Brampton, Ontario Population

---

---

---

Brampton’s population in 2021 was 656,480, an increase of 62,842 people from 593,638 in 2016—+10.6% growth. The city spans 265.89 km², for a population density of ~2,469 people per km². There were 189,086 private dwellings, of which 182,472 were occupied by usual residents (average household size 3.6).

---

Population Growth Trends

Brampton added nearly 63,000 residents between 2016 and 2021, driven by sustained immigration and a relatively young age profile.

Quick growth facts

• 2016 population: 593,638
• 2021 population: 656,480
• Absolute change: +62,842
• Percent change (2016→2021): +10.6%

---

Age Distribution

Brampton is comparatively young, with a median age of 36.0 and 37.5 average age.

Broad age groups (share of total population)

Age Group	Population	Percent
0–14 years	117,660	17.9%
15–64 years	456,990	69.6%
65+ years	81,830	12.5%

---

Households & Dwellings

• Total private dwellings: 189,086
• Occupied by usual residents: 182,472
• Average household size: 3.6
• Estimated occupied-dwelling density: ~686 per km² (182,472 / 265.89)

Household size

Household Size	Households	Share
1 person	22,140	12.1%
2 persons	35,990	19.7%
3 persons	34,145	18.7%
4 persons	42,935	23.5%
5+ persons	47,265	25.9%

Occupied dwellings by structure

Structure Type	Count
Single-detached	96,020
Semi-detached	24,750
Row house	23,055
Apt ≥5 storeys	18,585
Apt <5 storeys	8,045
Duplex	11,960

---

Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)

Brampton is one of Canada’s most diverse cities. Based on the population in private households (650,165), visible minorities total 523,850 (majority of residents).

Visible minority population (private-household base = 650,165)

Group	Population	Percent
South Asian	340,815	52.4%
Black	85,310	13.1%
Filipino	21,055	3.2%
Latin American	13,490	2.1%
Southeast Asian	9,100	1.4%
Chinese	7,135	1.1%
West Asian	7,040	1.1%
Arab	6,675	1.0%
Visible minority, n.i.e.	20,555	3.2%
Multiple visible minorities	11,815	1.8%
Korean	470	0.1%
Japanese	395	0.1%
Not a visible minority	126,315	19.4%

Note: Totals reflect StatsCan “population in private households” base for this table.

---

Immigration

Immigrants are the engine of Brampton’s growth: 343,690 immigrants, 266,465 non-immigrants, and 40,005 non-permanent residents (private-household base 650,160).

Immigrant status (private-household base = 650,160)

Status	Population	Percent
Immigrants	343,690	52.9%
Non-immigrants	266,465	41.0%
Non-permanent residents	40,005	6.2%

Period of immigration (share of immigrants = 343,690)

Period	Immigrants	Percent
Before 1980	38,125	11.1%
1980–1990	37,385	10.9%
1991–2000	74,700	21.7%
2001–2010	98,615	28.7%
2011–2021	94,870	27.6%

Admission category & applicant type (admitted 1980–2021; base = 305,565)

Category	Population	Percent
Economic immigrants (total)	132,975	43.5%
— Principal applicants	57,665	18.9%
— Secondary applicants	75,310	24.6%
Sponsored by family	136,525	44.7%
Refugees	32,355	10.6%
Other immigrants	3,710	1.2%

---

Income & Poverty

• Median total household income (2020): $111,000
• Median after-tax household income (2020): $98,000
• One-person households (median, 2020): $45,200 total; $40,400 after-tax
• Two-or-more-person households (median, 2020): $120,000 total; $106,000 after-tax
• Economic families (median, 2020): $117,000 total; $103,000 after-tax
• Poverty (LIM-AT) 2020: 6.4% of residents in private households

---

Education

(Residents 15+ in private households)

Level	Population
No certificate/diploma/degree	89,500
High school diploma	152,685
Postsecondary (any)	290,355
— Apprenticeship/trades	19,545
— College/CEGEP/non-university	92,770
— University below bachelor	16,640
— Bachelor’s or higher (total)	161,400
—— Bachelor’s degree	106,370
—— Master’s degree	39,045
—— Professional (MD/DDS/etc.)	3,635
—— Doctorate	2,100

---

Employment

• Participation rate (15+): 66.8%
• Employment rate (15+): 57.9%
• Unemployment rate (15+): 13.3% (pandemic year)

Leading industries (employment counts)
Transportation & warehousing (54,860); Manufacturing (42,495); Retail trade (40,350); Health care & social assistance (30,440); Professional, scientific & technical services (28,080); Construction (20,310); Finance & insurance (19,185).

---

Commuting & Transportation

Main mode of commuting (base = 238,010 with a usual/no fixed workplace):

Mode	Commuters	Percent
Car, truck or van (any)	204,435	85.9%
— as driver	183,185	77.0%
— as passenger	21,250	8.9%
Public transit	24,600	10.3%
Walked	3,350	1.4%
Bicycle	350	0.1%
Other method	5,280	2.2%

Commute duration

Duration	Commuters	Percent
<15 minutes	34,355	14.4%
15–29 minutes	87,895	36.9%
30–44 minutes	67,240	28.3%
45–59 minutes	22,910	9.6%
60+ minutes	25,620	10.8%

---

Conclusion

Brampton’s 656,480 residents in 2021 reflect rapid growth (+10.6%), a young median age (36.0), and dense urban form. The city stands out for its majority visible-minority population, deep South Asian and Black communities, and a high share of recent immigrants—factors that shape its labour market strengths in transportation, manufacturing, retail, health care, and professional services. A car-first commute pattern persists, though one in ten workers use transit.

FAQ

---

---

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

---

---