Summerside, PE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,001
3.5 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,200/yr
Private dwellings
7,393

Summerside population

How many people live in Summerside

Summerside is home to 16,001 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.4% identify as male and 52.6% as female.

Total population
16,001
3.5% year-over-year change
Population density
567.2/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
7,590
Female
52.6%
8,415
Value Percent
Male 7,590 47.4%
Female 8,415 52.6%
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 Summerside is 44.9. Children under 15 make up 14.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.4% are 25 to 34, 11% are 35 to 44, and 12.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 24.3%.

Average age
44.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.4%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 34
10.4%
35 to 44
11%
45 to 54
12.4%
55 to 64
15.2%
Over 65
24.3%
Value Percent
Under 15 2,310 14.4%
15 to 24 1,945 12.2%
25 to 34 1,670 10.4%
35 to 44 1,760 11%
45 to 54 1,990 12.4%
55 to 64 2,440 15.2%
Over 65 3,895 24.3%
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 Summerside, 89.7% of residents were born in Canada, while 6.2% have settled here from abroad. Another 4.1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
89.7%
Immigrants
6.2%
Non-permanent residents
4.1%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 13,955 89.7%
Immigrants 960 6.2%
Non-permanent residents 630 4.1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
9%
Non-minorities
91%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,395 9%
Non-minorities 14,155 91%
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 Summerside
English
96%
French
3.6%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 15,150 96%
French 560 3.6%
English and French 35 0.2%
Neither English nor French 30 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96% of people in Summerside speak English as their primary language, 3.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 0.2% 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 Summerside

A peek inside Summerside households

Summerside has 7,090 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 33.6% of all homes, while 37.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.5%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
7,090
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
33.6%
2 persons
37.6%
3 persons
13.5%
4 persons
9.9%
5 or more persons
5.4%
Value Percent
1 person 2,385 33.6%
2 persons 2,665 37.6%
3 persons 955 13.5%
4 persons 705 9.9%
5 or more persons 385 5.4%
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 Summerside

The housing landscape of Summerside

Summerside has a total of 7,393 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 49.1% are single-detached houses, 43.7% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.6% are apartments. When it comes to space, Summerside offers a variety of home sizes: 13% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 66% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 21.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
7,393
Housing types
Single-detached homes
49.1%
Attached homes
43.7%
Apartments
0.6%
Movable homes
6.7%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 3,485 49.1%
Attached homes 3,100 43.7%
Apartments 40 0.6%
Movable homes 475 6.7%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
13%
2 or 3 bedrooms
66%
4 or more bedrooms
21.2%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 920 13%
2 or 3 bedrooms 4,670 66%
4 or more bedrooms 1,500 21.2%
Homes built since 2011
820

The age of buildings in Summerside

About 14.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 13.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.5% went up in the 1960s, 15% in the 1970s, and 11.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.4% of homes were added, and 9.9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,015 14.3%
Between 1946 and 1960 980 13.8%
Between 1961 and 1970 815 11.5%
Between 1971 and 1980 1,060 15%
Between 1981 and 1990 820 11.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 880 12.4%
Between 2001 and 2010 700 9.9%
After 2011 820 11.6%
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.

Summerside occupancy rates

In Summerside, there are 7,097 occupied private dwellings, of which 53.2% are owner-occupied and 46.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 296 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
7,097
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
46.8%
Owned households
53.2%
Value Percent
Rented households 3,320 46.8%
Owned households 3,770 53.2%
Unoccupied dwellings
296
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 Summerside, homeowners pay a median of $930 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $890. About 81.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 18.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$930
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$890
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
81.4%
≥30% on shelter
18.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 5,755 81.4%
≥30% on shelter 1,315 18.6%
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 Summerside

Summerside education at a glance

In Summerside, educational attainment varies across the community. About 18.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 32.2% have completed high school and 6.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 16.2% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 2,445 18.4%
High school diploma 4,265 32.2%
Apprenticeship diploma 820 6.2%
College diploma 3,240 24.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 345 2.6%
University degree 2,145 16.2%
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 Summerside

How much people earn in Summerside

In Summerside, the median household income sits at $63,200, while the median after-tax household income is $56,000.

Median household income
$63,200/year
Median after-tax household income
$56,000/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.

Summerside income by age

Young adults in Summerside between 15 and 24 have a median income of $22,200, 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 $40,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $48,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $49,200, followed by $40,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $28,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 22,200
25 - 34 40,000
35 - 44 48,000
45 - 54 49,200
55 - 64 40,800
Over 65 28,800

Employment in Summerside

Workforce and job sectors in Summerside

In Summerside, 8,115 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
8,115
Unemployment rate
10.3%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 70 0.9%
Business, finance and administration 1,275 16%
Natural and applied sciences 425 5.4%
Health 615 7.7%
Education, law, community and government services 800 10.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 145 1.8%
Sales and service 2,485 31.3%
Trades and transport 1,305 16.4%
Natural resources and agriculture 235 3%
Manufacturing and utilities 595 7.5%
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 Summerside

How people get around in Summerside

In Summerside, the average commute is 14 minutes. About 92.7% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.2% rely on public transit and 5.2% walk or bike. The remaining 1.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
14 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
70.1%
15 to 29 minutes
17.8%
30 to 44 minutes
5.3%
45 to 59 minutes
3.2%
More than 60 minutes
3.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 4,405 70.1%
15 to 29 minutes 1,120 17.8%
30 to 44 minutes 335 5.3%
45 to 59 minutes 200 3.2%
More than 60 minutes 225 3.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 5,830 92.7%
By public transit 15 0.2%
By bicycle/by walking 330 5.2%
By other methods 115 1.8%
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 Summerside demographics 

What is the current total population in Summerside?

Summerside has a population of 16,001, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.5% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Summerside?  

Summerside has a population density of 567.2 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Summerside?

Summerside has the following gender distribution:
  • 47.4% males (7,590 residents)  
  • 52.6% females (8,415 residents)

What is the age distribution of Summerside residents?  

The age distribution of Summerside residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.4% (2,310 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12.2% (1,945 residents)   
  • 25-34: 10.4% (1,670 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11% (1,760 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.4% (1,990 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.2% (2,440 residents)   
  • Over 64: 24.3% (3,895 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Summerside? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Summerside: 
  • 89.7% non-immigrants (13,955 residents)  
  • 6.2% immigrants (960 residents)  
  • 4.1% non-permanent residents (630 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Summerside?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Summerside: 
  • English: 96% 
  • French: 3.6% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Summerside?  

The typical household size in Summerside is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Summerside?  

The median household income in Summerside is $63,200 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Summerside residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Summerside is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 18.4% (2,445 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 32.2% (4,265 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 6.2% (820 residents) 
  • College diploma: 24.4% (3,240 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.6% (345 residents) 
  • University degree: 16.2% (2,145 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Summerside?  

The most common occupations in Summerside fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.8% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 16% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 10.1% 
  • Health: 7.7% 
  • Management: 0.9% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 7.5% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.4% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3% 
  • Sales and service: 31.3% 
  • Trades and transport: 16.4% 

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