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

Total population
1,101
8.2 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,200/yr
Private dwellings
510

South River population

How many people live in South River

South River is home to 1,101 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.8% identify as male and 50.2% as female.

Total population
1,101
8.2% year-over-year change
Population density
268/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
550
Female
50.2%
555
Value Percent
Male 550 49.8%
Female 555 50.2%
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 River is 46.0. Children under 15 make up 14% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.3% are 25 to 34, 10.4% are 35 to 44, and 12.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 26.7%.

Average age
46
Age breakdown
Under 15
14%
15 to 24
9%
25 to 34
11.3%
35 to 44
10.4%
45 to 54
12.2%
55 to 64
16.3%
Over 65
26.7%
Value Percent
Under 15 155 14%
15 to 24 100 9%
25 to 34 125 11.3%
35 to 44 115 10.4%
45 to 54 135 12.2%
55 to 64 180 16.3%
Over 65 295 26.7%
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 River, 95.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 4.1% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
95.9%
Immigrants
4.1%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 1,045 95.9%
Immigrants 45 4.1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
1.4%
Non-minorities
98.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 15 1.4%
Non-minorities 1,075 98.6%
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 River
English
98.2%
French
1.8%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 1,070 98.2%
French 20 1.8%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.2% of people in South River speak English as their primary language, 1.8% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 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 River

A peek inside South River households

South River has 480 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 29.9% of all homes, while 39.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 16.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
480
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
29.9%
2 persons
39.2%
3 persons
14.4%
4 persons
10.3%
5 or more persons
6.2%
Value Percent
1 person 145 29.9%
2 persons 190 39.2%
3 persons 70 14.4%
4 persons 50 10.3%
5 or more persons 30 6.2%
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 River

The housing landscape of South River

South River has a total of 510 private dwellings. When it comes to space, South River offers a variety of home sizes: 15% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 65% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 20.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
510
Housing types
Single-detached homes
82.3%
Attached homes
17.7%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 395 82.3%
Attached homes 85 17.7%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
15%
2 or 3 bedrooms
65%
4 or more bedrooms
20.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 70 15%
2 or 3 bedrooms 310 65%
4 or more bedrooms 100 20.8%
Homes built since 2011
10

The age of buildings in South River

About 24.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 19% between 1946 and 1960. Another 15.8% went up in the 1960s, 17.9% in the 1970s, and 7.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 10.5% of homes were added, and 3.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 115 24.2%
Between 1946 and 1960 90 19%
Between 1961 and 1970 75 15.8%
Between 1971 and 1980 85 17.9%
Between 1981 and 1990 35 7.4%
Between 1991 and 2000 50 10.5%
Between 2001 and 2010 15 3.2%
After 2011 10 2.1%
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 River occupancy rates

In South River, there are 482 occupied private dwellings, of which 60% are owner-occupied and 40% are rented. Meanwhile, 28 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
482
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
40%
Owned households
60%
Value Percent
Rented households 190 40%
Owned households 285 60%
Unoccupied dwellings
28
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 River, homeowners pay a median of $660 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $860. About 83.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 16.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$660
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$860
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
83.3%
≥30% on shelter
16.7%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 400 83.3%
≥30% on shelter 80 16.7%
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 River

South River education at a glance

In South River, educational attainment varies across the community. About 30.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31% have completed high school and 6.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22.6% have graduated from college.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 290 30.5%
High school diploma 295 31%
Apprenticeship diploma 65 6.8%
College diploma 215 22.6%
University degree 85 9%
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 River

How much people earn in South River

In South River, the median household income sits at $61,200, while the median after-tax household income is $55,600.

Median household income
$61,200/year
Median after-tax household income
$55,600/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 River income by age

Young adults in South River between 15 and 24 have a median income of $14,000, 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 $36,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $42,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $36,400, followed by $26,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $30,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 14,000
25 - 34 36,400
35 - 44 42,000
45 - 54 36,400
55 - 64 26,200
Over 65 30,600

Employment in South River

Workforce and job sectors in South River

In South River, 455 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 16.5%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and manufacturing and utilities employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
455
Unemployment rate
16.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 40 9.3%
Natural and applied sciences 10 2.3%
Health 40 9.3%
Education, law, community and government services 30 7%
Sales and service 110 25.6%
Trades and transport 105 24.4%
Natural resources and agriculture 10 2.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 85 19.8%
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 River

How people get around in South River

In South River, the average commute is 20 minutes. About 89.9% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2.9% rely on public transit and 7.2% walk or bike.

Average commute time
20 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
52.9%
15 to 29 minutes
17.1%
30 to 44 minutes
8.6%
45 to 59 minutes
15.7%
More than 60 minutes
5.7%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 185 52.9%
15 to 29 minutes 60 17.1%
30 to 44 minutes 30 8.6%
45 to 59 minutes 55 15.7%
More than 60 minutes 20 5.7%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 310 89.9%
By public transit 10 2.9%
By bicycle/by walking 25 7.2%
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 South River demographics 

What is the current total population in South River?

South River has a population of 1,101, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +8.2% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of South River?  

South River has a population density of 268 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in South River?

South River has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.8% males (550 residents)  
  • 50.2% females (555 residents)

What is the age distribution of South River residents?  

The age distribution of South River residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14% (155 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9% (100 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.3% (125 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.4% (115 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.2% (135 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.3% (180 residents)   
  • Over 64: 26.7% (295 residents)  

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

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in South River: 
  • 95.9% non-immigrants (1,045 residents)  
  • 4.1% immigrants (45 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in South River?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in South River: 
  • English: 98.2% 
  • French: 1.8% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in South River?  

The typical household size in South River is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in South River?  

The median household income in South River is $61,200 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of South River residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in South River is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 30.5% (290 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 31% (295 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 6.8% (65 residents) 
  • College diploma: 22.6% (215 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 0% (0 residents) 
  • University degree: 9% (85 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in South River?  

The most common occupations in South River fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 0% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 9.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 7% 
  • Health: 9.3% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 19.8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 2.3% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.3% 
  • Sales and service: 25.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 24.4% 

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