Shefford, QC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,253
0.6 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$96,000/yr
Private dwellings
3,095

Shefford population

How many people live in Shefford

Shefford is home to 7,253 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 51.7% identify as male and 48.3% as female.

Total population
7,253
0.6% year-over-year change
Population density
61.5/km2
Gender ratio
Male
51.7%
3,750
Female
48.3%
3,505
Value Percent
Male 3,750 51.7%
Female 3,505 48.3%
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 Shefford is 43.6. Children under 15 make up 16.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.5%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 8.1% are 25 to 34, 13.2% are 35 to 44, and 14.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 18.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 19.7%.

Average age
43.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.4%
15 to 24
9.5%
25 to 34
8.1%
35 to 44
13.2%
45 to 54
14.4%
55 to 64
18.6%
Over 65
19.7%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,195 16.4%
15 to 24 690 9.5%
25 to 34 590 8.1%
35 to 44 960 13.2%
45 to 54 1,050 14.4%
55 to 64 1,355 18.6%
Over 65 1,430 19.7%
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 Shefford, 96.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 3.4% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
96.2%
Immigrants
3.4%
Non-permanent residents
0.5%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 6,970 96.2%
Immigrants 245 3.4%
Non-permanent residents 35 0.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
1.2%
Non-minorities
98.8%
Value Percent
Minorities 90 1.2%
Non-minorities 7,155 98.8%
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 Shefford
English
7%
French
92%
English and French
1%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 510 7%
French 6,670 92%
English and French 70 1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 7% of people in Shefford speak English as their primary language, 92% communicate mainly in French, 1% are bilingual, and 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 Shefford

A peek inside Shefford households

Shefford has 2,910 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 18.8% of all homes, while 46.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 21.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,910
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
18.8%
2 persons
46.3%
3 persons
13.8%
4 persons
13.2%
5 or more persons
7.9%
Value Percent
1 person 545 18.8%
2 persons 1,345 46.3%
3 persons 400 13.8%
4 persons 385 13.2%
5 or more persons 230 7.9%
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 Shefford

The housing landscape of Shefford

Shefford has a total of 3,095 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Shefford offers a variety of home sizes: 4% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 68% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 28.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
3,095
Housing types
Single-detached homes
92.8%
Attached homes
2.9%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
4.3%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 2,690 92.8%
Attached homes 85 2.9%
Movable homes 125 4.3%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
4%
2 or 3 bedrooms
68%
4 or more bedrooms
28.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 105 4%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,965 68%
4 or more bedrooms 840 28.9%
Homes built since 2011
355

The age of buildings in Shefford

About 4.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 4.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 5.6% went up in the 1960s, 14% in the 1970s, and 13.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 20.7% of homes were added, and 24.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 135 4.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 130 4.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 165 5.6%
Between 1971 and 1980 410 14%
Between 1981 and 1990 395 13.5%
Between 1991 and 2000 605 20.7%
Between 2001 and 2010 725 24.8%
After 2011 355 12.2%
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.

Shefford occupancy rates

In Shefford, there are 2,909 occupied private dwellings, of which 92.2% are owner-occupied and 7.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 186 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,909
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
7.8%
Owned households
92.2%
Value Percent
Rented households 225 7.8%
Owned households 2,680 92.2%
Unoccupied dwellings
186
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 Shefford, homeowners pay a median of $1,040 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $810. About 92.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 7.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,040
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$810
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
92.3%
≥30% on shelter
7.7%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 2,650 92.3%
≥30% on shelter 220 7.7%
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 Shefford

Shefford education at a glance

In Shefford, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16.1% of residents have no formal diploma, while 20.9% have completed high school and 16.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.5% have graduated from college. Finally, 4.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 23.8% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 970 16.1%
High school diploma 1,265 20.9%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,010 16.7%
College diploma 1,115 18.5%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 245 4.1%
University degree 1,435 23.8%
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 Shefford

How much people earn in Shefford

In Shefford, the median household income sits at $96,000, while the median after-tax household income is $82,000.

Median household income
$96,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$82,000/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.

Shefford income by age

Young adults in Shefford between 15 and 24 have a median income of $15,300, 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 $49,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $63,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $60,000, followed by $48,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 15,300
25 - 34 49,600
35 - 44 63,200
45 - 54 60,000
55 - 64 48,000
Over 65 34,000

Employment in Shefford

Workforce and job sectors in Shefford

In Shefford, 3,945 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 4.1%. 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
3,945
Unemployment rate
4.1%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 115 3%
Business, finance and administration 530 13.6%
Natural and applied sciences 310 8%
Health 355 9.1%
Education, law, community and government services 510 13.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 105 2.7%
Sales and service 875 22.4%
Trades and transport 645 16.5%
Natural resources and agriculture 155 4%
Manufacturing and utilities 300 7.7%
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 Shefford

How people get around in Shefford

In Shefford, the average commute is 24 minutes. About 96.7% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.9% rely on public transit and 2.1% walk or bike. The remaining 0.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
24 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
28.6%
15 to 29 minutes
40.7%
30 to 44 minutes
15.3%
45 to 59 minutes
5.4%
More than 60 minutes
10%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 815 28.6%
15 to 29 minutes 1,160 40.7%
30 to 44 minutes 435 15.3%
45 to 59 minutes 155 5.4%
More than 60 minutes 285 10%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,750 96.7%
By public transit 25 0.9%
By bicycle/by walking 60 2.1%
By other methods 10 0.4%
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 Shefford demographics 

What is the current total population in Shefford?

Shefford has a population of 7,253, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.6% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Shefford?  

Shefford has a population density of 61.5 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Shefford?

Shefford has the following gender distribution:
  • 51.7% males (3,750 residents)  
  • 48.3% females (3,505 residents)

What is the age distribution of Shefford residents?  

The age distribution of Shefford residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 16.4% (1,195 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.5% (690 residents)   
  • 25-34: 8.1% (590 residents)   
  • 35-44: 13.2% (960 residents)   
  • 45-54: 14.4% (1,050 residents)   
  • 55-64: 18.6% (1,355 residents)   
  • Over 64: 19.7% (1,430 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Shefford? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Shefford: 
  • 96.2% non-immigrants (6,970 residents)  
  • 3.4% immigrants (245 residents)  
  • 0.5% non-permanent residents (35 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Shefford?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Shefford: 
  • English: 7% 
  • French: 92% 
  • English and French: 1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Shefford?  

The typical household size in Shefford is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Shefford?  

The median household income in Shefford is $96,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Shefford residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Shefford is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 16.1% (970 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 20.9% (1,265 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 16.7% (1,010 residents) 
  • College diploma: 18.5% (1,115 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 4.1% (245 residents) 
  • University degree: 23.8% (1,435 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Shefford?  

The most common occupations in Shefford fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.7% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13.6% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 13.1% 
  • Health: 9.1% 
  • Management: 3% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 7.7% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 4% 
  • Sales and service: 22.4% 
  • Trades and transport: 16.5% 

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