Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay District, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
108,843
1.8 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,500/yr
Private dwellings
50,995

Thunder Bay population

How many people live in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is home to 108,843 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.2% identify as male and 50.8% as female.

Total population
108,843
1.8% year-over-year change
Population density
332.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
53,505
Female
50.8%
55,330
Value Percent
Male 53,505 49.2%
Female 55,330 50.8%
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 Thunder Bay is 43.7. Children under 15 make up 14.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.8% are 25 to 34, 11.4% are 35 to 44, and 12% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 21.9%.

Average age
43.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.2%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 34
13.8%
35 to 44
11.4%
45 to 54
12%
55 to 64
15%
Over 65
21.9%
Value Percent
Under 15 15,420 14.2%
15 to 24 12,730 11.7%
25 to 34 15,040 13.8%
35 to 44 12,420 11.4%
45 to 54 13,020 12%
55 to 64 16,380 15%
Over 65 23,825 21.9%
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 Thunder Bay, 88.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 8.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
88.8%
Immigrants
8.6%
Non-permanent residents
2.5%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 94,750 88.8%
Immigrants 9,190 8.6%
Non-permanent residents 2,695 2.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
7.5%
Non-minorities
92.5%
Value Percent
Minorities 7,965 7.5%
Non-minorities 98,680 92.5%
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 Thunder Bay
English
97.6%
French
1.8%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.4%
Value Percent
English 104,655 97.6%
French 1,925 1.8%
English and French 150 0.1%
Neither English nor French 455 0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.6% of people in Thunder Bay speak English as their primary language, 1.8% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.4% 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 Thunder Bay

A peek inside Thunder Bay households

Thunder Bay has 48,405 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 34.6% of all homes, while 35% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 16.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
48,405
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
34.6%
2 persons
35%
3 persons
13.8%
4 persons
11.1%
5 or more persons
5.4%
Value Percent
1 person 16,765 34.6%
2 persons 16,960 35%
3 persons 6,670 13.8%
4 persons 5,385 11.1%
5 or more persons 2,625 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 Thunder Bay

The housing landscape of Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay has a total of 50,995 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 65.5% are single-detached houses, 28.8% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 5.3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Thunder Bay offers a variety of home sizes: 13% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 62% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 24.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
50,995
Housing types
Single-detached homes
65.5%
Attached homes
28.8%
Apartments
5.3%
Movable homes
0.4%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 31,685 65.5%
Attached homes 13,925 28.8%
Apartments 2,575 5.3%
Movable homes 220 0.4%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
13%
2 or 3 bedrooms
62%
4 or more bedrooms
24.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 6,260 13%
2 or 3 bedrooms 30,100 62%
4 or more bedrooms 12,050 24.9%
Homes built since 2011
1,990

The age of buildings in Thunder Bay

About 16.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 22% between 1946 and 1960. Another 16.4% went up in the 1960s, 17.8% in the 1970s, and 10.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 8.1% of homes were added, and 4.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 8,130 16.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 10,645 22%
Between 1961 and 1970 7,930 16.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 8,600 17.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 4,975 10.3%
Between 1991 and 2000 3,935 8.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 2,200 4.5%
After 2011 1,990 4.1%
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.

Thunder Bay occupancy rates

In Thunder Bay, there are 48,405 occupied private dwellings, of which 67.7% are owner-occupied and 32.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 2,590 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
48,405
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
32.3%
Owned households
67.7%
Value Percent
Rented households 15,640 32.3%
Owned households 32,765 67.7%
Unoccupied dwellings
2,590
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 Thunder Bay, homeowners pay a median of $950 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $970. About 84% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 16% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$950
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$970
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
84%
≥30% on shelter
16%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 40,520 84%
≥30% on shelter 7,700 16%
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 Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay education at a glance

In Thunder Bay, educational attainment varies across the community. About 17% of residents have no formal diploma, while 27.6% have completed high school and 6.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 22.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 15,530 17%
High school diploma 25,180 27.6%
Apprenticeship diploma 6,260 6.9%
College diploma 22,040 24.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 1,645 1.8%
University degree 20,585 22.6%
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 Thunder Bay

How much people earn in Thunder Bay

In Thunder Bay, the median household income sits at $77,500, while the median after-tax household income is $69,000.

Median household income
$77,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$69,000/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.

Thunder Bay income by age

Young adults in Thunder Bay between 15 and 24 have a median income of $20,400, 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 $43,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $56,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $58,000, followed by $49,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $38,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 20,400
25 - 34 43,200
35 - 44 56,400
45 - 54 58,000
55 - 64 49,200
Over 65 38,800

Employment in Thunder Bay

Workforce and job sectors in Thunder Bay

In Thunder Bay, 53,355 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 11.2%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
53,355
Unemployment rate
11.2%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 390 0.8%
Business, finance and administration 7,775 14.9%
Natural and applied sciences 3,205 6.1%
Health 6,045 11.6%
Education, law, community and government services 8,475 16.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 1,035 2%
Sales and service 13,845 26.5%
Trades and transport 9,000 17.2%
Natural resources and agriculture 1,155 2.2%
Manufacturing and utilities 1,290 2.5%
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 Thunder Bay

How people get around in Thunder Bay

In Thunder Bay, the average commute is 16 minutes. About 88.5% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 3.8% rely on public transit and 5.9% walk or bike. The remaining 1.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
16 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
53.2%
15 to 29 minutes
37.3%
30 to 44 minutes
5.6%
45 to 59 minutes
1.4%
More than 60 minutes
2.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 20,910 53.2%
15 to 29 minutes 14,660 37.3%
30 to 44 minutes 2,195 5.6%
45 to 59 minutes 540 1.4%
More than 60 minutes 1,040 2.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 34,820 88.5%
By public transit 1,500 3.8%
By bicycle/by walking 2,315 5.9%
By other methods 715 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 Thunder Bay demographics 

What is the current total population in Thunder Bay?

Thunder Bay has a population of 108,843, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.8% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Thunder Bay?  

Thunder Bay has a population density of 332.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Thunder Bay?

Thunder Bay has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.2% males (53,505 residents)  
  • 50.8% females (55,330 residents)

What is the age distribution of Thunder Bay residents?  

The age distribution of Thunder Bay residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.2% (15,420 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.7% (12,730 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13.8% (15,040 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.4% (12,420 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12% (13,020 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15% (16,380 residents)   
  • Over 64: 21.9% (23,825 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Thunder Bay? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Thunder Bay: 
  • 88.8% non-immigrants (94,750 residents)  
  • 8.6% immigrants (9,190 residents)  
  • 2.5% non-permanent residents (2,695 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Thunder Bay?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Thunder Bay: 
  • English: 97.6% 
  • French: 1.8% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.4% 

What is the typical household size in Thunder Bay?  

The typical household size in Thunder Bay is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Thunder Bay?  

The median household income in Thunder Bay is $77,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Thunder Bay residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Thunder Bay is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 17% (15,530 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 27.6% (25,180 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 6.9% (6,260 residents) 
  • College diploma: 24.2% (22,040 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.8% (1,645 residents) 
  • University degree: 22.6% (20,585 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Thunder Bay?  

The most common occupations in Thunder Bay fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.9% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 16.2% 
  • Health: 11.6% 
  • Management: 0.8% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.5% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.1% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.2% 
  • Sales and service: 26.5% 
  • Trades and transport: 17.2% 

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