Stratford, PE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,927
3.9 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$91,000/yr
Private dwellings
4,667

Stratford population

How many people live in Stratford

Stratford is home to 10,927 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.4% identify as male and 51.6% as female.

Total population
10,927
3.9% year-over-year change
Population density
482/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
5,285
Female
51.6%
5,640
Value Percent
Male 5,285 48.4%
Female 5,640 51.6%
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 Stratford is 40.3. Children under 15 make up 18.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.7% are 25 to 34, 13.8% are 35 to 44, and 13.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 11.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 18.3%.

Average age
40.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.9%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 34
11.7%
35 to 44
13.8%
45 to 54
13.5%
55 to 64
11.6%
Over 65
18.3%
Value Percent
Under 15 2,070 18.9%
15 to 24 1,325 12.1%
25 to 34 1,280 11.7%
35 to 44 1,505 13.8%
45 to 54 1,480 13.5%
55 to 64 1,270 11.6%
Over 65 2,005 18.3%
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 Stratford, 83.5% of residents were born in Canada, while 12.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 3.7% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
83.5%
Immigrants
12.7%
Non-permanent residents
3.7%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 9,065 83.5%
Immigrants 1,380 12.7%
Non-permanent residents 400 3.7%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
14.4%
Non-minorities
85.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,565 14.4%
Non-minorities 9,285 85.6%
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 Stratford
English
96.6%
French
1.9%
English and French
0.4%
Neither English nor French
1.1%
Value Percent
English 10,485 96.6%
French 210 1.9%
English and French 45 0.4%
Neither English nor French 115 1.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.6% of people in Stratford speak English as their primary language, 1.9% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% are bilingual, and 1.1% 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 Stratford

A peek inside Stratford households

Stratford has 4,295 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 23.2% of all homes, while 36.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 24.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
4,295
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
23.2%
2 persons
36.4%
3 persons
16.4%
4 persons
16.4%
5 or more persons
7.7%
Value Percent
1 person 1,000 23.2%
2 persons 1,565 36.4%
3 persons 705 16.4%
4 persons 705 16.4%
5 or more persons 330 7.7%
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 Stratford

The housing landscape of Stratford

Stratford has a total of 4,667 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 65.6% are single-detached houses, 33.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 1% are apartments. When it comes to space, Stratford offers a variety of home sizes: 4% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 63% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 32.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
4,667
Housing types
Single-detached homes
65.6%
Attached homes
33.2%
Apartments
1%
Movable homes
0.1%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 2,825 65.6%
Attached homes 1,430 33.2%
Apartments 45 1%
Movable homes 5 0.1%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
4%
2 or 3 bedrooms
63%
4 or more bedrooms
32.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 180 4%
2 or 3 bedrooms 2,710 63%
4 or more bedrooms 1,415 32.9%
Homes built since 2011
1,110

The age of buildings in Stratford

About 2.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 2.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 5% went up in the 1960s, 16.9% in the 1970s, and 11.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13.2% of homes were added, and 22.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 110 2.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 115 2.7%
Between 1961 and 1970 215 5%
Between 1971 and 1980 725 16.9%
Between 1981 and 1990 490 11.4%
Between 1991 and 2000 565 13.2%
Between 2001 and 2010 965 22.5%
After 2011 1,110 25.8%
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.

Stratford occupancy rates

In Stratford, there are 4,307 occupied private dwellings, of which 71% are owner-occupied and 29% are rented. Meanwhile, 360 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
4,307
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
29%
Owned households
71%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,245 29%
Owned households 3,050 71%
Unoccupied dwellings
360
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 Stratford, homeowners pay a median of $1,310 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,150. About 82.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,310
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,150
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
82.6%
≥30% on shelter
17.4%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 3,535 82.6%
≥30% on shelter 745 17.4%
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 Stratford

Stratford education at a glance

In Stratford, educational attainment varies across the community. About 9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 20.4% have completed high school and 4.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 38% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 790 9%
High school diploma 1,785 20.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 415 4.8%
College diploma 2,145 24.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 285 3.3%
University degree 3,315 38%
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 Stratford

How much people earn in Stratford

In Stratford, the median household income sits at $91,000, while the median after-tax household income is $78,000.

Median household income
$91,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$78,000/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.

Stratford income by age

Young adults in Stratford between 15 and 24 have a median income of $21,000, 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 $45,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $60,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $62,400, followed by $57,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $40,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 21,000
25 - 34 45,200
35 - 44 60,400
45 - 54 62,400
55 - 64 57,600
Over 65 40,000

Employment in Stratford

Workforce and job sectors in Stratford

In Stratford, 5,915 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8%. 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
5,915
Unemployment rate
8%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 110 1.9%
Business, finance and administration 1,060 18.3%
Natural and applied sciences 500 8.6%
Health 645 11.1%
Education, law, community and government services 1,045 18%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 180 3.1%
Sales and service 1,320 22.7%
Trades and transport 665 11.5%
Natural resources and agriculture 150 2.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 130 2.2%
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 Stratford

How people get around in Stratford

In Stratford, the average commute is 17 minutes. About 95.9% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1% rely on public transit and 1.5% walk or bike. The remaining 1.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
17 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
44.3%
15 to 29 minutes
41.3%
30 to 44 minutes
8.9%
45 to 59 minutes
2.5%
More than 60 minutes
3%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,940 44.3%
15 to 29 minutes 1,810 41.3%
30 to 44 minutes 390 8.9%
45 to 59 minutes 110 2.5%
More than 60 minutes 130 3%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 4,200 95.9%
By public transit 45 1%
By bicycle/by walking 65 1.5%
By other methods 70 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 Stratford demographics 

What is the current total population in Stratford?

Stratford has a population of 10,927, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.9% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Stratford?  

Stratford has a population density of 482 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Stratford?

Stratford has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.4% males (5,285 residents)  
  • 51.6% females (5,640 residents)

What is the age distribution of Stratford residents?  

The age distribution of Stratford residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 18.9% (2,070 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12.1% (1,325 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.7% (1,280 residents)   
  • 35-44: 13.8% (1,505 residents)   
  • 45-54: 13.5% (1,480 residents)   
  • 55-64: 11.6% (1,270 residents)   
  • Over 64: 18.3% (2,005 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Stratford? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Stratford: 
  • 83.5% non-immigrants (9,065 residents)  
  • 12.7% immigrants (1,380 residents)  
  • 3.7% non-permanent residents (400 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Stratford?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Stratford: 
  • English: 96.6% 
  • French: 1.9% 
  • English and French: 0.4% 
  • Neither English nor French: 1.1% 

What is the typical household size in Stratford?  

The typical household size in Stratford is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Stratford?  

The median household income in Stratford is $91,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Stratford residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Stratford is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 9% (790 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 20.4% (1,785 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 4.8% (415 residents) 
  • College diploma: 24.6% (2,145 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.3% (285 residents) 
  • University degree: 38% (3,315 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Stratford?  

The most common occupations in Stratford fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.1% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 18.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 18% 
  • Health: 11.1% 
  • Management: 1.9% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.2% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 8.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.6% 
  • Sales and service: 22.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 11.5% 

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