Sault Ste. Marie, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
72,051
3.4 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,000/yr
Private dwellings
34,818

Sault Ste. Marie population

How many people live in Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie is home to 72,051 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.6% identify as male and 51.4% as female.

Total population
72,051
3.4% year-over-year change
Population density
324.6/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
35,035
Female
51.4%
37,020
Value Percent
Male 35,035 48.6%
Female 37,020 51.4%
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 Sault Ste. Marie is 45.4. Children under 15 make up 14.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.5%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.8% are 25 to 34, 11.2% are 35 to 44, and 11.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 24.9%.

Average age
45.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.2%
15 to 24
10.5%
25 to 34
11.8%
35 to 44
11.2%
45 to 54
11.4%
55 to 64
15.9%
Over 65
24.9%
Value Percent
Under 15 10,250 14.2%
15 to 24 7,545 10.5%
25 to 34 8,505 11.8%
35 to 44 8,100 11.2%
45 to 54 8,230 11.4%
55 to 64 11,485 15.9%
Over 65 17,930 24.9%
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 Sault Ste. Marie, 90.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 8.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
90.2%
Immigrants
8.5%
Non-permanent residents
1.3%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 63,820 90.2%
Immigrants 5,990 8.5%
Non-permanent residents 925 1.3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
4.5%
Non-minorities
95.5%
Value Percent
Minorities 3,215 4.5%
Non-minorities 67,520 95.5%
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 Sault Ste. Marie
English
96.8%
French
2.7%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.4%
Value Percent
English 68,920 96.8%
French 1,910 2.7%
English and French 145 0.2%
Neither English nor French 260 0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.8% of people in Sault Ste. Marie speak English as their primary language, 2.7% 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 Sault Ste. Marie

A peek inside Sault Ste. Marie households

Sault Ste. Marie has 32,530 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 34% of all homes, while 36.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
32,530
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
34%
2 persons
36.3%
3 persons
14.2%
4 persons
10.8%
5 or more persons
4.6%
Value Percent
1 person 11,075 34%
2 persons 11,810 36.3%
3 persons 4,625 14.2%
4 persons 3,525 10.8%
5 or more persons 1,490 4.6%
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 Sault Ste. Marie

The housing landscape of Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie has a total of 34,818 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 65% are single-detached houses, 28.4% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 6.3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Sault Ste. Marie offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 67% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 20.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
34,818
Housing types
Single-detached homes
65%
Attached homes
28.4%
Apartments
6.3%
Movable homes
0.2%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 21,150 65%
Attached homes 9,245 28.4%
Apartments 2,060 6.3%
Movable homes 80 0.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
12%
2 or 3 bedrooms
67%
4 or more bedrooms
20.5%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 4,080 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms 21,795 67%
4 or more bedrooms 6,655 20.5%
Homes built since 2011
1,085

The age of buildings in Sault Ste. Marie

About 12.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 21.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 20.5% went up in the 1960s, 20.5% in the 1970s, and 10.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 6.8% of homes were added, and 4.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 4,150 12.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 6,980 21.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 6,680 20.5%
Between 1971 and 1980 6,670 20.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 3,405 10.5%
Between 1991 and 2000 2,195 6.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,375 4.2%
After 2011 1,085 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.

Sault Ste. Marie occupancy rates

In Sault Ste. Marie, there are 32,530 occupied private dwellings, of which 68.3% are owner-occupied and 31.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 2,288 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
32,530
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
31.7%
Owned households
68.3%
Value Percent
Rented households 10,315 31.7%
Owned households 22,215 68.3%
Unoccupied dwellings
2,288
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 Sault Ste. Marie, homeowners pay a median of $910 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $890. About 83.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 16.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$910
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$890
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
83.9%
≥30% on shelter
16.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 27,195 83.9%
≥30% on shelter 5,215 16.1%
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 Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie education at a glance

In Sault Ste. Marie, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.7% have completed high school and 6.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 25.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 19.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 9,640 15.9%
High school diploma 18,570 30.7%
Apprenticeship diploma 4,115 6.8%
College diploma 15,330 25.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 1,000 1.6%
University degree 11,840 19.6%
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 Sault Ste. Marie

How much people earn in Sault Ste. Marie

In Sault Ste. Marie, the median household income sits at $73,000, while the median after-tax household income is $65,500.

Median household income
$73,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$65,500/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.

Sault Ste. Marie income by age

Young adults in Sault Ste. Marie between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,400, 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 $42,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $55,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $54,400, followed by $46,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,400
25 - 34 42,400
35 - 44 55,600
45 - 54 54,400
55 - 64 46,000
Over 65 36,800

Employment in Sault Ste. Marie

Workforce and job sectors in Sault Ste. Marie

In Sault Ste. Marie, 33,210 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 education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
33,210
Unemployment rate
13%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 180 0.6%
Business, finance and administration 4,415 13.6%
Natural and applied sciences 1,860 5.8%
Health 3,560 11%
Education, law, community and government services 4,700 14.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 650 2%
Sales and service 9,080 28.1%
Trades and transport 5,680 17.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 530 1.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 1,705 5.3%
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 Sault Ste. Marie

How people get around in Sault Ste. Marie

In Sault Ste. Marie, the average commute is 13 minutes. About 90.7% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2.9% rely on public transit and 5.1% walk or bike. The remaining 1.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
13 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
65.5%
15 to 29 minutes
27.8%
30 to 44 minutes
3.9%
45 to 59 minutes
1%
More than 60 minutes
1.8%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 15,710 65.5%
15 to 29 minutes 6,655 27.8%
30 to 44 minutes 940 3.9%
45 to 59 minutes 250 1%
More than 60 minutes 420 1.8%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 21,745 90.7%
By public transit 690 2.9%
By bicycle/by walking 1,220 5.1%
By other methods 330 1.4%
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 Sault Ste. Marie demographics 

What is the current total population in Sault Ste. Marie?

Sault Ste. Marie has a population of 72,051, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.4% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Sault Ste. Marie?  

Sault Ste. Marie has a population density of 324.6 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Sault Ste. Marie?

Sault Ste. Marie has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.6% males (35,035 residents)  
  • 51.4% females (37,020 residents)

What is the age distribution of Sault Ste. Marie residents?  

The age distribution of Sault Ste. Marie residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.2% (10,250 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.5% (7,545 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.8% (8,505 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.2% (8,100 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.4% (8,230 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.9% (11,485 residents)   
  • Over 64: 24.9% (17,930 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Sault Ste. Marie? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Sault Ste. Marie: 
  • 90.2% non-immigrants (63,820 residents)  
  • 8.5% immigrants (5,990 residents)  
  • 1.3% non-permanent residents (925 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Sault Ste. Marie?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Sault Ste. Marie: 
  • English: 96.8% 
  • French: 2.7% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.4% 

What is the typical household size in Sault Ste. Marie?  

The typical household size in Sault Ste. Marie is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Sault Ste. Marie?  

The median household income in Sault Ste. Marie is $73,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Sault Ste. Marie residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Sault Ste. Marie is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 15.9% (9,640 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 30.7% (18,570 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 6.8% (4,115 residents) 
  • College diploma: 25.3% (15,330 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.6% (1,000 residents) 
  • University degree: 19.6% (11,840 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Sault Ste. Marie?  

The most common occupations in Sault Ste. Marie fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13.6% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 14.5% 
  • Health: 11% 
  • Management: 0.6% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 5.3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.6% 
  • Sales and service: 28.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 17.6% 

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