 10%
35 to 44 760 9.3%
45 to 54 860 10.5%
55 to 64 1,385 16.9%
Over 65 2,630 32.1%
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 Renfrew, 96.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 3.6% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
96.4%
Immigrants
3.6%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 7,570 96.4%
Immigrants 285 3.6%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
1.3%
Non-minorities
98.7%
Value Percent
Minorities 105 1.3%
Non-minorities 7,750 98.7%
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 Renfrew
English
97.2%
French
2.6%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.1%
Value Percent
English 7,705 97.2%
French 205 2.6%
English and French 10 0.1%
Neither English nor French 10 0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.2% of people in Renfrew speak English as their primary language, 2.6% 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 Renfrew

A peek inside Renfrew households

Renfrew has 3,955 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 40.5% of all homes, while 37% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.1%, and homes with four or more people account for 11.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
3,955
Average people per household
2
1 person
40.5%
2 persons
37%
3 persons
11.1%
4 persons
7.7%
5 or more persons
3.7%
Value Percent
1 person 1,605 40.5%
2 persons 1,465 37%
3 persons 440 11.1%
4 persons 305 7.7%
5 or more persons 145 3.7%
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 Renfrew

The housing landscape of Renfrew

Renfrew has a total of 4,117 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Renfrew offers a variety of home sizes: 17% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 68% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 15.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
4,117
Housing types
Single-detached homes
62.2%
Attached homes
37.8%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 2,460 62.2%
Attached homes 1,495 37.8%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
17%
2 or 3 bedrooms
68%
4 or more bedrooms
15.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 675 17%
2 or 3 bedrooms 2,680 68%
4 or more bedrooms 610 15.4%
Homes built since 2011
205

The age of buildings in Renfrew

About 29.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 21.5% between 1946 and 1960. Another 14.1% went up in the 1960s, 11% in the 1970s, and 7.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 4.9% of homes were added, and 6.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,180 29.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 850 21.5%
Between 1961 and 1970 560 14.1%
Between 1971 and 1980 435 11%
Between 1981 and 1990 290 7.3%
Between 1991 and 2000 195 4.9%
Between 2001 and 2010 245 6.2%
After 2011 205 5.2%
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.

Renfrew occupancy rates

In Renfrew, there are 3,954 occupied private dwellings, of which 58.6% are owner-occupied and 41.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 163 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
3,954
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
41.4%
Owned households
58.6%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,635 41.4%
Owned households 2,315 58.6%
Unoccupied dwellings
163
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 Renfrew, homeowners pay a median of $780 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $850. About 80.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 19.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$780
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$850
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
80.3%
≥30% on shelter
19.7%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 3,175 80.3%
≥30% on shelter 780 19.7%
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 Renfrew

Renfrew education at a glance

In Renfrew, educational attainment varies across the community. About 20.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 37.4% have completed high school and 6.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24.5% have graduated from college. Finally, 0.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 10.1% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,400 20.4%
High school diploma 2,565 37.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 455 6.6%
College diploma 1,680 24.5%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 60 0.9%
University degree 695 10.1%
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 Renfrew

How much people earn in Renfrew

In Renfrew, the median household income sits at $60,400, while the median after-tax household income is $55,200.

Median household income
$60,400/year
Median after-tax household income
$55,200/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.

Renfrew income by age

Young adults in Renfrew between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,800, 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 $41,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $47,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $46,400, followed by $40,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $31,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 16,800
25 - 34 41,600
35 - 44 47,200
45 - 54 46,400
55 - 64 40,000
Over 65 31,400

Employment in Renfrew

Workforce and job sectors in Renfrew

In Renfrew, 3,365 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.5%. 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
3,365
Unemployment rate
10.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 20 0.6%
Business, finance and administration 390 11.8%
Natural and applied sciences 195 5.9%
Health 325 9.8%
Education, law, community and government services 300 9.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 55 1.7%
Sales and service 1,025 31%
Trades and transport 680 20.5%
Natural resources and agriculture 80 2.4%
Manufacturing and utilities 240 7.2%
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 Renfrew

How people get around in Renfrew

In Renfrew, the average commute is 20 minutes. The remaining 2.3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
20 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
56.8%
15 to 29 minutes
17.1%
30 to 44 minutes
9.5%
45 to 59 minutes
6.3%
More than 60 minutes
10.3%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,490 56.8%
15 to 29 minutes 450 17.1%
30 to 44 minutes 250 9.5%
45 to 59 minutes 165 6.3%
More than 60 minutes 270 10.3%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,295 87.6%
By bicycle/by walking 265 10.1%
By other methods 60 2.3%
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 Renfrew demographics 

What is the current total population in Renfrew?

Renfrew has a population of 8,190, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.3% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Renfrew?  

Renfrew has a population density of 639.3 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Renfrew?

Renfrew has the following gender distribution:
  • 47.2% males (3,870 residents)  
  • 52.8% females (4,320 residents)

What is the age distribution of Renfrew residents?  

The age distribution of Renfrew residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 12.2% (995 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9% (740 residents)   
  • 25-34: 10% (820 residents)   
  • 35-44: 9.3% (760 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.5% (860 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.9% (1,385 residents)   
  • Over 64: 32.1% (2,630 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Renfrew? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Renfrew: 
  • 96.4% non-immigrants (7,570 residents)  
  • 3.6% immigrants (285 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Renfrew?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Renfrew: 
  • English: 97.2% 
  • French: 2.6% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.1% 

What is the typical household size in Renfrew?  

The typical household size in Renfrew is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Renfrew?  

The median household income in Renfrew is $60,400 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Renfrew residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Renfrew is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 20.4% (1,400 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 37.4% (2,565 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 6.6% (455 residents) 
  • College diploma: 24.5% (1,680 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 0.9% (60 residents) 
  • University degree: 10.1% (695 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Renfrew?  

The most common occupations in Renfrew fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.7% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 11.8% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 9.1% 
  • Health: 9.8% 
  • Management: 0.6% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 7.2% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.9% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.4% 
  • Sales and service: 31% 
  • Trades and transport: 20.5% 

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