Prince Edward Island demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
154,331
2.8 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,500/yr
Private dwellings
74,934

Prince Edward Island population

How many people live in Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is home to 154,331 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.8% identify as male and 51.2% as female.

Total population
154,331
2.8% year-over-year change
Population density
27.2/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
75,385
Female
51.2%
78,945
Value Percent
Male 75,385 48.8%
Female 78,945 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 Prince Edward Island is 43.1. Children under 15 make up 15.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.8% are 25 to 34, 11.7% are 35 to 44, and 12.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 21.2%.

Average age
43.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.3%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 34
11.8%
35 to 44
11.7%
45 to 54
12.6%
55 to 64
15%
Over 65
21.2%
Value Percent
Under 15 23,640 15.3%
15 to 24 19,130 12.4%
25 to 34 18,200 11.8%
35 to 44 18,110 11.7%
45 to 54 19,465 12.6%
55 to 64 23,070 15%
Over 65 32,705 21.2%
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 Prince Edward Island, 88.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 7.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 3.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
88.6%
Immigrants
7.8%
Non-permanent residents
3.6%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 133,285 88.6%
Immigrants 11,765 7.8%
Non-permanent residents 5,430 3.6%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
9.5%
Non-minorities
90.5%
Value Percent
Minorities 14,310 9.5%
Non-minorities 136,175 90.5%
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 Prince Edward Island
English
95.9%
French
2.8%
English and French
0.3%
Neither English nor French
0.9%
Value Percent
English 146,265 95.9%
French 4,350 2.8%
English and French 415 0.3%
Neither English nor French 1,425 0.9%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 95.9% of people in Prince Edward Island speak English as their primary language, 2.8% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% are bilingual, and 0.9% 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 Prince Edward Island

A peek inside Prince Edward Island households

Prince Edward Island has 64,570 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 28.9% of all homes, while 37.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 18.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
64,570
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
28.9%
2 persons
37.9%
3 persons
14.7%
4 persons
11.8%
5 or more persons
6.8%
Value Percent
1 person 18,635 28.9%
2 persons 24,470 37.9%
3 persons 9,475 14.7%
4 persons 7,620 11.8%
5 or more persons 4,370 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 Prince Edward Island

The housing landscape of Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island has a total of 74,934 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 67.9% are single-detached houses, 27.7% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.2% are apartments. When it comes to space, Prince Edward Island offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 66% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 24.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
74,934
Housing types
Single-detached homes
67.9%
Attached homes
27.7%
Apartments
0.2%
Movable homes
4.2%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 43,855 67.9%
Attached homes 17,915 27.7%
Apartments 130 0.2%
Movable homes 2,680 4.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
10%
2 or 3 bedrooms
66%
4 or more bedrooms
24.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 6,240 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms 42,235 66%
4 or more bedrooms 16,090 24.9%
Homes built since 2011
8,880

The age of buildings in Prince Edward Island

About 15% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 7.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 8.9% went up in the 1960s, 16.6% in the 1970s, and 12.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.5% of homes were added, and 12.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 9,700 15%
Between 1946 and 1960 5,095 7.9%
Between 1961 and 1970 5,750 8.9%
Between 1971 and 1980 10,700 16.6%
Between 1981 and 1990 8,110 12.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 8,095 12.5%
Between 2001 and 2010 8,240 12.8%
After 2011 8,880 13.8%
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.

Prince Edward Island occupancy rates

In Prince Edward Island, there are 64,570 occupied private dwellings, of which 68.8% are owner-occupied and 31% are rented. Meanwhile, 10,364 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
64,570
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
31%
Owned households
68.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 19,990 31%
Owned households 44,420 68.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
10,364
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 Prince Edward Island, homeowners pay a median of $860 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $940. About 84.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 15.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$860
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$940
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
84.5%
≥30% on shelter
15.5%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 53,610 84.5%
≥30% on shelter 9,865 15.5%
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 Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island education at a glance

In Prince Edward Island, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16.1% of residents have no formal diploma, while 28.4% have completed high school and 6.5% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24.5% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 22% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 20,385 16.1%
High school diploma 35,980 28.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 8,245 6.5%
College diploma 31,135 24.5%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 3,260 2.6%
University degree 27,890 22%
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 Prince Edward Island

How much people earn in Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island, the median household income sits at $73,500, while the median after-tax household income is $64,000.

Median household income
$73,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$64,000/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.

Prince Edward Island income by age

Young adults in Prince Edward Island between 15 and 24 have a median income of $21,800, 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 $40,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $49,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $50,400, followed by $44,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $32,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 21,800
25 - 34 40,800
35 - 44 49,600
45 - 54 50,400
55 - 64 44,000
Over 65 32,000

Employment in Prince Edward Island

Workforce and job sectors in Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island, 83,500 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.3%. 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
83,500
Unemployment rate
10.3%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 830 1%
Business, finance and administration 12,330 15%
Natural and applied sciences 5,040 6.2%
Health 6,815 8.3%
Education, law, community and government services 10,090 12.3%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 1,855 2.3%
Sales and service 19,750 24.1%
Trades and transport 14,165 17.3%
Natural resources and agriculture 6,760 8.2%
Manufacturing and utilities 4,330 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 Prince Edward Island

How people get around in Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island, the average commute is 18 minutes. About 92.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.4% rely on public transit and 4.5% walk or bike. The remaining 1.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
18 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
46.5%
15 to 29 minutes
34%
30 to 44 minutes
11.9%
45 to 59 minutes
4.6%
More than 60 minutes
3.1%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 29,520 46.5%
15 to 29 minutes 21,585 34%
30 to 44 minutes 7,555 11.9%
45 to 59 minutes 2,890 4.6%
More than 60 minutes 1,975 3.1%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 58,720 92.4%
By public transit 890 1.4%
By bicycle/by walking 2,840 4.5%
By other methods 1,085 1.7%
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 Prince Edward Island demographics 

What is the current total population in Prince Edward Island?

Prince Edward Island has a population of 154,331, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.8% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Prince Edward Island?  

Prince Edward Island has a population density of 27.2 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Prince Edward Island?

Prince Edward Island has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.8% males (75,385 residents)  
  • 51.2% females (78,945 residents)

What is the age distribution of Prince Edward Island residents?  

The age distribution of Prince Edward Island residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 15.3% (23,640 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12.4% (19,130 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.8% (18,200 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.7% (18,110 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.6% (19,465 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15% (23,070 residents)   
  • Over 64: 21.2% (32,705 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Prince Edward Island? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Prince Edward Island: 
  • 88.6% non-immigrants (133,285 residents)  
  • 7.8% immigrants (11,765 residents)  
  • 3.6% non-permanent residents (5,430 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Prince Edward Island?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Prince Edward Island: 
  • English: 95.9% 
  • French: 2.8% 
  • English and French: 0.3% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.9% 

What is the typical household size in Prince Edward Island?  

The typical household size in Prince Edward Island is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Prince Edward Island?  

The median household income in Prince Edward Island is $73,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Prince Edward Island residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Prince Edward Island is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 16.1% (20,385 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 28.4% (35,980 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 6.5% (8,245 residents) 
  • College diploma: 24.5% (31,135 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.6% (3,260 residents) 
  • University degree: 22% (27,890 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Prince Edward Island?  

The most common occupations in Prince Edward Island fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.3% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 15% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 12.3% 
  • Health: 8.3% 
  • Management: 1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 5.3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.2% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 8.2% 
  • Sales and service: 24.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 17.3% 

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