The City of Cambridge, Ontario recorded a population of 138,479 in the 2021 Census, an increase from 129,920 in 2016. This marks a 6.6% population growth (+8,559 residents) in five years. With a land area of 112.99 km², Cambridge has a population density of 1,225.5 residents per km², reflecting its compact urban development. Cambridge is part of the Waterloo Region and is well known for its manufacturing base, riverfront landscapes, and growing suburban communities.
Population Growth Trends
| Year | Population | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 129,920 | – | – |
| 2021 | 138,479 | +8,559 | +6.6% |
Age Distribution
Cambridge has a median age of 39.2 years, making it slightly younger than the Ontario average. Children under 15 years represent 17.7% of residents, while seniors (65+) account for 16.0%.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 24,475 | 17.7% |
| 15–64 years | 91,845 | 66.3% |
| 65+ years | 22,160 | 16.0% |
Households & Dwellings
Cambridge has a diverse housing stock dominated by single-detached homes. The average household size is 2.7 persons.
- Total private dwellings: 53,013
- Occupied dwellings: 51,269
- Average household size: 2.7
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 11,870 | 23.1% |
| 2 persons | 16,295 | 31.8% |
| 3 persons | 8,860 | 17.3% |
| 4 persons | 8,605 | 16.8% |
| 5+ persons | 5,630 | 11.0% |
Dwelling type
| Dwelling Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Single-detached house | 29,110 |
| Semi-detached house | 3,730 |
| Row house | 6,325 |
| Duplex | 1,735 |
| Apartment <5 storeys | 7,160 |
| Apartment ≥5 storeys | 3,020 |
| Other / movable dwelling | 195 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Cambridge is a culturally diverse city. While the majority identify as White, significant visible minority populations include South Asian, Black, and Latin American communities. Indigenous residents also form a meaningful share of the population.
| Visible Minority Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| White (not visible minority) | ~105,000 | ~76% |
| South Asian | ~7,500 | ~5% |
| Black | ~4,500 | ~3% |
| Latin American | ~3,500 | ~2.5% |
| Chinese | ~2,000 | ~1.5% |
| Other visible minorities | ~8,000 | ~6% |
| Indigenous identity | ~7,000 | ~5% |
Immigration
Immigrants make up a notable part of Cambridge’s growth. Between 1980 and 2021, most immigrants arrived through the economic and family sponsorship categories.
Immigrant status
| Status | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizens | 126,540 | 92.3% |
| Not Canadian citizens | 10,580 | 7.7% |
Admission category (1980–2021)
| Category | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Economic immigrants | 10,685 | 46.5% |
| — Principal applicants | 4,275 | 18.6% |
| — Secondary applicants | 6,410 | 27.9% |
| Family-sponsored | 8,390 | 36.5% |
| Refugees | 3,680 | 16.0% |
| Other immigrants | 210 | 0.9% |
Period of immigration
| Period | Approx. Percent |
|---|---|
| Before 1980 | ~25% |
| 1980–1990 | ~15% |
| 1991–2000 | ~20% |
| 2001–2010 | ~25% |
| 2011–2021 | ~15% |
Income & Poverty
Cambridge’s households are relatively prosperous, though income inequality exists. The city’s median household income in 2020 was $93,000, with a poverty rate (LIM-AT) of 8.2%.
| Income Group | Median ($) |
|---|---|
| Households (all) | 93,000 |
| After-tax households | 82,000 |
| One-person households | 42,800 |
| Two+ person households | 110,000 |
| Economic families (all) | 109,000 |
| Couple with children | 136,000 |
| One-parent families | 72,000 |
Low income (LIM-AT, 2020)
| Age Group | In Low Income | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–17 years | 3,045 | 10.3% |
| 18–64 years | 5,825 | 6.7% |
| 65+ years | 2,400 | 11.4% |
| Total | 11,275 | 8.2% |
Education
Cambridge’s education levels show that half of adults hold postsecondary credentials. College and apprenticeship programs are particularly popular.
| Highest Education Level (15+) | Population |
|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 21,115 |
| High school diploma | 35,125 |
| Postsecondary (any) | 56,420 |
| — Apprenticeship/trades | 6,555 |
| — College diploma | 25,140 |
| — University below bachelor | 2,155 |
| — Bachelor’s degree or higher | 22,570 |
Employment
Cambridge’s labour market is diverse, though manufacturing remains a key sector. The city also has growing employment in health care, retail, and education.
- Participation rate: 66.0%
- Employment rate: 58.4%
- Unemployment rate: 11.5%
Top occupations
| Occupation Group | Workers |
|---|---|
| Sales & service | 17,740 |
| Trades & transport | 14,580 |
| Business & finance | 11,790 |
| Manufacturing & utilities | 7,710 |
| Education, law & government | 7,055 |
| Health occupations | 4,380 |
Top industries
| Industry Sector | Workers |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 13,820 |
| Retail trade | 8,565 |
| Health care & social assistance | 7,435 |
| Construction | 5,630 |
| Educational services | 4,605 |
| Transportation & warehousing | 4,600 |
Commuting & Transportation
Cambridge residents primarily commute by car, though regional GO Transit and Grand River Transit support public transit needs.
| Mode of Transport | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| Car (driver/passenger) | ~82% |
| Public transit | ~10% |
| Walking & cycling | ~6% |
| Other | ~2% |
Conclusion
In 2021, Cambridge’s population reached 138,479, growing 6.6% since 2016. With a median age of 39.2 years, a strong industrial base, and a diverse cultural community, Cambridge blends its manufacturing heritage with modern economic growth. Its unique characteristic is its role as a manufacturing hub within the Waterloo Region, contributing significantly to Ontario’s economy while maintaining a family-oriented suburban lifestyle.
FAQ
The population of Cambridge in 2021 was 138,479.
Cambridge’s population is growing, up 6.6% since 2016.
The median age in Cambridge is 39.2 years.
There are 51,269 occupied private dwellings in Cambridge.
The main industries are manufacturing, retail, health care, construction, 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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