Cornwall, PE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,574
3.2 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$85,000/yr
Private dwellings
2,770

Cornwall population

How many people live in Cornwall

Cornwall is home to 6,574 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.2% identify as male and 50.8% as female.

Total population
6,574
3.2% year-over-year change
Population density
233/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
3,230
Female
50.8%
3,340
Value Percent
Male 3,230 49.2%
Female 3,340 50.8%
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 Cornwall is 39.7. Children under 15 make up 17.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 14%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.7% are 25 to 34, 12.9% are 35 to 44, and 12.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 16.9%.

Average age
39.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
14%
25 to 34
13.7%
35 to 44
12.9%
45 to 54
12.8%
55 to 64
12.2%
Over 65
16.9%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,155 17.6%
15 to 24 920 14%
25 to 34 900 13.7%
35 to 44 850 12.9%
45 to 54 845 12.8%
55 to 64 800 12.2%
Over 65 1,110 16.9%
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 Cornwall, 85.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 9.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 4.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
85.8%
Immigrants
9.7%
Non-permanent residents
4.6%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 5,615 85.8%
Immigrants 635 9.7%
Non-permanent residents 300 4.6%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
12.5%
Non-minorities
87.5%
Value Percent
Minorities 815 12.5%
Non-minorities 5,730 87.5%
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 Cornwall
English
97.1%
French
2.2%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.5%
Value Percent
English 6,385 97.1%
French 145 2.2%
English and French 10 0.2%
Neither English nor French 35 0.5%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.1% of people in Cornwall speak English as their primary language, 2.2% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% 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 Cornwall

A peek inside Cornwall households

Cornwall has 2,640 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 23.4% of all homes, while 37.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 22.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,640
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
23.4%
2 persons
37.6%
3 persons
16.3%
4 persons
15.5%
5 or more persons
7.2%
Value Percent
1 person 620 23.4%
2 persons 995 37.6%
3 persons 430 16.3%
4 persons 410 15.5%
5 or more persons 190 7.2%
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 Cornwall

The housing landscape of Cornwall

Cornwall has a total of 2,770 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Cornwall offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 65% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 29.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
2,770
Housing types
Single-detached homes
60.9%
Attached homes
32.7%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
6.4%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,610 60.9%
Attached homes 865 32.7%
Movable homes 170 6.4%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
6%
2 or 3 bedrooms
65%
4 or more bedrooms
29.2%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 165 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,705 65%
4 or more bedrooms 770 29.2%
Homes built since 2011
760

The age of buildings in Cornwall

About 2.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 3.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 5.7% went up in the 1960s, 20.3% in the 1970s, and 12.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.9% of homes were added, and 14.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 55 2.1%
Between 1946 and 1960 85 3.2%
Between 1961 and 1970 150 5.7%
Between 1971 and 1980 535 20.3%
Between 1981 and 1990 330 12.5%
Between 1991 and 2000 340 12.9%
Between 2001 and 2010 380 14.4%
After 2011 760 28.8%
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.

Cornwall occupancy rates

In Cornwall, there are 2,642 occupied private dwellings, of which 66.7% are owner-occupied and 33.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 128 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,642
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
33.3%
Owned households
66.7%
Value Percent
Rented households 880 33.3%
Owned households 1,765 66.7%
Unoccupied dwellings
128
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 Cornwall, homeowners pay a median of $1,220 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,300. About 82.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,220
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,300
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
82.9%
≥30% on shelter
17.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 2,185 82.9%
≥30% on shelter 450 17.1%
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 Cornwall

Cornwall education at a glance

In Cornwall, educational attainment varies across the community. About 11.2% of residents have no formal diploma, while 24.6% have completed high school and 5.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 28% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 28.2% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 600 11.2%
High school diploma 1,325 24.6%
Apprenticeship diploma 280 5.2%
College diploma 1,505 28%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 150 2.8%
University degree 1,515 28.2%
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 Cornwall

How much people earn in Cornwall

In Cornwall, the median household income sits at $85,000, while the median after-tax household income is $73,500.

Median household income
$85,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$73,500/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.

Cornwall income by age

Young adults in Cornwall between 15 and 24 have a median income of $21,400, 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 $44,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $56,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $58,800, followed by $50,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $35,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 21,400
25 - 34 44,000
35 - 44 56,400
45 - 54 58,800
55 - 64 50,000
Over 65 35,600

Employment in Cornwall

Workforce and job sectors in Cornwall

In Cornwall, 3,720 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.8%. 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
3,720
Unemployment rate
7.8%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 40 1.1%
Business, finance and administration 610 16.6%
Natural and applied sciences 310 8.5%
Health 325 8.9%
Education, law, community and government services 595 16.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 75 2%
Sales and service 905 24.7%
Trades and transport 610 16.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 95 2.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 100 2.7%
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 Cornwall

How people get around in Cornwall

In Cornwall, the average commute is 17 minutes. About 94.8% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1% rely on public transit and 1.4% walk or bike. The remaining 2.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
17 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
39.2%
15 to 29 minutes
48.7%
30 to 44 minutes
7.2%
45 to 59 minutes
2.4%
More than 60 minutes
2.4%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,140 39.2%
15 to 29 minutes 1,415 48.7%
30 to 44 minutes 210 7.2%
45 to 59 minutes 70 2.4%
More than 60 minutes 70 2.4%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,745 94.8%
By public transit 30 1%
By bicycle/by walking 40 1.4%
By other methods 80 2.8%
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 Cornwall demographics 

What is the current total population in Cornwall?

Cornwall has a population of 6,574, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.2% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Cornwall?  

Cornwall has a population density of 233 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Cornwall?

Cornwall has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.2% males (3,230 residents)  
  • 50.8% females (3,340 residents)

What is the age distribution of Cornwall residents?  

The age distribution of Cornwall residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 17.6% (1,155 residents)   
  • 15-24: 14% (920 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13.7% (900 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.9% (850 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.8% (845 residents)   
  • 55-64: 12.2% (800 residents)   
  • Over 64: 16.9% (1,110 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Cornwall? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Cornwall: 
  • 85.8% non-immigrants (5,615 residents)  
  • 9.7% immigrants (635 residents)  
  • 4.6% non-permanent residents (300 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Cornwall?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Cornwall: 
  • English: 97.1% 
  • French: 2.2% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.5% 

What is the typical household size in Cornwall?  

The typical household size in Cornwall is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Cornwall?  

The median household income in Cornwall is $85,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Cornwall residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Cornwall is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 11.2% (600 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 24.6% (1,325 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 5.2% (280 residents) 
  • College diploma: 28% (1,505 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.8% (150 residents) 
  • University degree: 28.2% (1,515 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Cornwall?  

The most common occupations in Cornwall fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 16.6% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 16.2% 
  • Health: 8.9% 
  • Management: 1.1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.7% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 8.5% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.6% 
  • Sales and service: 24.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 16.6% 

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