Markham, Ontario Population

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Markham, Ontario counted 338,503 residents in the 2021 Census. That’s an increase of 9,537 people from 2016 (+2.9%). The city spans 210.93 km² with a population density of 1,604.8 residents per km². Markham’s median age is 42.4 (average age 41.8), reflecting a balanced working-age majority alongside growing seniors.

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Population Growth Trends

• 2016: 328,966
• 2021: 338,503
• Change: +9,537 (+2.9%)

Markham’s growth continued between 2016 and 2021, though at a moderate pace compared with earlier decades. Gains were driven by immigration and household formation in both low-rise and apartment housing.

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Age Distribution

The city’s age profile shows a solid working-age base (65.7%), a sizable child/youth cohort (15.9%), and nearly one in five residents aged 65+ (18.3%). Median age: 42.4.

Age Group	Population	Percent
0–14 years	53,880	15.9%
15–64 years	222,560	65.7%
65+ years	62,060	18.3%

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Households & Dwellings

• Total private dwellings: 114,908
• Occupied by usual residents: 110,867
• Average household size: 3.0 persons
• Ownership mix (25% sample): owners 90,545 (~81.7%); renters 20,325 (~18.3%)
• Structure type (occupied dwellings, 100%): single-detached (62,270), row houses (15,985), apartments 5+ storeys (17,635)
• Population density: 1,604.8 per km²

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Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)

Markham is one of Canada’s most diverse cities. Visible minorities account for ~82% of residents in private households, led by large Chinese and South Asian communities, alongside notable West Asian, Black, Filipino, and Korean populations.

Group	Number	Percent
Total visible minority	276,880	82.1%
Chinese	161,415	47.9%
South Asian	59,485	17.6%
West Asian	9,675	2.9%
Filipino	9,270	2.7%
Black	10,435	3.1%
Korean	4,360	1.3%
Southeast Asian	2,490	0.7%
Arab	3,225	1.0%
Latin American	2,675	0.8%
Japanese	880	0.3%
Visible minority, n.i.e.	3,555	1.1%
Multiple visible minorities	9,430	2.8%
Not a visible minority	60,365	17.9%

(Base: 337,255 residents in private households, 25% sample for visible minority.)

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Immigration

Nearly six in ten residents are immigrants, with strong cohorts arriving in 1991–2000 and 2001–2010, plus substantial 2011–2021 newcomers. Economic-class immigration dominates, and within that class a majority arrived as secondary (accompanying) applicants.

Immigrant Status & Period of Immigration

Category	Number	Percent
Non-immigrants	129,645	~38.4%
Immigrants (total)	197,535	~58.6%
• Before 1980	25,150	12.7% of immigrants
• 1980–1990	30,020	15.2%
• 1991–2000	58,620	29.7%
• 2001–2010	45,080	22.8%
• 2011–2021	38,665	19.6%
Non-permanent residents	10,065	~3.0%

(Base for status: ~337,250; period shares calculated within immigrants.)

Admission Category & Applicant Type (admitted 1980–2021)

Category / Type	Number	Percent
Economic immigrants (total)	92,850	53.9%
• Principal applicants	37,460	21.7% of total; 40.3% of economic
• Secondary applicants	55,390	32.1% of total; 59.7% of economic
Family-sponsored	55,765	32.3%
Refugees	19,840	11.5%
Other immigrants	3,935	2.3%
Total admitted (1980–2021)	172,385	100%

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Income & Poverty

• Median household income (2020): $104,000
• Median after-tax household income: $92,000
• By family type (2020 medians):
  • Economic families: $116,000
  • Couple with children: $140,000
  • Couple-only: $88,000
  • One-parent families: $77,000
  • One-person households: $45,600
• Poverty (LIM-AT, 2020): 10.8% (≈36,445 people)
• Inequality: Gini (total income adjusted) 0.359

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Education

Markham’s adult population is highly educated, with nearly 60% holding postsecondary credentials and 39% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher (population 15+ base).

Highest Level (15+ population)	Number	Percent
No certificate, diploma or degree	43,655	15.4%
High school diploma/equivalency	71,355	25.2%
Postsecondary (below bachelor)	57,225	20.2%
Bachelor’s degree or higher	111,165	39.2%
Total (15+ in private households)	283,405	100%

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Employment

• Participation rate (15+): 60.2
• Employment rate: 51.9
• Unemployment rate: 13.8 (pandemic-period reference)

Top Occupations (counts):

• Sales & service (41,680)
• Business, finance & administration (39,145)
• Natural & applied sciences (24,110)

Leading Industry Sectors (counts):

• Professional, scientific & technical services (22,715)
• Retail trade (17,865)
• Finance & insurance (17,770)
• Health care & social assistance (16,260)
• Manufacturing (13,710)
• Construction (7,805)

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Commuting & Transportation

• Place of work (employed, 2021): Worked at home 56,810 (~38.6%); usual workplace 75,330; no fixed address 13,950.
• Main mode to work (usual/no-fixed):

Mode	Commuters	Percent
Car, truck or van	77,820	87.2%
• As driver	70,505	79.0%
• As passenger	7,315	8.2%
Public transit	6,970	7.8%
Walked	2,095	2.3%
Bicycle	300	0.3%
Other method	2,095	2.3%

Commute duration (usual/no-fixed):

Duration	Commuters	Percent
< 15 minutes	15,220	17.1%
15–29 minutes	30,635	34.3%
30–44 minutes	24,575	27.5%
45–59 minutes	9,200	10.3%
60 minutes and over	9,650	10.8%

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Conclusion

Markham’s 338,503 residents in 2021 reflect steady +2.9% growth since 2016, a median age of 42.4, and one of Canada’s most diverse urban populations (~82% visible minority). High educational attainment and strong professional/technical, finance, retail, health, and manufacturing sectors anchor the local economy. A standout characteristic is Markham’s majority immigrant profile with deep ties to East and South Asia—shaping language, entrepreneurship, and cultural life across the city.

FAQ

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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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