Saugeen Shores, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
15,908
2.6 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$103,000/yr
Private dwellings
8,548

Saugeen Shores population

How many people live in Saugeen Shores

Saugeen Shores is home to 15,908 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.5% identify as male and 51.5% as female.

Total population
15,908
2.6% year-over-year change
Population density
93.5/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
7,715
Female
51.5%
8,190
Value Percent
Male 7,715 48.5%
Female 8,190 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 Saugeen Shores is 45.2. Children under 15 make up 15.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 7.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.6% are 25 to 34, 12.3% are 35 to 44, and 9.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.8% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 26.1%.

Average age
45.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.9%
15 to 24
7.7%
25 to 34
12.6%
35 to 44
12.3%
45 to 54
9.6%
55 to 64
15.8%
Over 65
26.1%
Value Percent
Under 15 2,535 15.9%
15 to 24 1,220 7.7%
25 to 34 2,010 12.6%
35 to 44 1,955 12.3%
45 to 54 1,530 9.6%
55 to 64 2,510 15.8%
Over 65 4,155 26.1%
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 Saugeen Shores, 88% of residents were born in Canada, while 11.4% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
88%
Immigrants
11.4%
Non-permanent residents
0.5%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 13,765 88%
Immigrants 1,785 11.4%
Non-permanent residents 85 0.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
7.6%
Non-minorities
92.4%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,190 7.6%
Non-minorities 14,450 92.4%
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 Saugeen Shores
English
98.1%
French
1.4%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 15,535 98.1%
French 225 1.4%
English and French 35 0.2%
Neither English nor French 40 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.1% of people in Saugeen Shores speak English as their primary language, 1.4% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% 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 Saugeen Shores

A peek inside Saugeen Shores households

Saugeen Shores has 6,905 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 29.1% of all homes, while 40.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 17.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
6,905
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
29.1%
2 persons
40.9%
3 persons
12.4%
4 persons
12%
5 or more persons
5.6%
Value Percent
1 person 2,005 29.1%
2 persons 2,825 40.9%
3 persons 855 12.4%
4 persons 830 12%
5 or more persons 385 5.6%
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 Saugeen Shores

The housing landscape of Saugeen Shores

Saugeen Shores has a total of 8,548 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 74.9% are single-detached houses, 24.3% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.1% are apartments. When it comes to space, Saugeen Shores offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 61% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 32.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
8,548
Housing types
Single-detached homes
74.9%
Attached homes
24.3%
Apartments
0.1%
Movable homes
0.8%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 5,170 74.9%
Attached homes 1,675 24.3%
Apartments 5 0.1%
Movable homes 55 0.8%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
6%
2 or 3 bedrooms
61%
4 or more bedrooms
32.5%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 445 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms 4,215 61%
4 or more bedrooms 2,245 32.5%
Homes built since 2011
1,280

The age of buildings in Saugeen Shores

About 11.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 5.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 9.8% went up in the 1960s, 21.3% in the 1970s, and 9.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.7% of homes were added, and 16% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 805 11.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 395 5.7%
Between 1961 and 1970 675 9.8%
Between 1971 and 1980 1,475 21.3%
Between 1981 and 1990 640 9.3%
Between 1991 and 2000 535 7.7%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,110 16%
After 2011 1,280 18.5%
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.

Saugeen Shores occupancy rates

In Saugeen Shores, there are 6,905 occupied private dwellings, of which 80.4% are owner-occupied and 19.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,643 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
6,905
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
19.6%
Owned households
80.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,355 19.6%
Owned households 5,545 80.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
1,643
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 Saugeen Shores, homeowners pay a median of $1,120 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,170. About 86.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 13.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,120
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,170
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
86.1%
≥30% on shelter
13.9%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 5,895 86.1%
≥30% on shelter 950 13.9%
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 Saugeen Shores

Saugeen Shores education at a glance

In Saugeen Shores, educational attainment varies across the community. About 11.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 24.2% have completed high school and 8.5% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 26.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 27.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,535 11.7%
High school diploma 3,180 24.2%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,110 8.5%
College diploma 3,490 26.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 180 1.4%
University degree 3,620 27.6%
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 Saugeen Shores

How much people earn in Saugeen Shores

In Saugeen Shores, the median household income sits at $103,000, while the median after-tax household income is $88,000.

Median household income
$103,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$88,000/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.

Saugeen Shores income by age

Young adults in Saugeen Shores between 15 and 24 have a median income of $15,300, 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 $54,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $76,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $70,500, followed by $50,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $43,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 15,300
25 - 34 54,800
35 - 44 76,000
45 - 54 70,500
55 - 64 50,000
Over 65 43,600

Employment in Saugeen Shores

Workforce and job sectors in Saugeen Shores

In Saugeen Shores, 7,360 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8%. 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
7,360
Unemployment rate
8%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 75 1%
Business, finance and administration 1,015 14%
Natural and applied sciences 1,000 13.8%
Health 510 7%
Education, law, community and government services 700 9.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 190 2.6%
Sales and service 1,750 24.1%
Trades and transport 1,155 15.9%
Natural resources and agriculture 135 1.9%
Manufacturing and utilities 740 10.2%
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 Saugeen Shores

How people get around in Saugeen Shores

In Saugeen Shores, the average commute is 20 minutes. About 88.8% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.3% rely on public transit and 8.7% walk or bike. The remaining 2.2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
20 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
41.3%
15 to 29 minutes
28.3%
30 to 44 minutes
23%
45 to 59 minutes
5.1%
More than 60 minutes
2.3%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,140 41.3%
15 to 29 minutes 1,465 28.3%
30 to 44 minutes 1,190 23%
45 to 59 minutes 265 5.1%
More than 60 minutes 120 2.3%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 4,585 88.8%
By public transit 15 0.3%
By bicycle/by walking 450 8.7%
By other methods 115 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.

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Saugeen Shores demographics 

What is the current total population in Saugeen Shores?

Saugeen Shores has a population of 15,908, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.6% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Saugeen Shores?  

Saugeen Shores has a population density of 93.5 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Saugeen Shores?

Saugeen Shores has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.5% males (7,715 residents)  
  • 51.5% females (8,190 residents)

What is the age distribution of Saugeen Shores residents?  

The age distribution of Saugeen Shores residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 15.9% (2,535 residents)   
  • 15-24: 7.7% (1,220 residents)   
  • 25-34: 12.6% (2,010 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.3% (1,955 residents)   
  • 45-54: 9.6% (1,530 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.8% (2,510 residents)   
  • Over 64: 26.1% (4,155 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Saugeen Shores? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Saugeen Shores: 
  • 88% non-immigrants (13,765 residents)  
  • 11.4% immigrants (1,785 residents)  
  • 0.5% non-permanent residents (85 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Saugeen Shores?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Saugeen Shores: 
  • English: 98.1% 
  • French: 1.4% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Saugeen Shores?  

The typical household size in Saugeen Shores is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Saugeen Shores?  

The median household income in Saugeen Shores is $103,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Saugeen Shores residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Saugeen Shores is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 11.7% (1,535 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 24.2% (3,180 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 8.5% (1,110 residents) 
  • College diploma: 26.6% (3,490 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.4% (180 residents) 
  • University degree: 27.6% (3,620 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Saugeen Shores?  

The most common occupations in Saugeen Shores fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.6% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 9.6% 
  • Health: 7% 
  • Management: 1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 10.2% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 13.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.9% 
  • Sales and service: 24.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 15.9% 

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