West Elgin, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,060
0.6 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$75,500/yr
Private dwellings
2,221

West Elgin population

How many people live in West Elgin

West Elgin is home to 5,060 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50% identify as male and 50% as female.

Total population
5,060
0.6% year-over-year change
Population density
15.7/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50%
2,530
Female
50%
2,530
Value Percent
Male 2,530 50%
Female 2,530 50%
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 West Elgin is 45.3. Children under 15 make up 14.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.3% are 25 to 34, 10.4% are 35 to 44, and 12.3% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 18.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 24.2%.

Average age
45.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.6%
15 to 24
10.1%
25 to 34
10.3%
35 to 44
10.4%
45 to 54
12.3%
55 to 64
18.1%
Over 65
24.2%
Value Percent
Under 15 740 14.6%
15 to 24 510 10.1%
25 to 34 520 10.3%
35 to 44 525 10.4%
45 to 54 620 12.3%
55 to 64 915 18.1%
Over 65 1,225 24.2%
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 West Elgin, 89.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 11% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
89.1%
Immigrants
11%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 4,435 89.1%
Immigrants 545 11%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
2.8%
Non-minorities
97.2%
Value Percent
Minorities 140 2.8%
Non-minorities 4,835 97.2%
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 West Elgin
English
98.3%
French
1%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.6%
Value Percent
English 4,935 98.3%
French 50 1%
English and French 5 0.1%
Neither English nor French 30 0.6%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.3% of people in West Elgin speak English as their primary language, 1% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.6% 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 West Elgin

A peek inside West Elgin households

West Elgin has 2,105 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 25.7% of all homes, while 41.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 18.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,105
Average people per household
2.4
1 person
25.7%
2 persons
41.9%
3 persons
13.8%
4 persons
11.2%
5 or more persons
7.4%
Value Percent
1 person 540 25.7%
2 persons 880 41.9%
3 persons 290 13.8%
4 persons 235 11.2%
5 or more persons 155 7.4%
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 West Elgin

The housing landscape of West Elgin

West Elgin has a total of 2,221 private dwellings. When it comes to space, West Elgin offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 66% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 27.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
2,221
Housing types
Single-detached homes
91.2%
Attached homes
8.8%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,915 91.2%
Attached homes 185 8.8%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
6%
2 or 3 bedrooms
66%
4 or more bedrooms
27.1%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 135 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,400 66%
4 or more bedrooms 570 27.1%
Homes built since 2011
45

The age of buildings in West Elgin

About 33.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 15% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11% went up in the 1960s, 12.9% in the 1970s, and 10.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 9.6% of homes were added, and 5.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 700 33.4%
Between 1946 and 1960 315 15%
Between 1961 and 1970 230 11%
Between 1971 and 1980 270 12.9%
Between 1981 and 1990 215 10.3%
Between 1991 and 2000 200 9.6%
Between 2001 and 2010 120 5.7%
After 2011 45 2.2%
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.

West Elgin occupancy rates

In West Elgin, there are 2,103 occupied private dwellings, of which 84.3% are owner-occupied and 15.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 118 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,103
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
15.7%
Owned households
84.3%
Value Percent
Rented households 330 15.7%
Owned households 1,775 84.3%
Unoccupied dwellings
118
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 West Elgin, homeowners pay a median of $960 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $700. About 87% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 13% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$960
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$700
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
87%
≥30% on shelter
13%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,675 87%
≥30% on shelter 250 13%
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 West Elgin

West Elgin education at a glance

In West Elgin, educational attainment varies across the community. About 21.2% of residents have no formal diploma, while 33.3% have completed high school and 7.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 27% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 9.9% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 890 21.2%
High school diploma 1,400 33.3%
Apprenticeship diploma 305 7.3%
College diploma 1,135 27%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 55 1.3%
University degree 415 9.9%
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 West Elgin

How much people earn in West Elgin

In West Elgin, the median household income sits at $75,500, while the median after-tax household income is $68,000.

Median household income
$75,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$68,000/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.

West Elgin income by age

Young adults in West Elgin between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,000, 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 $44,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $47,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $50,000, followed by $42,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $29,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,000
25 - 34 44,800
35 - 44 47,600
45 - 54 50,000
55 - 64 42,400
Over 65 29,800

Employment in West Elgin

Workforce and job sectors in West Elgin

In West Elgin, 2,500 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.4%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
2,500
Unemployment rate
9.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 40 1.6%
Business, finance and administration 270 10.8%
Natural and applied sciences 120 4.8%
Health 190 7.6%
Education, law, community and government services 270 10.8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 50 2%
Sales and service 395 15.8%
Trades and transport 700 28.1%
Natural resources and agriculture 225 9%
Manufacturing and utilities 235 9.4%
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 West Elgin

How people get around in West Elgin

In West Elgin, the average commute is 28 minutes. The remaining 0.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
28 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
33.5%
15 to 29 minutes
20%
30 to 44 minutes
18.7%
45 to 59 minutes
19%
More than 60 minutes
8.8%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 610 33.5%
15 to 29 minutes 365 20%
30 to 44 minutes 340 18.7%
45 to 59 minutes 345 19%
More than 60 minutes 160 8.8%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 1,670 92%
By bicycle/by walking 135 7.4%
By other methods 10 0.6%
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 West Elgin demographics 

What is the current total population in West Elgin?

West Elgin has a population of 5,060, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.6% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of West Elgin?  

West Elgin has a population density of 15.7 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in West Elgin?

West Elgin has the following gender distribution:
  • 50% males (2,530 residents)  
  • 50% females (2,530 residents)

What is the age distribution of West Elgin residents?  

The age distribution of West Elgin residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.6% (740 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.1% (510 residents)   
  • 25-34: 10.3% (520 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.4% (525 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.3% (620 residents)   
  • 55-64: 18.1% (915 residents)   
  • Over 64: 24.2% (1,225 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in West Elgin? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in West Elgin: 
  • 89.1% non-immigrants (4,435 residents)  
  • 11% immigrants (545 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in West Elgin?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in West Elgin: 
  • English: 98.3% 
  • French: 1% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.6% 

What is the typical household size in West Elgin?  

The typical household size in West Elgin is 2.4 people. 

What is the median household income in West Elgin?  

The median household income in West Elgin is $75,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of West Elgin residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in West Elgin is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 21.2% (890 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 33.3% (1,400 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.3% (305 residents) 
  • College diploma: 27% (1,135 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.3% (55 residents) 
  • University degree: 9.9% (415 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in West Elgin?  

The most common occupations in West Elgin fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 10.8% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 10.8% 
  • Health: 7.6% 
  • Management: 1.6% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 9.4% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 9% 
  • Sales and service: 15.8% 
  • Trades and transport: 28.1% 

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