Milton, Ontario Population

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The Town of Milton, Ontario reported a population of 132,979 in the 2021 Census, an increase from 110,128 in 2016. This represents a remarkable 20.7% growth (+22,851 residents), making Milton one of the fastest-growing communities in Ontario and Canada. With a land area of 363.83 km², the population density reached 365.5 people per km². Milton is a rapidly developing suburban hub within the Greater Toronto Area, known for its young families, new housing developments, and access to conservation areas.

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Population Growth Trends

Year	Population	Change	% Change
2016	110,128	–	–
2021	132,979	+22,851	+20.7%

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Age Distribution

Milton has one of the youngest populations in Ontario, with a median age of 36.0 years and nearly one in four residents under the age of 15. Seniors (65+) make up less than 10% of the population.

Age Group	Population	Percent
0–14 years	31,980	24.0%
15–64 years	87,770	66.0%
65+ years	13,225	9.9%

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Households & Dwellings

Milton’s growth is reflected in its expanding housing market. The town had 41,000 private dwellings, of which 40,038 were occupied in 2021. The average household size of 3.3 persons is larger than the provincial average, showing the prevalence of family households.

Household size

Household Size	Households	Share
1 person	5,120	12.8%
2 persons	9,280	23.2%
3 persons	7,425	18.5%
4 persons	10,445	26.1%
5+ persons	7,765	19.4%

Dwelling type

Dwelling Type	Count
Single-detached house	22,720
Semi-detached house	3,755
Row house	9,140
Apartment <5 storeys	1,920
Apartment ≥5 storeys	2,185
Duplex	295
Other / movable dwelling	30

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Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)

Milton is one of Ontario’s most diverse communities, with a growing visible minority population, particularly South Asian and Middle Eastern communities. While specific 2021 breakdowns aren’t in this dataset, Census data shows that over half of Milton’s residents identify as a visible minority. This diversity contributes to the town’s cultural vibrancy, schools, and local businesses.

Visible Minority Group	Percent (est.)
South Asian	~35%
Arab & West Asian	~10%
Black	~7%
Chinese	~5%
Other visible minorities	~8%
White (non-minority)	~35%

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Immigration

Milton is strongly shaped by immigration, with many newcomers arriving in the last two decades as the town expanded. Most immigrants fall under the economic immigrant category (62.2%), with family sponsorship and refugees making up the rest.

Immigrant status

Status	Population	Percent
Canadian citizens	115,630	88.0%
Not Canadian citizens	15,800	12.0%

Admission category (1980–2021)

Category	Number	Percent
Economic immigrants	31,020	62.2%
— Principal applicants	10,700	21.4%
— Secondary applicants	20,320	40.8%
Family-sponsored	12,650	25.4%
Refugees	5,925	11.9%
Other immigrants	290	0.6%

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Income & Poverty

Milton is one of the more affluent communities in Ontario. The median household income in 2020 was $126,000, significantly higher than the provincial median. Poverty rates are among the lowest in the province, with just 5.8% of residents considered low-income (LIM-AT).

Household income (2020)

Household Type	Median Income ($)
All households	126,000
One-person households	59,200
Two+ person households	136,000

Economic family income (2020)

Family Type	Median Income ($)
All economic families	135,000
Couple with children	150,000
Couple without children	115,000
One-parent families	90,000

Low income (LIM-AT, 2020)

Age Group	In Low Income	Percent
0–17 years	2,700	7.1%
18–64 years	3,950	4.9%
65+ years	1,035	8.1%
Total	7,680	5.8%

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Education

Milton residents are highly educated, with more than 64,000 adults (65% of the 15+ population) holding postsecondary credentials. A significant share hold university degrees, reflecting Milton’s skilled workforce.

Highest Education Level (15+)	Population
No certificate/diploma/degree	11,690
High school diploma	23,510
Postsecondary (any)	64,255
— Apprenticeship/trades	3,505
— College diploma	18,020
— University degree+	40,300

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Employment

Milton’s labour force participation rate is 71.1%, higher than the national average. However, the unemployment rate stood at 11.4% in 2021, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Participation rate: 71.1%
• Employment rate: 63.0%
• Unemployment rate: 11.4%

Top occupations

Occupation Group	Workers
Sales & service	16,300
Business & finance	15,005
Natural & applied sciences	9,730
Trades & transport	9,585
Education, law, government	7,760
Health occupations	4,335

Top industries

Industry Sector	Workers
Retail trade	8,095
Professional, scientific & tech services	8,265
Manufacturing	6,010
Health care & social assistance	6,725
Construction	4,185
Finance & insurance	5,585

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Commuting & Transportation

As a suburban commuter town within the Greater Toronto Area, Milton relies heavily on private vehicles. Most residents drive to work, though GO Transit rail and buses provide regional connections, and active transportation is slowly increasing.

Mode of Transport	Percent (est.)
Car (driver/passenger)	~85%
Public transit	~10%
Walking & cycling	~4%
Other	~1%

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Conclusion

In 2021, Milton’s population grew to 132,979, surging by 20.7% since 2016, making it one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada. With a median age of just 36 years, large households, high incomes, and a highly educated population, Milton is a dynamic community. Its unique characteristic is its rapid transformation from a small rural town into a major suburban growth hub of the Greater Toronto Area, balancing urban expansion with access to natural green spaces like the Niagara Escarpment.

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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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