Thorold, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
23,816
3.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$82,000/yr
Private dwellings
9,856

Thorold population

How many people live in Thorold

Thorold is home to 23,816 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.2% identify as male and 49.8% as female.

Total population
23,816
3.1% year-over-year change
Population density
285.9/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
11,970
Female
49.8%
11,850
Value Percent
Male 11,970 50.2%
Female 11,850 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 Thorold is 39.5. Children under 15 make up 16.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 13.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 15.9% are 25 to 34, 11.8% are 35 to 44, and 12% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.8% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 15.7%.

Average age
39.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.9%
15 to 24
13.9%
25 to 34
15.9%
35 to 44
11.8%
45 to 54
12%
55 to 64
13.8%
Over 65
15.7%
Value Percent
Under 15 4,015 16.9%
15 to 24 3,320 13.9%
25 to 34 3,790 15.9%
35 to 44 2,815 11.8%
45 to 54 2,850 12%
55 to 64 3,295 13.8%
Over 65 3,735 15.7%
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 Thorold, 80.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 16.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 3.1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
80.2%
Immigrants
16.7%
Non-permanent residents
3.1%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 18,865 80.2%
Immigrants 3,940 16.7%
Non-permanent residents 725 3.1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
18.7%
Non-minorities
81.3%
Value Percent
Minorities 4,395 18.7%
Non-minorities 19,135 81.3%
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 Thorold
English
97.3%
French
1.5%
English and French
0.3%
Neither English nor French
1%
Value Percent
English 22,955 97.3%
French 345 1.5%
English and French 75 0.3%
Neither English nor French 225 1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.3% of people in Thorold speak English as their primary language, 1.5% 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 Thorold

A peek inside Thorold households

Thorold has 9,095 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 25.4% of all homes, while 32.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.9%, and homes with four or more people account for 25.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
9,095
Average people per household
2.6
1 person
25.4%
2 persons
32.3%
3 persons
16.9%
4 persons
15.3%
5 or more persons
10.1%
Value Percent
1 person 2,315 25.4%
2 persons 2,935 32.3%
3 persons 1,535 16.9%
4 persons 1,395 15.3%
5 or more persons 915 10.1%
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 Thorold

The housing landscape of Thorold

Thorold has a total of 9,856 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 69.1% are single-detached houses, 29% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 1.8% are apartments. When it comes to space, Thorold offers a variety of home sizes: 9% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 62% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 29.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
9,856
Housing types
Single-detached homes
69.1%
Attached homes
29%
Apartments
1.8%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 6,285 69.1%
Attached homes 2,640 29%
Apartments 165 1.8%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
9%
2 or 3 bedrooms
62%
4 or more bedrooms
29.1%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 855 9%
2 or 3 bedrooms 5,600 62%
4 or more bedrooms 2,650 29.1%
Homes built since 2011
1,695

The age of buildings in Thorold

About 15.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 16.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.3% went up in the 1960s, 11.9% in the 1970s, and 13.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 6.9% of homes were added, and 6.3% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,380 15.2%
Between 1946 and 1960 1,525 16.8%
Between 1961 and 1970 1,025 11.3%
Between 1971 and 1980 1,080 11.9%
Between 1981 and 1990 1,190 13.1%
Between 1991 and 2000 630 6.9%
Between 2001 and 2010 575 6.3%
After 2011 1,695 18.6%
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.

Thorold occupancy rates

In Thorold, there are 9,095 occupied private dwellings, of which 69.3% are owner-occupied and 30.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 761 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
9,095
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
30.7%
Owned households
69.3%
Value Percent
Rented households 2,790 30.7%
Owned households 6,305 69.3%
Unoccupied dwellings
761
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 Thorold, homeowners pay a median of $1,310 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,130. About 77.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 22.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,310
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,130
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
77.5%
≥30% on shelter
22.5%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 7,015 77.5%
≥30% on shelter 2,040 22.5%
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 Thorold

Thorold education at a glance

In Thorold, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16% of residents have no formal diploma, while 34% have completed high school and 6.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 23.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 19.3% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 3,115 16%
High school diploma 6,645 34%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,185 6.1%
College diploma 4,560 23.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 250 1.3%
University degree 3,760 19.3%
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 Thorold

How much people earn in Thorold

In Thorold, the median household income sits at $82,000, while the median after-tax household income is $73,500.

Median household income
$82,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$73,500/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.

Thorold income by age

Young adults in Thorold between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,600, 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 $40,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $50,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $50,800, followed by $44,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,600
25 - 34 40,800
35 - 44 50,000
45 - 54 50,800
55 - 64 44,800
Over 65 34,000

Employment in Thorold

Workforce and job sectors in Thorold

In Thorold, 12,070 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 15.3%. 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
12,070
Unemployment rate
15.3%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 60 0.5%
Business, finance and administration 1,925 16.3%
Natural and applied sciences 715 6%
Health 1,015 8.6%
Education, law, community and government services 1,240 10.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 230 2%
Sales and service 3,425 29%
Trades and transport 2,300 19.5%
Natural resources and agriculture 295 2.5%
Manufacturing and utilities 610 5.2%
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 Thorold

How people get around in Thorold

In Thorold, the average commute is 23 minutes. About 93.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2.3% rely on public transit and 2.6% walk or bike. The remaining 1.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
23 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
30.9%
15 to 29 minutes
43.7%
30 to 44 minutes
10.9%
45 to 59 minutes
6.5%
More than 60 minutes
7.9%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,545 30.9%
15 to 29 minutes 3,595 43.7%
30 to 44 minutes 900 10.9%
45 to 59 minutes 535 6.5%
More than 60 minutes 650 7.9%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 7,660 93.2%
By public transit 190 2.3%
By bicycle/by walking 215 2.6%
By other methods 150 1.8%
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 Thorold demographics 

What is the current total population in Thorold?

Thorold has a population of 23,816, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.1% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Thorold?  

Thorold has a population density of 285.9 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Thorold?

Thorold has the following gender distribution:
  • 50.2% males (11,970 residents)  
  • 49.8% females (11,850 residents)

What is the age distribution of Thorold residents?  

The age distribution of Thorold residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 16.9% (4,015 residents)   
  • 15-24: 13.9% (3,320 residents)   
  • 25-34: 15.9% (3,790 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.8% (2,815 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12% (2,850 residents)   
  • 55-64: 13.8% (3,295 residents)   
  • Over 64: 15.7% (3,735 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Thorold? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Thorold: 
  • 80.2% non-immigrants (18,865 residents)  
  • 16.7% immigrants (3,940 residents)  
  • 3.1% non-permanent residents (725 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Thorold?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Thorold: 
  • English: 97.3% 
  • French: 1.5% 
  • English and French: 0.3% 
  • Neither English nor French: 1% 

What is the typical household size in Thorold?  

The typical household size in Thorold is 2.6 people. 

What is the median household income in Thorold?  

The median household income in Thorold is $82,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Thorold residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Thorold is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 16% (3,115 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 34% (6,645 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 6.1% (1,185 residents) 
  • College diploma: 23.4% (4,560 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.3% (250 residents) 
  • University degree: 19.3% (3,760 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Thorold?  

The most common occupations in Thorold fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 16.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 10.5% 
  • Health: 8.6% 
  • Management: 0.5% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 5.2% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.5% 
  • Sales and service: 29% 
  • Trades and transport: 19.5% 

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