South Bruce, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,880
0.2 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$88,000/yr
Private dwellings
2,419

South Bruce population

How many people live in South Bruce

South Bruce is home to 5,880 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.9% identify as male and 49.1% as female.

Total population
5,880
0.2% year-over-year change
Population density
12.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50.9%
2,995
Female
49.1%
2,885
Value Percent
Male 2,995 50.9%
Female 2,885 49.1%
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 South Bruce is 41.1. Children under 15 make up 19.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.7% are 25 to 34, 11.3% are 35 to 44, and 10.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.7% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 19.7%.

Average age
41.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.8%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 34
11.7%
35 to 44
11.3%
45 to 54
10.8%
55 to 64
15.7%
Over 65
19.7%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,160 19.8%
15 to 24 650 11.1%
25 to 34 685 11.7%
35 to 44 660 11.3%
45 to 54 630 10.8%
55 to 64 920 15.7%
Over 65 1,155 19.7%
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 South Bruce, 96.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 2.9% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
96.9%
Immigrants
2.9%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 5,690 96.9%
Immigrants 170 2.9%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
0.7%
Non-minorities
99.3%
Value Percent
Minorities 40 0.7%
Non-minorities 5,830 99.3%
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 South Bruce
English
99.3%
French
0.3%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.3%
Value Percent
English 5,830 99.3%
French 20 0.3%
English and French 5 0.1%
Neither English nor French 15 0.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.3% of people in South Bruce speak English as their primary language, 0.3% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.3% 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 South Bruce

A peek inside South Bruce households

South Bruce has 2,280 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 22.6% of all homes, while 39.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14%, and homes with four or more people account for 24.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,280
Average people per household
2.6
1 person
22.6%
2 persons
39.2%
3 persons
14%
4 persons
13.4%
5 or more persons
10.8%
Value Percent
1 person 515 22.6%
2 persons 895 39.2%
3 persons 320 14%
4 persons 305 13.4%
5 or more persons 245 10.8%
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 South Bruce

The housing landscape of South Bruce

South Bruce has a total of 2,419 private dwellings. When it comes to space, South Bruce offers a variety of home sizes: 4% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 55% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 40.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
2,419
Housing types
Single-detached homes
87.8%
Attached homes
10.9%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
1.3%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 2,005 87.8%
Attached homes 250 10.9%
Movable homes 30 1.3%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
4%
2 or 3 bedrooms
55%
4 or more bedrooms
40.1%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 100 4%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,265 55%
4 or more bedrooms 915 40.1%
Homes built since 2011
180

The age of buildings in South Bruce

About 43.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 6.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 7.2% went up in the 1960s, 14.2% in the 1970s, and 7.9% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7% of homes were added, and 6.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 995 43.5%
Between 1946 and 1960 140 6.1%
Between 1961 and 1970 165 7.2%
Between 1971 and 1980 325 14.2%
Between 1981 and 1990 180 7.9%
Between 1991 and 2000 160 7%
Between 2001 and 2010 140 6.1%
After 2011 180 7.9%
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.

South Bruce occupancy rates

In South Bruce, there are 2,280 occupied private dwellings, of which 80.3% are owner-occupied and 19.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 139 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,280
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
19.7%
Owned households
80.3%
Value Percent
Rented households 450 19.7%
Owned households 1,835 80.3%
Unoccupied dwellings
139
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 South Bruce, homeowners pay a median of $960 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $830. About 87.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 12.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$960
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$830
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
87.2%
≥30% on shelter
12.8%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,670 87.2%
≥30% on shelter 245 12.8%
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 South Bruce

South Bruce education at a glance

In South Bruce, educational attainment varies across the community. About 19.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 35.1% have completed high school and 9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22.9% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 11.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 930 19.8%
High school diploma 1,650 35.1%
Apprenticeship diploma 420 9%
College diploma 1,075 22.9%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 75 1.6%
University degree 545 11.6%
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 South Bruce

How much people earn in South Bruce

In South Bruce, the median household income sits at $88,000, while the median after-tax household income is $77,500.

Median household income
$88,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$77,500/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.

South Bruce income by age

Young adults in South Bruce between 15 and 24 have a median income of $20,200, 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 $48,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $57,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $54,800, followed by $46,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $30,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 20,200
25 - 34 48,800
35 - 44 57,600
45 - 54 54,800
55 - 64 46,800
Over 65 30,800

Employment in South Bruce

Workforce and job sectors in South Bruce

In South Bruce, 3,110 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.1%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, and natural resources and agriculture employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
3,110
Unemployment rate
6.1%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 35 1.1%
Business, finance and administration 370 12%
Natural and applied sciences 105 3.4%
Health 240 7.8%
Education, law, community and government services 215 7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 35 1.1%
Sales and service 515 16.7%
Trades and transport 760 24.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 465 15.1%
Manufacturing and utilities 340 11%
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 South Bruce

How people get around in South Bruce

In South Bruce, the average commute is 24 minutes. The remaining 2.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
24 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
35.6%
15 to 29 minutes
31.6%
30 to 44 minutes
16.2%
45 to 59 minutes
9%
More than 60 minutes
7.7%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 835 35.6%
15 to 29 minutes 740 31.6%
30 to 44 minutes 380 16.2%
45 to 59 minutes 210 9%
More than 60 minutes 180 7.7%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,145 92.5%
By bicycle/by walking 110 4.7%
By other methods 65 2.8%
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 South Bruce demographics 

What is the current total population in South Bruce?

South Bruce has a population of 5,880, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.2% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of South Bruce?  

South Bruce has a population density of 12.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in South Bruce?

South Bruce has the following gender distribution:
  • 50.9% males (2,995 residents)  
  • 49.1% females (2,885 residents)

What is the age distribution of South Bruce residents?  

The age distribution of South Bruce residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 19.8% (1,160 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.1% (650 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.7% (685 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.3% (660 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.8% (630 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.7% (920 residents)   
  • Over 64: 19.7% (1,155 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in South Bruce? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in South Bruce: 
  • 96.9% non-immigrants (5,690 residents)  
  • 2.9% immigrants (170 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in South Bruce?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in South Bruce: 
  • English: 99.3% 
  • French: 0.3% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.3% 

What is the typical household size in South Bruce?  

The typical household size in South Bruce is 2.6 people. 

What is the median household income in South Bruce?  

The median household income in South Bruce is $88,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of South Bruce residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in South Bruce is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 19.8% (930 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 35.1% (1,650 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 9% (420 residents) 
  • College diploma: 22.9% (1,075 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.6% (75 residents) 
  • University degree: 11.6% (545 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in South Bruce?  

The most common occupations in South Bruce fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.1% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 12% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 7% 
  • Health: 7.8% 
  • Management: 1.1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 11% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 3.4% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 15.1% 
  • Sales and service: 16.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 24.7% 

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