Total population

121,436

3.9 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$94,000/yr

Private dwellings

52,049

Waterloo population

How many people live in Waterloo

Waterloo is home to 121,436 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.4% identify as male and 49.6% as female.

Total population

121,436

3.9% year-over-year change

Population density

1,895.8/km2

Gender ratio

Male

50.4%

61,235

Female

49.6%

60,200

	Value	Percent
Male	61,235	50.4%
Female	60,200	49.6%

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 Waterloo is 39.2. Children under 15 make up 14.5% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 18.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 16% are 25 to 34, 11.7% are 35 to 44, and 12.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 11.7% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 15.4%.

Average age

39.2

Age breakdown

Under 15: 14.5%
15 to 24: 18.4%
25 to 34: 16%
35 to 44: 11.7%
45 to 54: 12.2%
55 to 64: 11.7%
Over 65: 15.4%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	17,640	14.5%
15 to 24	22,360	18.4%
25 to 34	19,405	16%
35 to 44	14,245	11.7%
45 to 54	14,825	12.2%
55 to 64	14,240	11.7%
Over 65	18,705	15.4%

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 Waterloo, 63.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 27.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 8.7% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 63.9%
Immigrants: 27.5%
Non-permanent residents: 8.7%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	75,610	63.9%
Immigrants	32,530	27.5%
Non-permanent residents	10,245	8.7%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 35%
Non-minorities: 65%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	41,465	35%
Non-minorities	76,925	65%

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 Waterloo

English: 96.7%
French: 0.9%
English and French: 0.7%
Neither English nor French: 1.7%

	Value	Percent
English	116,070	96.7%
French	1,100	0.9%
English and French	790	0.7%
Neither English nor French	2,020	1.7%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.7% of people in Waterloo speak English as their primary language, 0.9% communicate mainly in French, 0.7% are bilingual, and 1.7% 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 Waterloo

A peek inside Waterloo households

Waterloo has 47,040 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 26% of all homes, while 33.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.1%, and homes with four or more people account for 24.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

47,040

Average people per household

2.5

1 person: 26%
2 persons: 33.4%
3 persons: 16.1%
4 persons: 16%
5 or more persons: 8.6%

	Value	Percent
1 person	12,250	26%
2 persons	15,710	33.4%
3 persons	7,560	16.1%
4 persons	7,505	16%
5 or more persons	4,020	8.6%

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 Waterloo

The housing landscape of Waterloo

Waterloo has a total of 52,049 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 49.2% are single-detached houses, 28.6% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 22% are apartments. When it comes to space, Waterloo offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 60% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 28.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

52,049

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 49.2%
Attached homes: 28.6%
Apartments: 22%
Movable homes: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	23,145	49.2%
Attached homes	13,480	28.6%
Apartments	10,330	22%
Movable homes	95	0.2%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 60%
4 or more bedrooms: 28.4%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	5,550	12%
2 or 3 bedrooms	28,110	60%
4 or more bedrooms	13,380	28.4%

Homes built since 2011

8,280

The age of buildings in Waterloo

About 3.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 5.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 9.2% went up in the 1960s, 14.1% in the 1970s, and 17.7% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 16.4% of homes were added, and 15.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	1,845	3.9%
Between 1946 and 1960	2,685	5.7%
Between 1961 and 1970	4,320	9.2%
Between 1971 and 1980	6,635	14.1%
Between 1981 and 1990	8,315	17.7%
Between 1991 and 2000	7,710	16.4%
Between 2001 and 2010	7,240	15.4%
After 2011	8,280	17.6%

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.

