Total population

33,232

1.4 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$77,000/yr

Private dwellings

15,388

Stratford population

How many people live in Stratford

Stratford is home to 33,232 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.3% identify as male and 51.7% as female.

Total population

33,232

1.4% year-over-year change

Population density

1,107/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.3%

16,060

Female

51.7%

17,175

	Value	Percent
Male	16,060	48.3%
Female	17,175	51.7%

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 Stratford is 44.8. Children under 15 make up 14.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12% are 25 to 34, 12% are 35 to 44, and 11.9% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 23.9%.

Average age

44.8

Age breakdown

Under 15: 14.4%
15 to 24: 10.2%
25 to 34: 12%
35 to 44: 12%
45 to 54: 11.9%
55 to 64: 15.5%
Over 65: 23.9%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	4,800	14.4%
15 to 24	3,385	10.2%
25 to 34	4,005	12%
35 to 44	4,000	12%
45 to 54	3,950	11.9%
55 to 64	5,155	15.5%
Over 65	7,940	23.9%

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 Stratford, 88.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 10.9% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 88.1%
Immigrants: 10.9%
Non-permanent residents: 0.9%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	28,625	88.1%
Immigrants	3,555	10.9%
Non-permanent residents	300	0.9%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 8%
Non-minorities: 92%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	2,610	8%
Non-minorities	29,880	92%

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 Stratford

English: 98.8%
French: 0.7%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.3%

	Value	Percent
English	32,370	98.8%
French	235	0.7%
English and French	35	0.1%
Neither English nor French	105	0.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.8% of people in Stratford speak English as their primary language, 0.7% 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 Stratford

A peek inside Stratford households

Stratford has 14,745 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 33.4% of all homes, while 37.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 16.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

14,745

Average people per household

2.2

1 person: 33.4%
2 persons: 37.1%
3 persons: 13.3%
4 persons: 10.9%
5 or more persons: 5.4%

	Value	Percent
1 person	4,920	33.4%
2 persons	5,465	37.1%
3 persons	1,960	13.3%
4 persons	1,605	10.9%
5 or more persons	795	5.4%

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 Stratford

The housing landscape of Stratford

Stratford has a total of 15,388 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 52.9% are single-detached houses, 41.5% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 5.5% are apartments. When it comes to space, Stratford offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 67% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 19.3% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

15,388

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 52.9%
Attached homes: 41.5%
Apartments: 5.5%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	7,800	52.9%
Attached homes	6,115	41.5%
Apartments	815	5.5%
Movable homes	5	0%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 67%
4 or more bedrooms: 19.3%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	2,025	14%
2 or 3 bedrooms	9,870	67%
4 or more bedrooms	2,850	19.3%

Homes built since 2011

1,470

The age of buildings in Stratford

About 26.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 11.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.9% went up in the 1960s, 14.6% in the 1970s, and 8.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 9% of homes were added, and 8.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	3,880	26.3%
Between 1946 and 1960	1,715	11.6%
Between 1961 and 1970	1,760	11.9%
Between 1971 and 1980	2,160	14.6%
Between 1981 and 1990	1,220	8.3%
Between 1991 and 2000	1,325	9%
Between 2001 and 2010	1,215	8.2%
After 2011	1,470	10%

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.

Stratford occupancy rates

In Stratford, there are 14,743 occupied private dwellings, of which 65.8% are owner-occupied and 34.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 645 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

14,743

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 34.2%
Owned households: 65.8%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	5,040	34.2%
Owned households	9,705	65.8%

Unoccupied dwellings

645

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 Stratford, homeowners pay a median of $1,160 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,080. About 80.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 19.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,160

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,080

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 80.1%
≥30% on shelter: 19.9%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	11,785	80.1%
≥30% on shelter	2,920	19.9%

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 Stratford

Stratford education at a glance

In Stratford, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.8% have completed high school and 5.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 21.8% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	4,580	16.5%
High school diploma	8,810	31.8%
Apprenticeship diploma	1,640	5.9%
College diploma	6,105	22%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	535	1.9%
University degree	6,050	21.8%

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 Stratford

How much people earn in Stratford

In Stratford, the median household income sits at $77,000, while the median after-tax household income is $68,500.

Median household income

$77,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$68,500/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.

Stratford income by age

Young adults in Stratford between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,000, 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 $44,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $53,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $55,600, followed by $48,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,400.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	18,000
25 - 34	44,000
35 - 44	53,200
45 - 54	55,600
55 - 64	48,800
Over 65	36,400

Employment in Stratford

Workforce and job sectors in Stratford

In Stratford, 17,330 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.8%. 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

17,330

Unemployment rate

10.8%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	190	1.1%
Business, finance and administration	2,615	15.3%
Natural and applied sciences	925	5.4%
Health	1,150	6.7%
Education, law, community and government services	1,885	11%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	865	5.1%
Sales and service	4,015	23.5%
Trades and transport	2,960	17.3%
Natural resources and agriculture	245	1.4%
Manufacturing and utilities	2,235	13.1%

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 Stratford

How people get around in Stratford

In Stratford, the average commute is 17 minutes. About 87% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.8% rely on public transit and 9.2% walk or bike. The remaining 2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

17 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 62.6%
15 to 29 minutes: 18.2%
30 to 44 minutes: 9%
45 to 59 minutes: 5.8%
More than 60 minutes: 4.3%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	7,775	62.6%
15 to 29 minutes	2,265	18.2%
30 to 44 minutes	1,120	9%
45 to 59 minutes	715	5.8%
More than 60 minutes	535	4.3%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	10,800	87%
By public transit	225	1.8%
By bicycle/by walking	1,140	9.2%
By other methods	255	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 Stratford demographics

What is the current total population in Stratford?

Stratford has a population of 33,232, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.4% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Stratford?

Stratford has a population density of 1,107 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Stratford?

Stratford has the following gender distribution:

48.3% males (16,060 residents)
51.7% females (17,175 residents)

What is the age distribution of Stratford residents?

The age distribution of Stratford residents is as follows:

Under 15: 14.4% (4,800 residents)
15-24: 10.2% (3,385 residents)
25-34: 12% (4,005 residents)
35-44: 12% (4,000 residents)
45-54: 11.9% (3,950 residents)
55-64: 15.5% (5,155 residents)
Over 64: 23.9% (7,940 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Stratford?

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

88.1% non-immigrants (28,625 residents)
10.9% immigrants (3,555 residents)
0.9% non-permanent residents (300 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Stratford?

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

English: 98.8%
French: 0.7%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.3%

What is the typical household size in Stratford?

The typical household size in Stratford is 2.2 people.

What is the median household income in Stratford?

The median household income in Stratford is $77,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Stratford residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Stratford is as follows:

No diploma: 16.5% (4,580 residents)
High school diploma: 31.8% (8,810 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 5.9% (1,640 residents)
College diploma: 22% (6,105 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.9% (535 residents)
University degree: 21.8% (6,050 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Stratford?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 5.1%
Business, finance and administration: 15.3%
Education, law, community and government services: 11%
Health: 6.7%
Management: 1.1%
Manufacturing and utilities: 13.1%
Natural and applied sciences: 5.4%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.4%
Sales and service: 23.5%
Trades and transport: 17.3%

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

Stratford, ON demographics:population, income, and more