Total population

72,047

3.0 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$77,500/yr

Private dwellings

33,902

Sarnia population

How many people live in Sarnia

Sarnia is home to 72,047 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.7% identify as male and 51.3% as female.

Total population

72,047

3.0% year-over-year change

Population density

439.6/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.7%

35,105

Female

51.3%

36,945

	Value	Percent
Male	35,105	48.7%
Female	36,945	51.3%

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 Sarnia is 44.8. Children under 15 make up 14.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.6% are 25 to 34, 11.4% are 35 to 44, and 11.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 24.5%.

Average age

44.8

Age breakdown

Under 15: 14.7%
15 to 24: 10.4%
25 to 34: 12.6%
35 to 44: 11.4%
45 to 54: 11.2%
55 to 64: 15.2%
Over 65: 24.5%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	10,575	14.7%
15 to 24	7,510	10.4%
25 to 34	9,100	12.6%
35 to 44	8,175	11.4%
45 to 54	8,095	11.2%
55 to 64	10,915	15.2%
Over 65	17,680	24.5%

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 Sarnia, 86.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 12.1% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 86.2%
Immigrants: 12.1%
Non-permanent residents: 1.8%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	61,120	86.2%
Immigrants	8,570	12.1%
Non-permanent residents	1,245	1.8%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 8.3%
Non-minorities: 91.7%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	5,900	8.3%
Non-minorities	65,035	91.7%

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 Sarnia

English: 97.4%
French: 2%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

	Value	Percent
English	69,425	97.4%
French	1,435	2%
English and French	160	0.2%
Neither English nor French	250	0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.4% of people in Sarnia speak English as their primary language, 2% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% 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 Sarnia

A peek inside Sarnia households

Sarnia has 32,190 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 33.5% of all homes, while 36.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.5%, and homes with four or more people account for 16.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

32,190

Average people per household

2.2

1 person: 33.5%
2 persons: 36.6%
3 persons: 13.5%
4 persons: 10.9%
5 or more persons: 5.5%

	Value	Percent
1 person	10,790	33.5%
2 persons	11,790	36.6%
3 persons	4,335	13.5%
4 persons	3,495	10.9%
5 or more persons	1,780	5.5%

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 Sarnia

The housing landscape of Sarnia

Sarnia has a total of 33,902 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 67.4% are single-detached houses, 20.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 12.3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Sarnia offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 61% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 26.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

33,902

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 67.4%
Attached homes: 20.2%
Apartments: 12.3%
Movable homes: 0.1%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	21,685	67.4%
Attached homes	6,515	20.2%
Apartments	3,945	12.3%
Movable homes	40	0.1%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 61%
4 or more bedrooms: 26.5%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	3,980	12%
2 or 3 bedrooms	19,675	61%
4 or more bedrooms	8,540	26.5%

Homes built since 2011

1,555

The age of buildings in Sarnia

About 12.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 23% between 1946 and 1960. Another 16.6% went up in the 1960s, 18.5% in the 1970s, and 11.9% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 6.5% of homes were added, and 5.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	4,155	12.9%
Between 1946 and 1960	7,395	23%
Between 1961 and 1970	5,355	16.6%
Between 1971 and 1980	5,940	18.5%
Between 1981 and 1990	3,820	11.9%
Between 1991 and 2000	2,090	6.5%
Between 2001 and 2010	1,875	5.8%
After 2011	1,555	4.8%

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.

Sarnia occupancy rates

In Sarnia, there are 32,188 occupied private dwellings, of which 68.2% are owner-occupied and 31.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,714 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

32,188

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 31.8%
Owned households: 68.2%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	10,250	31.8%
Owned households	21,935	68.2%

Unoccupied dwellings

1,714

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 Sarnia, homeowners pay a median of $930 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $990. About 82% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 18% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$930

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$990

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 82%
≥30% on shelter: 18%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	26,275	82%
≥30% on shelter	5,750	18%

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 Sarnia

Sarnia education at a glance

In Sarnia, educational attainment varies across the community. About 14% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.6% have completed high school and 8.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 27.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17.6% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	8,460	14%
High school diploma	18,450	30.6%
Apprenticeship diploma	5,240	8.7%
College diploma	16,710	27.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	910	1.5%
University degree	10,605	17.6%

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 Sarnia

How much people earn in Sarnia

In Sarnia, the median household income sits at $77,500, while the median after-tax household income is $69,000.

Median household income

$77,500/year

Median after-tax household income

$69,000/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.

Sarnia income by age

Young adults in Sarnia 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 $41,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $54,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $53,200, followed by $45,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $39,600.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	18,200
25 - 34	41,600
35 - 44	54,000
45 - 54	53,200
55 - 64	45,200
Over 65	39,600

Employment in Sarnia

Workforce and job sectors in Sarnia

In Sarnia, 33,035 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 13%. 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

33,035

Unemployment rate

13%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	200	0.6%
Business, finance and administration	4,055	12.6%
Natural and applied sciences	2,590	8.1%
Health	3,215	10%
Education, law, community and government services	3,420	10.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	565	1.8%
Sales and service	9,145	28.5%
Trades and transport	6,320	19.7%
Natural resources and agriculture	635	2%
Manufacturing and utilities	1,900	5.9%

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 Sarnia

How people get around in Sarnia

In Sarnia, the average commute is 15 minutes. About 91.5% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2.1% rely on public transit and 4.9% walk or bike. The remaining 1.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

15 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 55.5%
15 to 29 minutes: 33.1%
30 to 44 minutes: 6.9%
45 to 59 minutes: 1.8%
More than 60 minutes: 2.7%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	13,385	55.5%
15 to 29 minutes	7,975	33.1%
30 to 44 minutes	1,665	6.9%
45 to 59 minutes	440	1.8%
More than 60 minutes	645	2.7%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	22,055	91.5%
By public transit	510	2.1%
By bicycle/by walking	1,185	4.9%
By other methods	355	1.5%

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 Sarnia demographics

What is the current total population in Sarnia?

Sarnia has a population of 72,047, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.0% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Sarnia?

Sarnia has a population density of 439.6 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Sarnia?

Sarnia has the following gender distribution:

48.7% males (35,105 residents)
51.3% females (36,945 residents)

What is the age distribution of Sarnia residents?

The age distribution of Sarnia residents is as follows:

Under 15: 14.7% (10,575 residents)
15-24: 10.4% (7,510 residents)
25-34: 12.6% (9,100 residents)
35-44: 11.4% (8,175 residents)
45-54: 11.2% (8,095 residents)
55-64: 15.2% (10,915 residents)
Over 64: 24.5% (17,680 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Sarnia?

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

86.2% non-immigrants (61,120 residents)
12.1% immigrants (8,570 residents)
1.8% non-permanent residents (1,245 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Sarnia?

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

English: 97.4%
French: 2%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

What is the typical household size in Sarnia?

The typical household size in Sarnia is 2.2 people.

What is the median household income in Sarnia?

The median household income in Sarnia is $77,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Sarnia residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Sarnia is as follows:

No diploma: 14% (8,460 residents)
High school diploma: 30.6% (18,450 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 8.7% (5,240 residents)
College diploma: 27.7% (16,710 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.5% (910 residents)
University degree: 17.6% (10,605 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Sarnia?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.8%
Business, finance and administration: 12.6%
Education, law, community and government services: 10.7%
Health: 10%
Management: 0.6%
Manufacturing and utilities: 5.9%
Natural and applied sciences: 8.1%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2%
Sales and service: 28.5%
Trades and transport: 19.7%

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

Sarnia, ON demographics:population, income, and more