Waterloo occupancy rates

In Waterloo, there are 47,040 occupied private dwellings, of which 61.3% are owner-occupied and 38.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 5,009 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

47,040

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 38.7%
Owned households: 61.3%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	18,205	38.7%
Owned households	28,835	61.3%

Unoccupied dwellings

5,009

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 Waterloo, homeowners pay a median of $1,390 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,400. About 76% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 24% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,390

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,400

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 76%
≥30% on shelter: 24%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	35,415	76%
≥30% on shelter	11,210	24%

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 Waterloo

Waterloo education at a glance

In Waterloo, educational attainment varies across the community. About 10.2% of residents have no formal diploma, while 25.1% have completed high school and 3.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 16% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 43.6% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	10,335	10.2%
High school diploma	25,335	25.1%
Apprenticeship diploma	3,185	3.2%
College diploma	16,125	16%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	1,925	1.9%
University degree	43,915	43.6%

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 Waterloo

How much people earn in Waterloo

In Waterloo, the median household income sits at $94,000, while the median after-tax household income is $82,000.

Median household income

$94,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$82,000/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.

Waterloo income by age

Young adults in Waterloo between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,400, 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 $42,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $62,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $67,500, followed by $55,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $40,800.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,400
25 - 34	42,400
35 - 44	62,400
45 - 54	67,500
55 - 64	55,200
Over 65	40,800

Employment in Waterloo

Workforce and job sectors in Waterloo

In Waterloo, 65,955 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, natural and applied sciences, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

65,955

Unemployment rate

12%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	1,065	1.7%
Business, finance and administration	11,205	17.5%
Natural and applied sciences	11,260	17.6%
Health	3,560	5.6%
Education, law, community and government services	9,680	15.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	2,040	3.2%
Sales and service	14,280	22.3%
Trades and transport	6,640	10.4%
Natural resources and agriculture	705	1.1%
Manufacturing and utilities	3,595	5.6%

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 Waterloo

How people get around in Waterloo

In Waterloo, the average commute is 21 minutes. About 83.9% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 6.5% rely on public transit and 6.9% walk or bike. The remaining 2.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

21 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 36.8%
15 to 29 minutes: 41.4%
30 to 44 minutes: 12.9%
45 to 59 minutes: 3.4%
More than 60 minutes: 5.6%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	12,645	36.8%
15 to 29 minutes	14,215	41.4%
30 to 44 minutes	4,420	12.9%
45 to 59 minutes	1,155	3.4%
More than 60 minutes	1,915	5.6%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	28,810	83.9%
By public transit	2,245	6.5%
By bicycle/by walking	2,370	6.9%
By other methods	920	2.7%

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 Waterloo demographics

What is the current total population in Waterloo?

Waterloo has a population of 121,436, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.9% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Waterloo?

Waterloo has a population density of 1,895.8 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Waterloo?

Waterloo has the following gender distribution:

50.4% males (61,235 residents)
49.6% females (60,200 residents)

What is the age distribution of Waterloo residents?

The age distribution of Waterloo residents is as follows:

Under 15: 14.5% (17,640 residents)
15-24: 18.4% (22,360 residents)
25-34: 16% (19,405 residents)
35-44: 11.7% (14,245 residents)
45-54: 12.2% (14,825 residents)
55-64: 11.7% (14,240 residents)
Over 64: 15.4% (18,705 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Waterloo?

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

63.9% non-immigrants (75,610 residents)
27.5% immigrants (32,530 residents)
8.7% non-permanent residents (10,245 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Waterloo?

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

English: 96.7%
French: 0.9%
English and French: 0.7%
Neither English nor French: 1.7%

What is the typical household size in Waterloo?

The typical household size in Waterloo is 2.5 people.

What is the median household income in Waterloo?

The median household income in Waterloo is $94,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Waterloo residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Waterloo is as follows:

No diploma: 10.2% (10,335 residents)
High school diploma: 25.1% (25,335 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 3.2% (3,185 residents)
College diploma: 16% (16,125 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.9% (1,925 residents)
University degree: 43.6% (43,915 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Waterloo?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.2%
Business, finance and administration: 17.5%
Education, law, community and government services: 15.1%
Health: 5.6%
Management: 1.7%
Manufacturing and utilities: 5.6%
Natural and applied sciences: 17.6%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.1%
Sales and service: 22.3%
Trades and transport: 10.4%

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

Waterloo, ON demographics:population, income, and more