Total population

4,851

2.0 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$105,000/yr

Private dwellings

1,760

Southwold population

How many people live in Southwold

Southwold is home to 4,851 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.2% identify as male and 49.8% as female.

Total population

4,851

2.0% year-over-year change

Population density

16.1/km2

Gender ratio

Male

50.2%

2,435

Female

49.8%

2,415

	Value	Percent
Male	2,435	50.2%
Female	2,415	49.8%

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 Southwold is 42.3. Children under 15 make up 18.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.9% are 25 to 34, 12.7% are 35 to 44, and 13.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 19.6%.

Average age

42.3

Age breakdown

Under 15: 18.3%
15 to 24: 10.7%
25 to 34: 9.9%
35 to 44: 12.7%
45 to 54: 13.5%
55 to 64: 15.3%
Over 65: 19.6%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	885	18.3%
15 to 24	520	10.7%
25 to 34	480	9.9%
35 to 44	615	12.7%
45 to 54	655	13.5%
55 to 64	740	15.3%
Over 65	950	19.6%

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 Southwold, 93.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 6.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 93.3%
Immigrants: 6.5%
Non-permanent residents: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	4,440	93.3%
Immigrants	310	6.5%
Non-permanent residents	10	0.2%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 2.2%
Non-minorities: 97.8%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	105	2.2%
Non-minorities	4,655	97.8%

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 Southwold

English: 99.2%
French: 0.7%
English and French: 0%
Neither English nor French: 0.1%

	Value	Percent
English	4,720	99.2%
French	35	0.7%
Neither English nor French	5	0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.2% of people in Southwold speak English as their primary language, 0.7% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 0.1% 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 Southwold

A peek inside Southwold households

Southwold has 1,710 households, with an average of 2.8 people living in each. One-person households make up 16.6% of all homes, while 37% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 29.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

1,710

Average people per household

2.8

1 person: 16.6%
2 persons: 37%
3 persons: 16.6%
4 persons: 17.8%
5 or more persons: 12%

	Value	Percent
1 person	285	16.6%
2 persons	635	37%
3 persons	285	16.6%
4 persons	305	17.8%
5 or more persons	205	12%

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 Southwold

The housing landscape of Southwold

Southwold has a total of 1,760 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Southwold offers a variety of home sizes: 3% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 59% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 37.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

1,760

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 98.2%
Attached homes: 1.8%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	1,685	98.2%
Attached homes	30	1.8%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 3%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 59%
4 or more bedrooms: 37.9%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	50	3%
2 or 3 bedrooms	1,015	59%
4 or more bedrooms	650	37.9%

Homes built since 2011

200

The age of buildings in Southwold

About 31% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 8.2% went up in the 1960s, 8.2% in the 1970s, and 9.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.1% of homes were added, and 10.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	530	31%
Between 1946 and 1960	175	10.2%
Between 1961 and 1970	140	8.2%
Between 1971 and 1980	140	8.2%
Between 1981 and 1990	155	9.1%
Between 1991 and 2000	190	11.1%
Between 2001 and 2010	180	10.5%
After 2011	200	11.7%

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.

Southwold occupancy rates

In Southwold, there are 1,713 occupied private dwellings, of which 91.6% are owner-occupied and 8.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 47 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

1,713

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 8.4%
Owned households: 91.6%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	145	8.4%
Owned households	1,570	91.6%

Unoccupied dwellings

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 Southwold, homeowners pay a median of $1,310 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $810. About 93.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 6.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,310

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$810

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 93.6%
≥30% on shelter: 6.4%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	1,465	93.6%
≥30% on shelter	100	6.4%

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 Southwold

Southwold education at a glance

In Southwold, educational attainment varies across the community. About 13.3% of residents have no formal diploma, while 29.2% have completed high school and 7.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 30.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17.7% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	515	13.3%
High school diploma	1,130	29.2%
Apprenticeship diploma	285	7.4%
College diploma	1,175	30.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	85	2.2%
University degree	685	17.7%

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 Southwold

How much people earn in Southwold

In Southwold, the median household income sits at $105,000, while the median after-tax household income is $91,000.

Median household income

$105,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$91,000/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.

Southwold income by age

Young adults in Southwold between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,600, 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 $62,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $62,000, followed by $53,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $40,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,600
25 - 34	48,800
35 - 44	62,400
45 - 54	62,000
55 - 64	53,200
Over 65	40,000

Employment in Southwold

Workforce and job sectors in Southwold

In Southwold, 2,665 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 11.8%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

2,665

Unemployment rate

11.8%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	55	2.1%
Business, finance and administration	365	13.9%
Natural and applied sciences	135	5.1%
Health	250	9.5%
Education, law, community and government services	305	11.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	25	1%
Sales and service	530	20.2%
Trades and transport	625	23.8%
Natural resources and agriculture	225	8.6%
Manufacturing and utilities	110	4.2%

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 Southwold

How people get around in Southwold

In Southwold, the average commute is 21 minutes. The remaining 0.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

21 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 30.9%
15 to 29 minutes: 40.9%
30 to 44 minutes: 21%
45 to 59 minutes: 5.2%
More than 60 minutes: 1.9%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	560	30.9%
15 to 29 minutes	740	40.9%
30 to 44 minutes	380	21%
45 to 59 minutes	95	5.2%
More than 60 minutes	35	1.9%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	1,730	95.6%
By bicycle/by walking	65	3.6%
By other methods	15	0.8%

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 Southwold demographics

What is the current total population in Southwold?

Southwold has a population of 4,851, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.0% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Southwold?

Southwold has a population density of 16.1 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Southwold?

Southwold has the following gender distribution:

50.2% males (2,435 residents)
49.8% females (2,415 residents)

What is the age distribution of Southwold residents?

The age distribution of Southwold residents is as follows:

Under 15: 18.3% (885 residents)
15-24: 10.7% (520 residents)
25-34: 9.9% (480 residents)
35-44: 12.7% (615 residents)
45-54: 13.5% (655 residents)
55-64: 15.3% (740 residents)
Over 64: 19.6% (950 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Southwold?

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

93.3% non-immigrants (4,440 residents)
6.5% immigrants (310 residents)
0.2% non-permanent residents (10 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Southwold?

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

English: 99.2%
French: 0.7%
English and French: 0%
Neither English nor French: 0.1%

What is the typical household size in Southwold?

The typical household size in Southwold is 2.8 people.

What is the median household income in Southwold?

The median household income in Southwold is $105,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Southwold residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Southwold is as follows:

No diploma: 13.3% (515 residents)
High school diploma: 29.2% (1,130 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 7.4% (285 residents)
College diploma: 30.3% (1,175 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2.2% (85 residents)
University degree: 17.7% (685 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Southwold?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1%
Business, finance and administration: 13.9%
Education, law, community and government services: 11.6%
Health: 9.5%
Management: 2.1%
Manufacturing and utilities: 4.2%
Natural and applied sciences: 5.1%
Natural resources and agriculture: 8.6%
Sales and service: 20.2%
Trades and transport: 23.8%

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

Southwold, ON demographics:population, income, and more