Mississauga’s population in 2021 was 717,961, a decline of 3,638 people (-0.5%) from 721,599 in 2016. The city spans 292.74 km² with a population density of 2,452.5 per km². Housing stock includes 254,089 private dwellings, of which 244,575 were occupied, and the average household size was 2.9.
Population Growth Trends
Mississauga saw a modest decline between 2016 and 2021, reflecting slower net international inflows during pandemic years and limited greenfield expansion relative to neighbouring suburbs.
Change 2016 → 2021
| Metric | 2016 | 2021 | Change | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 721,599 | 717,961 | -3,638 | -0.5% |
Age Distribution
Mississauga remains a relatively mature city with a median age of 40.8 and average age 41.1. Working-age residents (15–64) form over two-thirds of the population.
Population by Broad Age Group
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 109,320 | 15.2% |
| 15–64 years | 489,245 | 68.1% |
| 65+ years | 119,400 | 16.6% |
Households & Dwellings
Detached homes still make up the largest single structure type, but apartments (especially 5+ storeys) are a substantial share of occupied stock.
Dwellings & Households (Selected)
| Item | Count | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Total private dwellings | 254,089 | — |
| Occupied private dwellings | 244,575 | — |
| Average household size | 2.9 | — |
| Owner households | 172,225 | 70.4% |
| Renter households | 72,355 | 29.6% |
| Single-detached houses (occupied) | 90,660 | — |
| Apartments, 5+ storeys (occupied) | 66,830 | — |
| Households spending ≥30% on shelter (owners) | — | 23.5% |
| Households spending ≥30% on shelter (renters) | — | 39.1% |
| Owner core housing need | — | 9.6% |
| Renter core housing need | — | 28.0% |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Mississauga is one of Canada’s most diverse cities. A majority (≈61.9%) of residents identify as a visible minority, led by South Asian, Chinese, Black, Arab and Filipino communities.
Visible Minority (of total population base ~712,825)
| Group | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Total visible minority | 441,480 | 61.9% |
| South Asian | 180,800 | 25.4% |
| Chinese | 52,095 | 7.3% |
| Black | 49,220 | 6.9% |
| Arab | 42,805 | 6.0% |
| Filipino | 38,335 | 5.4% |
| Latin American | 17,325 | 2.4% |
| Southeast Asian | 17,165 | 2.4% |
| West Asian | 8,510 | 1.2% |
| Korean | 5,825 | 0.8% |
| Japanese | 2,115 | 0.3% |
| Visible minority, n.i.e. | 10,890 | 1.5% |
| Multiple visible minorities | 16,410 | 2.3% |
| Not a visible minority | 271,345 | 38.1% |
(Totals may differ slightly due to rounding and differing universe bases in source tables.)
Immigration
Over half of residents are immigrants, with pronounced waves from 2001–2010 and 2011–2021. Recent admissions are predominantly economic class, with roughly two-thirds of economic immigrants arriving as secondary applicants (spouses/children).
Immigrant Status (population base ~712,830)
| Status | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Non-immigrants | 306,375 | 43.0% |
| Immigrants | 379,425 | 53.2% |
| Non-permanent residents | 27,030 | 3.8% |
Period of Immigration (Immigrants only, base 379,425)
| Period | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Before 1980 | 58,680 | 15.5% |
| 1980–1990 | 47,340 | 12.5% |
| 1991–2000 | 83,110 | 21.9% |
| 2001–2010 | 95,400 | 25.1% |
| 2011–2021 | 94,895 | 25.0% |
Admission Category & Applicant Type (admitted 1980–2021, base 320,745)
| Category / Type | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Economic immigrants (total) | 179,000 | 55.8% |
| – Principal applicants | 69,680 | 21.7% |
| – Secondary applicants | 109,320 | 34.1% |
| Family sponsored | 89,420 | 27.9% |
| Refugees | 48,575 | 15.1% |
| Other immigrants | 3,755 | 1.2% |
Income & Poverty
Household incomes in 2020 were comparatively high, though the pandemic elevated unemployment and benefit receipt. The median household income was $102,000 (after-tax $89,000). LIM-AT low-income prevalence was 9.4% overall.
