Russell, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
19,598
4.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$123,000/yr
Private dwellings
7,335

Russell population

How many people live in Russell

Russell is home to 19,598 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.3% identify as male and 50.7% as female.

Total population
19,598
4.1% year-over-year change
Population density
98.6/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
9,670
Female
50.7%
9,930
Value Percent
Male 9,670 49.3%
Female 9,930 50.7%
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 Russell is 39.4. Children under 15 make up 19.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.6%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.5% are 25 to 34, 14.5% are 35 to 44, and 13.3% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 14.3%.

Average age
39.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.7%
15 to 24
10.6%
25 to 34
12.5%
35 to 44
14.5%
45 to 54
13.3%
55 to 64
15.2%
Over 65
14.3%
Value Percent
Under 15 3,855 19.7%
15 to 24 2,070 10.6%
25 to 34 2,450 12.5%
35 to 44 2,835 14.5%
45 to 54 2,615 13.3%
55 to 64 2,970 15.2%
Over 65 2,810 14.3%
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 Russell, 93% of residents were born in Canada, while 6.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
93%
Immigrants
6.7%
Non-permanent residents
0.3%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 18,085 93%
Immigrants 1,300 6.7%
Non-permanent residents 55 0.3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
5.2%
Non-minorities
94.8%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,020 5.2%
Non-minorities 18,420 94.8%
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 Russell
English
59.8%
French
38.7%
English and French
1.3%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 11,670 59.8%
French 7,560 38.7%
English and French 260 1.3%
Neither English nor French 30 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 59.8% of people in Russell speak English as their primary language, 38.7% communicate mainly in French, 1.3% are bilingual, and 0.2% 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 Russell

A peek inside Russell households

Russell has 7,225 households, with an average of 2.7 people living in each. One-person households make up 17.5% of all homes, while 37% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 17.5%, and homes with four or more people account for 27.9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
7,225
Average people per household
2.7
1 person
17.5%
2 persons
37%
3 persons
17.5%
4 persons
18.6%
5 or more persons
9.3%
Value Percent
1 person 1,265 17.5%
2 persons 2,670 37%
3 persons 1,265 17.5%
4 persons 1,345 18.6%
5 or more persons 670 9.3%
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 Russell

The housing landscape of Russell

Russell has a total of 7,335 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Russell offers a variety of home sizes: 5% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 61% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 33.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
7,335
Housing types
Single-detached homes
79%
Attached homes
21%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 5,705 79%
Attached homes 1,515 21%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
5%
2 or 3 bedrooms
61%
4 or more bedrooms
33.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 370 5%
2 or 3 bedrooms 4,440 61%
4 or more bedrooms 2,415 33.4%
Homes built since 2011
2,050

The age of buildings in Russell

About 6.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 2.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 3.1% went up in the 1960s, 10% in the 1970s, and 21.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.8% of homes were added, and 17.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 455 6.3%
Between 1946 and 1960 155 2.2%
Between 1961 and 1970 225 3.1%
Between 1971 and 1980 725 10%
Between 1981 and 1990 1,525 21.1%
Between 1991 and 2000 855 11.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,235 17.1%
After 2011 2,050 28.4%
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.

Russell occupancy rates

In Russell, there are 7,226 occupied private dwellings, of which 84% are owner-occupied and 16% are rented. Meanwhile, 109 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
7,226
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
16%
Owned households
84%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,160 16%
Owned households 6,070 84%
Unoccupied dwellings
109
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 Russell, homeowners pay a median of $1,740 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,240. About 88.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 11.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,740
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,240
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
88.2%
≥30% on shelter
11.8%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 6,305 88.2%
≥30% on shelter 845 11.8%
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 Russell

Russell education at a glance

In Russell, educational attainment varies across the community. About 12.3% of residents have no formal diploma, while 26.8% have completed high school and 7.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 27.5% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 24% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,920 12.3%
High school diploma 4,180 26.8%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,130 7.2%
College diploma 4,280 27.5%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 330 2.1%
University degree 3,745 24%
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 Russell

How much people earn in Russell

In Russell, the median household income sits at $123,000, while the median after-tax household income is $104,000.

Median household income
$123,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$104,000/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.

Russell income by age

Young adults in Russell 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 $59,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $74,500. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $80,000, followed by $63,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $41,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,200
25 - 34 59,200
35 - 44 74,500
45 - 54 80,000
55 - 64 63,600
Over 65 41,200

Employment in Russell

Workforce and job sectors in Russell

In Russell, 11,070 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 5.4%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, business, finance and administration, sales and service, 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
11,070
Unemployment rate
5.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 150 1.4%
Business, finance and administration 2,440 22.2%
Natural and applied sciences 1,090 9.9%
Health 725 6.6%
Education, law, community and government services 1,975 18%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 240 2.2%
Sales and service 2,030 18.5%
Trades and transport 1,915 17.4%
Natural resources and agriculture 285 2.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 135 1.2%
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 Russell

How people get around in Russell

In Russell, the average commute is 26 minutes. About 94.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.7% rely on public transit and 2.8% walk or bike. The remaining 2.2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
26 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
25.3%
15 to 29 minutes
22.2%
30 to 44 minutes
39.6%
45 to 59 minutes
9.5%
More than 60 minutes
3.5%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,730 25.3%
15 to 29 minutes 1,520 22.2%
30 to 44 minutes 2,710 39.6%
45 to 59 minutes 650 9.5%
More than 60 minutes 240 3.5%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 6,465 94.3%
By public transit 45 0.7%
By bicycle/by walking 195 2.8%
By other methods 150 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 Russell demographics 

What is the current total population in Russell?

Russell has a population of 19,598, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +4.1% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Russell?  

Russell has a population density of 98.6 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Russell?

Russell has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.3% males (9,670 residents)  
  • 50.7% females (9,930 residents)

What is the age distribution of Russell residents?  

The age distribution of Russell residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 19.7% (3,855 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.6% (2,070 residents)   
  • 25-34: 12.5% (2,450 residents)   
  • 35-44: 14.5% (2,835 residents)   
  • 45-54: 13.3% (2,615 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.2% (2,970 residents)   
  • Over 64: 14.3% (2,810 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Russell? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Russell: 
  • 93% non-immigrants (18,085 residents)  
  • 6.7% immigrants (1,300 residents)  
  • 0.3% non-permanent residents (55 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Russell?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Russell: 
  • English: 59.8% 
  • French: 38.7% 
  • English and French: 1.3% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Russell?  

The typical household size in Russell is 2.7 people. 

What is the median household income in Russell?  

The median household income in Russell is $123,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Russell residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Russell is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 12.3% (1,920 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 26.8% (4,180 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.2% (1,130 residents) 
  • College diploma: 27.5% (4,280 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.1% (330 residents) 
  • University degree: 24% (3,745 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Russell?  

The most common occupations in Russell fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 22.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 18% 
  • Health: 6.6% 
  • Management: 1.4% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 1.2% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 9.9% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.6% 
  • Sales and service: 18.5% 
  • Trades and transport: 17.4% 

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