Charlottetown, PE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
38,809
4.3 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,000/yr
Private dwellings
18,364

Charlottetown population

How many people live in Charlottetown

Charlottetown is home to 38,809 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48% identify as male and 52% as female.

Total population
38,809
4.3% year-over-year change
Population density
876.6/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48%
18,645
Female
52%
20,165
Value Percent
Male 18,645 48%
Female 20,165 52%
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 Charlottetown is 42.4. Children under 15 make up 13.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 15.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.2% are 25 to 34, 11.5% are 35 to 44, and 11.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 21%.

Average age
42.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.3%
15 to 24
15.9%
25 to 34
14.2%
35 to 44
11.5%
45 to 54
11.6%
55 to 64
12.5%
Over 65
21%
Value Percent
Under 15 5,145 13.3%
15 to 24 6,170 15.9%
25 to 34 5,525 14.2%
35 to 44 4,460 11.5%
45 to 54 4,505 11.6%
55 to 64 4,835 12.5%
Over 65 8,160 21%
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 Charlottetown, 77.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 14% have settled here from abroad. Another 8.7% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
77.4%
Immigrants
14%
Non-permanent residents
8.7%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 29,090 77.4%
Immigrants 5,250 14%
Non-permanent residents 3,260 8.7%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
21.8%
Non-minorities
78.2%
Value Percent
Minorities 8,190 21.8%
Non-minorities 29,415 78.2%
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 Charlottetown
English
96.3%
French
1.8%
English and French
0.5%
Neither English nor French
1.3%
Value Percent
English 36,450 96.3%
French 700 1.8%
English and French 205 0.5%
Neither English nor French 490 1.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.3% of people in Charlottetown speak English as their primary language, 1.8% communicate mainly in French, 0.5% are bilingual, and 1.3% 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 Charlottetown

A peek inside Charlottetown households

Charlottetown has 17,185 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 35.6% of all homes, while 34.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
17,185
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
35.6%
2 persons
34.1%
3 persons
14.4%
4 persons
10.4%
5 or more persons
5.5%
Value Percent
1 person 6,110 35.6%
2 persons 5,860 34.1%
3 persons 2,470 14.4%
4 persons 1,790 10.4%
5 or more persons 945 5.5%
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 Charlottetown

The housing landscape of Charlottetown

Charlottetown has a total of 18,364 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 43.5% are single-detached houses, 54.7% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Charlottetown offers a variety of home sizes: 18% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 64% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 19.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
18,364
Housing types
Single-detached homes
43.5%
Attached homes
54.7%
Apartments
0.3%
Movable homes
1.5%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 7,480 43.5%
Attached homes 9,405 54.7%
Apartments 45 0.3%
Movable homes 260 1.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
18%
2 or 3 bedrooms
64%
4 or more bedrooms
19.1%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 3,010 18%
2 or 3 bedrooms 10,900 64%
4 or more bedrooms 3,275 19.1%
Homes built since 2011
2,225

The age of buildings in Charlottetown

About 12.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 8.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.3% went up in the 1960s, 18% in the 1970s, and 13.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.1% of homes were added, and 12.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 2,125 12.4%
Between 1946 and 1960 1,450 8.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 1,935 11.3%
Between 1971 and 1980 3,095 18%
Between 1981 and 1990 2,305 13.4%
Between 1991 and 2000 1,900 11.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 2,140 12.5%
After 2011 2,225 13%
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.

Charlottetown occupancy rates

In Charlottetown, there are 17,184 occupied private dwellings, of which 45.8% are owner-occupied and 54.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,180 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
17,184
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
54.2%
Owned households
45.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 9,310 54.2%
Owned households 7,875 45.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
1,180
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 Charlottetown, homeowners pay a median of $1,150 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $980. About 76.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 23.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,150
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$980
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
76.3%
≥30% on shelter
23.7%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 13,035 76.3%
≥30% on shelter 4,045 23.7%
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 Charlottetown

Charlottetown education at a glance

In Charlottetown, educational attainment varies across the community. About 11.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 26.4% have completed high school and 4.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 23.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 30.9% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 3,725 11.5%
High school diploma 8,575 26.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,550 4.8%
College diploma 7,535 23.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 1,060 3.3%
University degree 10,035 30.9%
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 Charlottetown

How much people earn in Charlottetown

In Charlottetown, the median household income sits at $66,000, while the median after-tax household income is $58,000.

Median household income
$66,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$58,000/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.

Charlottetown income by age

Young adults in Charlottetown between 15 and 24 have a median income of $23,200, 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 $37,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $47,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $48,800, followed by $44,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 23,200
25 - 34 37,200
35 - 44 47,600
45 - 54 48,800
55 - 64 44,800
Over 65 36,000

Employment in Charlottetown

Workforce and job sectors in Charlottetown

In Charlottetown, 21,155 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.7%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
21,155
Unemployment rate
9.7%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 200 1%
Business, finance and administration 3,250 15.7%
Natural and applied sciences 1,725 8.4%
Health 1,745 8.4%
Education, law, community and government services 3,015 14.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 710 3.4%
Sales and service 6,445 31.2%
Trades and transport 2,515 12.2%
Natural resources and agriculture 445 2.2%
Manufacturing and utilities 615 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 Charlottetown

How people get around in Charlottetown

In Charlottetown, the average commute is 14 minutes. About 84.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 4% rely on public transit and 10% walk or bike. The remaining 1.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
14 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
63.6%
15 to 29 minutes
26.1%
30 to 44 minutes
5.8%
45 to 59 minutes
2.8%
More than 60 minutes
1.8%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 10,195 63.6%
15 to 29 minutes 4,185 26.1%
30 to 44 minutes 930 5.8%
45 to 59 minutes 445 2.8%
More than 60 minutes 280 1.8%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 13,525 84.4%
By public transit 635 4%
By bicycle/by walking 1,605 10%
By other methods 265 1.6%
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 Charlottetown demographics 

What is the current total population in Charlottetown?

Charlottetown has a population of 38,809, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +4.3% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Charlottetown?  

Charlottetown has a population density of 876.6 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Charlottetown?

Charlottetown has the following gender distribution:
  • 48% males (18,645 residents)  
  • 52% females (20,165 residents)

What is the age distribution of Charlottetown residents?  

The age distribution of Charlottetown residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 13.3% (5,145 residents)   
  • 15-24: 15.9% (6,170 residents)   
  • 25-34: 14.2% (5,525 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.5% (4,460 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.6% (4,505 residents)   
  • 55-64: 12.5% (4,835 residents)   
  • Over 64: 21% (8,160 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Charlottetown? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Charlottetown: 
  • 77.4% non-immigrants (29,090 residents)  
  • 14% immigrants (5,250 residents)  
  • 8.7% non-permanent residents (3,260 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Charlottetown?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Charlottetown: 
  • English: 96.3% 
  • French: 1.8% 
  • English and French: 0.5% 
  • Neither English nor French: 1.3% 

What is the typical household size in Charlottetown?  

The typical household size in Charlottetown is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Charlottetown?  

The median household income in Charlottetown is $66,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Charlottetown residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Charlottetown is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 11.5% (3,725 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 26.4% (8,575 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 4.8% (1,550 residents) 
  • College diploma: 23.2% (7,535 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.3% (1,060 residents) 
  • University degree: 30.9% (10,035 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Charlottetown?  

The most common occupations in Charlottetown fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.4% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 15.7% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 14.6% 
  • Health: 8.4% 
  • Management: 1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 8.4% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.2% 
  • Sales and service: 31.2% 
  • Trades and transport: 12.2% 

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