Welland, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
55,750
4.4 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,500/yr
Private dwellings
24,530

Welland population

How many people live in Welland

Welland is home to 55,750 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.8% identify as male and 51.2% as female.

Total population
55,750
4.4% year-over-year change
Population density
686.9/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
27,180
Female
51.2%
28,575
Value Percent
Male 27,180 48.8%
Female 28,575 51.2%
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 Welland is 44.1. Children under 15 make up 14.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.6% are 25 to 34, 11.7% are 35 to 44, and 12.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 23%.

Average age
44.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.9%
15 to 24
10.8%
25 to 34
12.6%
35 to 44
11.7%
45 to 54
12.1%
55 to 64
14.9%
Over 65
23%
Value Percent
Under 15 8,310 14.9%
15 to 24 6,005 10.8%
25 to 34 7,020 12.6%
35 to 44 6,505 11.7%
45 to 54 6,740 12.1%
55 to 64 8,315 14.9%
Over 65 12,840 23%
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 Welland, 86.7% of residents were born in Canada, while 11.9% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
86.7%
Immigrants
11.9%
Non-permanent residents
1.4%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 47,670 86.7%
Immigrants 6,540 11.9%
Non-permanent residents 775 1.4%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
8.7%
Non-minorities
91.3%
Value Percent
Minorities 4,760 8.7%
Non-minorities 50,220 91.3%
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 Welland
English
92.2%
French
6.9%
English and French
0.4%
Neither English nor French
0.5%
Value Percent
English 51,120 92.2%
French 3,810 6.9%
English and French 230 0.4%
Neither English nor French 255 0.5%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 92.2% of people in Welland speak English as their primary language, 6.9% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% are bilingual, and 0.5% 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 Welland

A peek inside Welland households

Welland has 23,655 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 30.1% of all homes, while 36% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 18.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
23,655
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
30.1%
2 persons
36%
3 persons
15.6%
4 persons
11.5%
5 or more persons
6.8%
Value Percent
1 person 7,130 30.1%
2 persons 8,515 36%
3 persons 3,690 15.6%
4 persons 2,720 11.5%
5 or more persons 1,605 6.8%
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 Welland

The housing landscape of Welland

Welland has a total of 24,530 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 64.5% are single-detached houses, 29.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 6.3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Welland offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 66% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 21.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
24,530
Housing types
Single-detached homes
64.5%
Attached homes
29.2%
Apartments
6.3%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 15,265 64.5%
Attached homes 6,905 29.2%
Apartments 1,480 6.3%
Movable homes 5 0%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
12%
2 or 3 bedrooms
66%
4 or more bedrooms
21.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 2,785 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms 15,690 66%
4 or more bedrooms 5,185 21.9%
Homes built since 2011
2,000

The age of buildings in Welland

About 15.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 20.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 14% went up in the 1960s, 15.1% in the 1970s, and 10.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 8.9% of homes were added, and 7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 3,660 15.5%
Between 1946 and 1960 4,950 20.9%
Between 1961 and 1970 3,315 14%
Between 1971 and 1980 3,580 15.1%
Between 1981 and 1990 2,385 10.1%
Between 1991 and 2000 2,105 8.9%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,650 7%
After 2011 2,000 8.5%
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.

Welland occupancy rates

In Welland, there are 23,656 occupied private dwellings, of which 69% are owner-occupied and 31% are rented. Meanwhile, 874 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
23,656
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
31%
Owned households
69%
Value Percent
Rented households 7,340 31%
Owned households 16,315 69%
Unoccupied dwellings
874
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 Welland, homeowners pay a median of $1,100 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,020. About 78.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 21.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,100
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,020
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
78.2%
≥30% on shelter
21.8%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 18,430 78.2%
≥30% on shelter 5,150 21.8%
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 Welland

Welland education at a glance

In Welland, educational attainment varies across the community. About 17.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 33.6% have completed high school and 7.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 26% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 14.2% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 8,125 17.4%
High school diploma 15,680 33.6%
Apprenticeship diploma 3,415 7.3%
College diploma 12,115 26%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 725 1.6%
University degree 6,615 14.2%
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 Welland

How much people earn in Welland

In Welland, the median household income sits at $71,500, while the median after-tax household income is $65,000.

Median household income
$71,500/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.

Welland income by age

Young adults in Welland between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,200, 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 $39,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $48,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $48,800, followed by $40,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $33,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,200
25 - 34 39,600
35 - 44 48,800
45 - 54 48,800
55 - 64 40,800
Over 65 33,600

Employment in Welland

Workforce and job sectors in Welland

In Welland, 26,570 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 15%. 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
26,570
Unemployment rate
15%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 155 0.6%
Business, finance and administration 3,450 13.4%
Natural and applied sciences 1,260 4.9%
Health 2,275 8.8%
Education, law, community and government services 2,915 11.3%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 535 2.1%
Sales and service 8,010 31.1%
Trades and transport 5,120 19.9%
Natural resources and agriculture 655 2.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 1,360 5.3%
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 Welland

How people get around in Welland

In Welland, the average commute is 22 minutes. About 92.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.6% rely on public transit and 4% walk or bike. The remaining 2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
22 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
34.6%
15 to 29 minutes
36.9%
30 to 44 minutes
18.2%
45 to 59 minutes
4.5%
More than 60 minutes
5.9%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 6,455 34.6%
15 to 29 minutes 6,890 36.9%
30 to 44 minutes 3,390 18.2%
45 to 59 minutes 840 4.5%
More than 60 minutes 1,095 5.9%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 17,260 92.4%
By public transit 295 1.6%
By bicycle/by walking 750 4%
By other methods 375 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 Welland demographics 

What is the current total population in Welland?

Welland has a population of 55,750, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +4.4% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Welland?  

Welland has a population density of 686.9 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Welland?

Welland has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.8% males (27,180 residents)  
  • 51.2% females (28,575 residents)

What is the age distribution of Welland residents?  

The age distribution of Welland residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.9% (8,310 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.8% (6,005 residents)   
  • 25-34: 12.6% (7,020 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.7% (6,505 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.1% (6,740 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.9% (8,315 residents)   
  • Over 64: 23% (12,840 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Welland? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Welland: 
  • 86.7% non-immigrants (47,670 residents)  
  • 11.9% immigrants (6,540 residents)  
  • 1.4% non-permanent residents (775 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Welland?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Welland: 
  • English: 92.2% 
  • French: 6.9% 
  • English and French: 0.4% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.5% 

What is the typical household size in Welland?  

The typical household size in Welland is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Welland?  

The median household income in Welland is $71,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Welland residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Welland is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 17.4% (8,125 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 33.6% (15,680 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.3% (3,415 residents) 
  • College diploma: 26% (12,115 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.6% (725 residents) 
  • University degree: 14.2% (6,615 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Welland?  

The most common occupations in Welland fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.1% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13.4% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.3% 
  • Health: 8.8% 
  • Management: 0.6% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 5.3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4.9% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.6% 
  • Sales and service: 31.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 19.9% 

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