Waterloo, QC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,920
4.2 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,200/yr
Private dwellings
2,404

Waterloo population

How many people live in Waterloo

Waterloo is home to 4,920 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.9% identify as male and 51.1% as female.

Total population
4,920
4.2% year-over-year change
Population density
402.2/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
2,405
Female
51.1%
2,515
Value Percent
Male 2,405 48.9%
Female 2,515 51.1%
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 Waterloo is 42.6. Children under 15 make up 18.5% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.9% are 25 to 34, 12.4% are 35 to 44, and 10.3% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 21.2%.

Average age
42.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.5%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 34
11.9%
35 to 44
12.4%
45 to 54
10.3%
55 to 64
16%
Over 65
21.2%
Value Percent
Under 15 910 18.5%
15 to 24 480 9.8%
25 to 34 585 11.9%
35 to 44 610 12.4%
45 to 54 505 10.3%
55 to 64 785 16%
Over 65 1,045 21.2%
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 Waterloo, 96.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 3.4% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
96.2%
Immigrants
3.4%
Non-permanent residents
0.3%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 4,620 96.2%
Immigrants 165 3.4%
Non-permanent residents 15 0.3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
2.1%
Non-minorities
97.9%
Value Percent
Minorities 100 2.1%
Non-minorities 4,700 97.9%
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 Waterloo
English
13.4%
French
85.6%
English and French
1%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 650 13.4%
French 4,145 85.6%
English and French 50 1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 13.4% of people in Waterloo speak English as their primary language, 85.6% 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 Waterloo

A peek inside Waterloo households

Waterloo has 2,240 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 39.9% of all homes, while 33.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 10.5%, and homes with four or more people account for 16.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,240
Average people per household
2.1
1 person
39.9%
2 persons
33.6%
3 persons
10.5%
4 persons
8.7%
5 or more persons
7.4%
Value Percent
1 person 895 39.9%
2 persons 755 33.6%
3 persons 235 10.5%
4 persons 195 8.7%
5 or more persons 165 7.4%
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 Waterloo

The housing landscape of Waterloo

Waterloo has a total of 2,404 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Waterloo offers a variety of home sizes: 13% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 69% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 17.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
2,404
Housing types
Single-detached homes
41.9%
Attached homes
56.4%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
1.8%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 940 41.9%
Attached homes 1,265 56.4%
Movable homes 40 1.8%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
13%
2 or 3 bedrooms
69%
4 or more bedrooms
17.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 290 13%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,550 69%
4 or more bedrooms 400 17.9%
Homes built since 2011
350

The age of buildings in Waterloo

About 19.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 15.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.6% went up in the 1960s, 12.5% in the 1970s, and 5.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.2% of homes were added, and 11.9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 445 19.9%
Between 1946 and 1960 345 15.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 260 11.6%
Between 1971 and 1980 280 12.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 130 5.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 160 7.2%
Between 2001 and 2010 265 11.9%
After 2011 350 15.7%
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.

Waterloo occupancy rates

In Waterloo, there are 2,242 occupied private dwellings, of which 57.4% are owner-occupied and 42.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 162 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,242
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
42.6%
Owned households
57.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 955 42.6%
Owned households 1,285 57.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
162
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 Waterloo, homeowners pay a median of $1,070 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $596. About 86.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 13.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,070
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$596
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
86.6%
≥30% on shelter
13.4%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,940 86.6%
≥30% on shelter 300 13.4%
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 Waterloo

Waterloo education at a glance

In Waterloo, educational attainment varies across the community. About 32.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 24% have completed high school and 15.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 13.5% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 12.7% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,260 32.4%
High school diploma 935 24%
Apprenticeship diploma 600 15.4%
College diploma 525 13.5%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 75 1.9%
University degree 495 12.7%
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 Waterloo

How much people earn in Waterloo

In Waterloo, the median household income sits at $59,200, while the median after-tax household income is $52,800.

Median household income
$59,200/year
Median after-tax household income
$52,800/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.

Waterloo income by age

Young adults in Waterloo between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,000, 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 $44,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $51,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $46,400, followed by $40,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $25,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,000
25 - 34 44,000
35 - 44 51,600
45 - 54 46,400
55 - 64 40,400
Over 65 25,200

Employment in Waterloo

Workforce and job sectors in Waterloo

In Waterloo, 2,375 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.9%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, 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
2,375
Unemployment rate
6.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 25 1.1%
Business, finance and administration 260 11.1%
Natural and applied sciences 155 6.6%
Health 155 6.6%
Education, law, community and government services 285 12.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 70 3%
Sales and service 620 26.6%
Trades and transport 470 20.1%
Natural resources and agriculture 80 3.4%
Manufacturing and utilities 215 9.2%
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 Waterloo

How people get around in Waterloo

In Waterloo, the average commute is 21 minutes. The remaining 0.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
21 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
34.1%
15 to 29 minutes
38.9%
30 to 44 minutes
18.2%
45 to 59 minutes
4.8%
More than 60 minutes
4%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 645 34.1%
15 to 29 minutes 735 38.9%
30 to 44 minutes 345 18.2%
45 to 59 minutes 90 4.8%
More than 60 minutes 75 4%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 1,710 90.7%
By bicycle/by walking 160 8.5%
By other methods 15 0.8%
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 Waterloo demographics 

What is the current total population in Waterloo?

Waterloo has a population of 4,920, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +4.2% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Waterloo?  

Waterloo has a population density of 402.2 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Waterloo?

Waterloo has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.9% males (2,405 residents)  
  • 51.1% females (2,515 residents)

What is the age distribution of Waterloo residents?  

The age distribution of Waterloo residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 18.5% (910 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.8% (480 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.9% (585 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.4% (610 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.3% (505 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16% (785 residents)   
  • Over 64: 21.2% (1,045 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Waterloo? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Waterloo: 
  • 96.2% non-immigrants (4,620 residents)  
  • 3.4% immigrants (165 residents)  
  • 0.3% non-permanent residents (15 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Waterloo?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Waterloo: 
  • English: 13.4% 
  • French: 85.6% 
  • English and French: 1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Waterloo?  

The typical household size in Waterloo is 2.1 people. 

What is the median household income in Waterloo?  

The median household income in Waterloo is $59,200 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Waterloo residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Waterloo is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 32.4% (1,260 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 24% (935 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 15.4% (600 residents) 
  • College diploma: 13.5% (525 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.9% (75 residents) 
  • University degree: 12.7% (495 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Waterloo?  

The most common occupations in Waterloo fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 11.1% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 12.2% 
  • Health: 6.6% 
  • Management: 1.1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 9.2% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.4% 
  • Sales and service: 26.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 20.1% 

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