The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, Ontario, recorded a population of 42,880 in the 2021 Census, rising from 35,325 in 2016. This reflects a 21.4% increase (+7,555 people) over five years, one of the fastest growth rates in Simcoe County. With a land area of 200.68 km², the town’s population density was 213.7 people per km². Known for its strong agricultural roots and growing role as a commuter hub for the Greater Toronto Area, Bradford West Gwillimbury continues to attract families and newcomers.
Population Growth Trends
| Year | Population | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 35,325 | – | – |
| 2021 | 42,880 | +7,555 | +21.4% |
Age Distribution
The population had a median age of 37.6 years, slightly younger than the provincial median, reflecting a strong share of families with children.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 9,185 | 21.4% |
| 15–64 years | 28,155 | 65.7% |
| 65+ years | 5,535 | 12.9% |
Households & Dwellings
Bradford West Gwillimbury reported 13,907 private dwellings, of which 13,415 were occupied in 2021. The average household size was 3.2 persons, higher than the Ontario average, highlighting its family-oriented growth.
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 1,835 | 13.7% |
| 2 persons | 3,485 | 26.0% |
| 3 persons | 2,615 | 19.5% |
| 4 persons | 3,195 | 23.8% |
| 5+ persons | 2,290 | 17.1% |
Dwelling type
| Dwelling Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Single-detached house | 10,025 |
| Semi-detached house | 940 |
| Row house | 690 |
| Duplex | 835 |
| Apartment <5 storeys | 630 |
| Apartment ≥5 storeys | 255 |
| Other single-attached house | 30 |
| Movable dwelling | 5 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Bradford West Gwillimbury is a culturally diverse town, shaped by immigration from Europe, Latin America, South Asia, and the Middle East. The majority population identifies as White, but visible minority communities are steadily growing.
| Visible Minority Group | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| White (non-minority) | ~70% |
| South Asian | ~10% |
| Latin American | ~7% |
| Black | ~5% |
| Other visible minorities | ~8% |
Immigration
Immigrants form a significant part of the town’s population, with more than 11,000 immigrants admitted between 1980 and 2021. Family sponsorship and economic immigration are the leading admission categories.
Immigrant status (2021)
| Status | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizens | 38,845 | 91.7% |
| Not Canadian citizens | 3,495 | 8.3% |
Admission category (1980–2021)
| Category | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Economic immigrants | 4,200 | 37.8% |
| — Principal applicants | 1,525 | 13.7% |
| — Secondary applicants | 2,675 | 24.1% |
| Family-sponsored | 3,900 | 35.1% |
| Refugees | 2,770 | 24.9% |
| Other immigrants | 240 | 2.2% |
Period of immigration
| Period | Share (est.) |
|---|---|
| Before 1980 | ~20% |
| 1980–1999 | ~35% |
| 2000–2010 | ~25% |
| 2011–2021 | ~20% |
Income & Poverty
In 2020, Bradford West Gwillimbury households reported a median household income of $114,000 and a median after-tax income of $98,000, well above the provincial average.
Household income (2020)
| Household Type | Median Income ($) |
|---|---|
| All households | 114,000 |
| One-person households | 46,400 |
| Two+ person households | 125,000 |
Economic family income (2020)
| Family Type | Median Income ($) |
|---|---|
| All families | 123,000 |
| Couple with children | 141,000 |
| Couple without children | 99,000 |
| One-parent families | 82,000 |
Low income (LIM-AT, 2020)
| Age Group | In Low Income | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–17 years | 865 | 8.0% |
| 18–64 years | 1,355 | 5.1% |
| 65+ years | 430 | 8.5% |
| Total | 2,650 | 6.3% |
Education
Bradford West Gwillimbury has strong high school and college completion rates, though university attainment is lower than in Ontario overall.
| Highest Education Level (15+) | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 6,320 | 19.1% |
| High school diploma | 10,020 | 30.2% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 16,810 | 50.7% |
| — Trades/apprenticeship | 2,045 | 6.2% |
| — College diploma | 7,115 | 21.5% |
| — University degree+ | 7,095 | 21.4% |
Employment
In 2021, the town had a participation rate of 69.4%, an employment rate of 61.6%, and an unemployment rate of 11.4%, reflecting pandemic-related impacts.
Occupation groups
| Occupation Group | Workers |
|---|---|
| Sales & service | 5,515 |
| Trades & transport | 5,265 |
| Business & finance | 3,820 |
| Education, law & government | 2,175 |
| Health occupations | 1,265 |
| Manufacturing & utilities | 1,410 |
Top industries
| Industry Sector | Workers |
|---|---|
| Construction | 3,200 |
| Manufacturing | 2,670 |
| Retail trade | 2,775 |
| Health care & social assistance | 2,115 |
| Educational services | 1,465 |
| Public administration | 980 |
Commuting & Transportation
Bradford West Gwillimbury is a commuter town, with many residents traveling to Toronto and York Region for work. Most rely on private vehicles, with GO Transit connections providing alternatives for longer commutes.
| Mode of Transport | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| Car (driver/passenger) | ~88% |
| Public transit | ~8% |
| Walking & cycling | ~3% |
| Other | ~1% |
Conclusion
In 2021, the population of Bradford West Gwillimbury reached 42,880, a 21.4% surge from 2016. With a median age of 37.6 years, high household incomes, and strong growth fueled by immigration and suburban expansion, the town has become a thriving hub within Simcoe County. Its unique characteristic is its blend of agricultural heritage and rapid suburbanization, positioning it as both a farming centre and commuter-friendly community.
FAQ
The population was 42,880 in 2021.
It is growing rapidly, with a 21.4% increase since 2016.
The median age is 37.6 years, slightly younger than the provincial average.
There were 13,415 occupied dwellings in 2021.
Key industries include construction, manufacturing, retail trade, health care, and education.
Source:
- Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.
- Statistics Canada. Table 17-10-0148-01 Population estimates, July 1, by census metropolitan area and census agglomeration, 2021 boundaries
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