Whitby, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
138,501
2.6 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$123,000/yr
Private dwellings
47,389

Whitby population

How many people live in Whitby

Whitby is home to 138,501 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.7% identify as male and 51.3% as female.

Total population
138,501
2.6% year-over-year change
Population density
944.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.7%
67,400
Female
51.3%
71,100
Value Percent
Male 67,400 48.7%
Female 71,100 51.3%
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 Whitby is 39.5. Children under 15 make up 19.1% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.2% are 25 to 34, 14.2% are 35 to 44, and 14.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 14.8%.

Average age
39.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.1%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 34
11.2%
35 to 44
14.2%
45 to 54
14.8%
55 to 64
13.1%
Over 65
14.8%
Value Percent
Under 15 26,425 19.1%
15 to 24 17,775 12.8%
25 to 34 15,485 11.2%
35 to 44 19,660 14.2%
45 to 54 20,510 14.8%
55 to 64 18,195 13.1%
Over 65 20,440 14.8%
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 Whitby, 71.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 27.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
71.6%
Immigrants
27.8%
Non-permanent residents
0.6%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 97,805 71.6%
Immigrants 37,985 27.8%
Non-permanent residents 880 0.6%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
35.4%
Non-minorities
64.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 48,325 35.4%
Non-minorities 88,340 64.6%
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 Whitby
English
97%
French
1.4%
English and French
0.5%
Neither English nor French
1.2%
Value Percent
English 133,040 97%
French 1,865 1.4%
English and French 650 0.5%
Neither English nor French 1,575 1.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97% of people in Whitby speak English as their primary language, 1.4% communicate mainly in French, 0.5% are bilingual, and 1.2% 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 Whitby

A peek inside Whitby households

Whitby has 46,460 households, with an average of 2.9 people living in each. One-person households make up 17.2% of all homes, while 27.5% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 19.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 35.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
46,460
Average people per household
2.9
1 person
17.2%
2 persons
27.5%
3 persons
19.4%
4 persons
22.6%
5 or more persons
13.2%
Value Percent
1 person 8,015 17.2%
2 persons 12,775 27.5%
3 persons 8,995 19.4%
4 persons 10,525 22.6%
5 or more persons 6,155 13.2%
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 Whitby

The housing landscape of Whitby

Whitby has a total of 47,389 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 69.5% are single-detached houses, 23.4% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 7.1% are apartments. When it comes to space, Whitby offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 49% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 44.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
47,389
Housing types
Single-detached homes
69.5%
Attached homes
23.4%
Apartments
7.1%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 32,295 69.5%
Attached homes 10,845 23.4%
Apartments 3,300 7.1%
Movable homes 10 0%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
6%
2 or 3 bedrooms
49%
4 or more bedrooms
44.6%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 3,045 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms 22,685 49%
4 or more bedrooms 20,730 44.6%
Homes built since 2011
6,135

The age of buildings in Whitby

About 2.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 5.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 5.5% went up in the 1960s, 11.1% in the 1970s, and 17.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 19.2% of homes were added, and 25.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,200 2.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 2,615 5.6%
Between 1961 and 1970 2,545 5.5%
Between 1971 and 1980 5,155 11.1%
Between 1981 and 1990 7,925 17.1%
Between 1991 and 2000 8,910 19.2%
Between 2001 and 2010 11,975 25.8%
After 2011 6,135 13.2%
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.

Whitby occupancy rates

In Whitby, there are 46,460 occupied private dwellings, of which 82.1% are owner-occupied and 17.9% are rented. Meanwhile, 929 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
46,460
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
17.9%
Owned households
82.1%
Value Percent
Rented households 8,330 17.9%
Owned households 38,125 82.1%
Unoccupied dwellings
929
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 Whitby, homeowners pay a median of $2,020 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,430. About 78.7% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 21.3% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$2,020
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,430
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
78.7%
≥30% on shelter
21.3%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 36,450 78.7%
≥30% on shelter 9,885 21.3%
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 Whitby

Whitby education at a glance

In Whitby, educational attainment varies across the community. About 12.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 27.1% have completed high school and 4.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 23% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 30.2% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 13,870 12.6%
High school diploma 29,880 27.1%
Apprenticeship diploma 5,340 4.8%
College diploma 25,305 23%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 2,605 2.4%
University degree 33,265 30.2%
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 Whitby

How much people earn in Whitby

In Whitby, the median household income sits at $123,000, while the median after-tax household income is $104,000.

Median household income
$123,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$104,000/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.

Whitby income by age

Young adults in Whitby between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,000, 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 $46,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $67,500. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $72,500, followed by $58,000 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 16,000
25 - 34 46,400
35 - 44 67,500
45 - 54 72,500
55 - 64 58,000
Over 65 38,800

Employment in Whitby

Workforce and job sectors in Whitby

In Whitby, 73,915 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12.3%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
73,915
Unemployment rate
12.3%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 945 1.3%
Business, finance and administration 14,790 20.6%
Natural and applied sciences 7,400 10.3%
Health 5,100 7.1%
Education, law, community and government services 9,515 13.3%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 2,365 3.3%
Sales and service 17,555 24.5%
Trades and transport 10,500 14.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 925 1.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 2,570 3.6%
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 Whitby

How people get around in Whitby

In Whitby, the average commute is 30 minutes. About 88.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 6% rely on public transit and 2.7% walk or bike. The remaining 3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
30 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
24.7%
15 to 29 minutes
28.1%
30 to 44 minutes
19.5%
45 to 59 minutes
13%
More than 60 minutes
14.7%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 10,445 24.7%
15 to 29 minutes 11,860 28.1%
30 to 44 minutes 8,235 19.5%
45 to 59 minutes 5,505 13%
More than 60 minutes 6,195 14.7%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 37,285 88.3%
By public transit 2,555 6%
By bicycle/by walking 1,150 2.7%
By other methods 1,255 3%
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 Whitby demographics 

What is the current total population in Whitby?

Whitby has a population of 138,501, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.6% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Whitby?  

Whitby has a population density of 944.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Whitby?

Whitby has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.7% males (67,400 residents)  
  • 51.3% females (71,100 residents)

What is the age distribution of Whitby residents?  

The age distribution of Whitby residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 19.1% (26,425 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12.8% (17,775 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.2% (15,485 residents)   
  • 35-44: 14.2% (19,660 residents)   
  • 45-54: 14.8% (20,510 residents)   
  • 55-64: 13.1% (18,195 residents)   
  • Over 64: 14.8% (20,440 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Whitby? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Whitby: 
  • 71.6% non-immigrants (97,805 residents)  
  • 27.8% immigrants (37,985 residents)  
  • 0.6% non-permanent residents (880 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Whitby?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Whitby: 
  • English: 97% 
  • French: 1.4% 
  • English and French: 0.5% 
  • Neither English nor French: 1.2% 

What is the typical household size in Whitby?  

The typical household size in Whitby is 2.9 people. 

What is the median household income in Whitby?  

The median household income in Whitby is $123,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Whitby residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Whitby is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 12.6% (13,870 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 27.1% (29,880 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 4.8% (5,340 residents) 
  • College diploma: 23% (25,305 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.4% (2,605 residents) 
  • University degree: 30.2% (33,265 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Whitby?  

The most common occupations in Whitby fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.3% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 20.6% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 13.3% 
  • Health: 7.1% 
  • Management: 1.3% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 10.3% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.3% 
  • Sales and service: 24.5% 
  • Trades and transport: 14.6% 

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