Income (Selected 2020 Medians)
| Group | Median Total Income ($) | Median After-Tax ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Households (all) | 102,000 | 89,000 |
| One-person households | 46,800 | 41,200 |
| Two-or-more-person households | 118,000 | 103,000 |
| Economic families (all) | 116,000 | 102,000 |
| Couple-only families | 94,000 | 81,000 |
| Couple-with-children families | 141,000 | 122,000 |
| One-parent families | 81,000 | 73,500 |
| Persons 15+ not in economic families | 39,600 | 36,000 |
Low Income (LIM-AT, 2020)
| Measure | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Persons in low income (all ages) | 66,740 | 9.4% |
| Children 0–17 in low income | 16,105 | 11.9% |
| Seniors 65+ in low income | 13,560 | 11.8% |
Education
A strong education profile supports Mississauga’s knowledge-intensive labour market: 61.5% of residents 15+ hold postsecondary credentials and 24.9% have a bachelor’s degree.
Highest Certificate, Diploma or Degree (Age 15+, base 603,595)
| Level | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 80,295 | 13.3% |
| High school or equivalent | 152,265 | 25.2% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 371,030 | 61.5% |
| – College/CEGEP/non-university | 99,290 | 16.4% |
| – Trades (apprenticeship + non-apprent.) | 34,? (22,470+12,560=) 35,030 | 5.8% |
| – University below bachelor | 18,635 | 3.1% |
| – Bachelor’s degree | 150,240 | 24.9% |
| – Above bachelor (non-grad cert/diploma) | 14,805 | 2.5% |
| – Master’s degree | 53,970 | 8.9% |
| – Medicine/Dent/Vet/Optometry | 6,385 | 1.1% |
| – Doctorate | 5,235 | 0.9% |
Employment
Pandemic conditions in 2020–2021 raised the unemployment rate to 14.0%, with an employment rate of 55.0% (15+). The largest employing sectors include professional services, retail, health care and manufacturing.
Labour Force (Age 15+)
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Participation rate | 63.9 |
| Employment rate | 55.0 |
| Unemployment rate | 14.0 |
Top Industries by Employment (Counts)
| Industry | Workers |
|---|---|
| Professional, scientific & technical services | 46,330 |
| Retail trade | 42,635 |
| Health care & social assistance | 36,230 |
| Manufacturing | 34,185 |
| Transportation & warehousing | 28,765 |
Top Occupation Broad Groups (Counts)
| Occupation Group | Workers |
|---|---|
| Business, finance & administration | 82,165 |
| Sales & service | 90,300 |
| Natural & applied sciences | 48,950 |
| Education, law, social & gov’t services | 34,620 |
| Trades, transport & equipment operators | 56,875 |
Commuting & Transportation
Most employed residents commute by car, although transit remains significant for a city of Mississauga’s size and density.
Main Mode of Commuting (base 218,345)
| Mode | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Car, truck or van | 180,545 | 82.7% |
| Public transit | 24,890 | 11.4% |
| Walked | 6,350 | 2.9% |
| Bicycle | 715 | 0.3% |
| Other method | 5,845 | 2.7% |
Commute Duration (base 218,345)
| Duration | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| < 15 minutes | 41,835 | 19.2% |
| 15–29 minutes | 83,990 | 38.5% |
| 30–44 minutes | 53,060 | 24.3% |
| 45–59 minutes | 18,620 | 8.5% |
| 60 minutes and over | 20,845 | 9.5% |
Conclusion
In 2021, Mississauga counted 717,961 residents (-0.5% since 2016). The city’s median age (40.8) and strong postsecondary attainment (61.5%) underpin a labour market concentrated in professional services, retail, health care and manufacturing. A defining characteristic is its diversity: about 62% of residents belong to a visible minority group and just over half are immigrants, with sizeable arrivals since 2001. Despite higher incomes (median household $102,000), affordability pressures persist—especially for renters—reinforcing the importance of housing supply and transit investments in Canada’s sixth-largest city.
FAQ
Mississauga’s population in 2021 was 717,961.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population declined by 0.5% (-3,638 people).
The median age is 40.8 years.
There were 244,575 occupied private dwellings in 2021; average household size was 2.9.
Top sectors include professional, scientific & technical services, retail, health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and transportation & warehousing.
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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