St. Catharines, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
136,803
2.0 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,500/yr
Private dwellings
61,977

St. Catharines population

How many people live in St. Catharines

St. Catharines is home to 136,803 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48% identify as male and 52% as female.

Total population
136,803
2.0% year-over-year change
Population density
1,422.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48%
65,670
Female
52%
71,135
Value Percent
Male 65,670 48%
Female 71,135 52%
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 St. Catharines is 44.3. Children under 15 make up 14.1% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.4% are 25 to 34, 11.4% are 35 to 44, and 11.9% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 23.3%.

Average age
44.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.1%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 34
13.4%
35 to 44
11.4%
45 to 54
11.9%
55 to 64
14.6%
Over 65
23.3%
Value Percent
Under 15 19,350 14.1%
15 to 24 15,455 11.3%
25 to 34 18,270 13.4%
35 to 44 15,640 11.4%
45 to 54 16,220 11.9%
55 to 64 20,005 14.6%
Over 65 31,865 23.3%
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 St. Catharines, 78.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 19.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
78.1%
Immigrants
19.5%
Non-permanent residents
2.4%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 104,880 78.1%
Immigrants 26,235 19.5%
Non-permanent residents 3,225 2.4%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
16.5%
Non-minorities
83.5%
Value Percent
Minorities 22,215 16.5%
Non-minorities 112,120 83.5%
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 St. Catharines
English
97%
French
1.7%
English and French
0.3%
Neither English nor French
1%
Value Percent
English 130,785 97%
French 2,340 1.7%
English and French 425 0.3%
Neither English nor French 1,285 1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97% of people in St. Catharines speak English as their primary language, 1.7% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% are bilingual, and 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 St. Catharines

A peek inside St. Catharines households

St. Catharines has 58,905 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 32.3% of all homes, while 35.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 18% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
58,905
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
32.3%
2 persons
35.4%
3 persons
14.3%
4 persons
11.5%
5 or more persons
6.5%
Value Percent
1 person 19,010 32.3%
2 persons 20,870 35.4%
3 persons 8,400 14.3%
4 persons 6,780 11.5%
5 or more persons 3,840 6.5%
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 St. Catharines

The housing landscape of St. Catharines

St. Catharines has a total of 61,977 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 55.6% are single-detached houses, 33.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 11% are apartments. When it comes to space, St. Catharines offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 65% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 20.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
61,977
Housing types
Single-detached homes
55.6%
Attached homes
33.2%
Apartments
11%
Movable homes
0.2%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 32,725 55.6%
Attached homes 19,580 33.2%
Apartments 6,500 11%
Movable homes 95 0.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
14%
2 or 3 bedrooms
65%
4 or more bedrooms
20.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 8,265 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms 38,320 65%
4 or more bedrooms 12,310 20.9%
Homes built since 2011
2,865

The age of buildings in St. Catharines

About 13.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 19% between 1946 and 1960. Another 18.2% went up in the 1960s, 20.3% in the 1970s, and 11.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.6% of homes were added, and 5.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 8,000 13.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 11,160 19%
Between 1961 and 1970 10,705 18.2%
Between 1971 and 1980 11,970 20.3%
Between 1981 and 1990 6,560 11.1%
Between 1991 and 2000 4,460 7.6%
Between 2001 and 2010 3,185 5.4%
After 2011 2,865 4.9%
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.

St. Catharines occupancy rates

In St. Catharines, there are 58,903 occupied private dwellings, of which 64.4% are owner-occupied and 35.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 3,074 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
58,903
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
35.6%
Owned households
64.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 20,960 35.6%
Owned households 37,945 64.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
3,074
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 St. Catharines, homeowners pay a median of $1,140 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,100. About 76.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 23.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,140
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,100
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
76.2%
≥30% on shelter
23.8%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 44,650 76.2%
≥30% on shelter 13,970 23.8%
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 St. Catharines

St. Catharines education at a glance

In St. Catharines, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.4% have completed high school and 6.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 22.1% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 17,880 15.6%
High school diploma 36,115 31.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 7,540 6.6%
College diploma 25,940 22.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 2,105 1.8%
University degree 25,420 22.1%
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 St. Catharines

How much people earn in St. Catharines

In St. Catharines, the median household income sits at $72,500, while the median after-tax household income is $65,000.

Median household income
$72,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$65,000/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.

St. Catharines income by age

Young adults in St. Catharines between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,000, 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 $38,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $48,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $48,000, followed by $42,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $35,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,000
25 - 34 38,400
35 - 44 48,000
45 - 54 48,000
55 - 64 42,400
Over 65 35,600

Employment in St. Catharines

Workforce and job sectors in St. Catharines

In St. Catharines, 67,120 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 15.8%. 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
67,120
Unemployment rate
15.8%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 575 0.9%
Business, finance and administration 9,290 14.3%
Natural and applied sciences 3,655 5.6%
Health 5,780 8.9%
Education, law, community and government services 7,750 11.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 1,905 2.9%
Sales and service 20,410 31.4%
Trades and transport 10,900 16.8%
Natural resources and agriculture 1,620 2.5%
Manufacturing and utilities 3,195 4.9%
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 St. Catharines

How people get around in St. Catharines

In St. Catharines, the average commute is 20 minutes. About 90.1% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 3% rely on public transit and 4.9% walk or bike. The remaining 2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
20 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
41.4%
15 to 29 minutes
36.9%
30 to 44 minutes
12.4%
45 to 59 minutes
3.7%
More than 60 minutes
5.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 18,475 41.4%
15 to 29 minutes 16,450 36.9%
30 to 44 minutes 5,525 12.4%
45 to 59 minutes 1,660 3.7%
More than 60 minutes 2,520 5.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 40,200 90.1%
By public transit 1,360 3%
By bicycle/by walking 2,180 4.9%
By other methods 895 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 St. Catharines demographics 

What is the current total population in St. Catharines?

St. Catharines has a population of 136,803, 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 St. Catharines?  

St. Catharines has a population density of 1,422.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in St. Catharines?

St. Catharines has the following gender distribution:
  • 48% males (65,670 residents)  
  • 52% females (71,135 residents)

What is the age distribution of St. Catharines residents?  

The age distribution of St. Catharines residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.1% (19,350 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.3% (15,455 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13.4% (18,270 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.4% (15,640 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.9% (16,220 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.6% (20,005 residents)   
  • Over 64: 23.3% (31,865 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in St. Catharines? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in St. Catharines: 
  • 78.1% non-immigrants (104,880 residents)  
  • 19.5% immigrants (26,235 residents)  
  • 2.4% non-permanent residents (3,225 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in St. Catharines?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in St. Catharines: 
  • English: 97% 
  • French: 1.7% 
  • English and French: 0.3% 
  • Neither English nor French: 1% 

What is the typical household size in St. Catharines?  

The typical household size in St. Catharines is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in St. Catharines?  

The median household income in St. Catharines is $72,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of St. Catharines residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in St. Catharines is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 15.6% (17,880 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 31.4% (36,115 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 6.6% (7,540 residents) 
  • College diploma: 22.6% (25,940 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.8% (2,105 residents) 
  • University degree: 22.1% (25,420 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in St. Catharines?  

The most common occupations in St. Catharines fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.9% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.9% 
  • Health: 8.9% 
  • Management: 0.9% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.9% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.5% 
  • Sales and service: 31.4% 
  • Trades and transport: 16.8% 

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