The Town of Newmarket, Ontario, recorded a population of 87,942 in the 2021 Census, compared to 84,224 in 2016. This marks a 4.4% increase (+3,718 people) in five years. With a land area of 38.50 km², Newmarket’s population density reached 2,284 residents per km², making it one of the more densely populated towns in Ontario. Known for its family-friendly neighbourhoods, strong commuter links to Toronto, and diverse community, Newmarket continues to experience steady growth.
Population Growth Trends
| Year | Population | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 84,224 | – | – |
| 2021 | 87,942 | +3,718 | +4.4% |
Age Distribution
Newmarket has a median age of 41.6 years and an average age of 41.0, which is close to the provincial average. Children (0–14) make up 16.5% of residents, while seniors (65+) account for 15.9%.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 14,520 | 16.5% |
| 15–64 years | 59,485 | 67.6% |
| 65+ years | 13,945 | 15.9% |
Households & Dwellings
Newmarket reported 31,239 total private dwellings, of which 30,301 were occupied. The average household size was 2.9 persons.
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 5,530 | 18.3% |
| 2 persons | 8,790 | 29.0% |
| 3 persons | 5,955 | 19.7% |
| 4 persons | 6,440 | 21.3% |
| 5+ persons | 3,580 | 11.8% |
Dwelling type
| Dwelling Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Single-detached house | 18,115 |
| Semi-detached house | 2,250 |
| Row house | 3,880 |
| Apartment in duplex | 1,995 |
| Apartment <5 storeys | 2,360 |
| Apartment ≥5 storeys | 1,510 |
| Other | 190 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Newmarket is a diverse community, with a steadily growing visible minority population. The largest groups are South Asian, Chinese, and Black residents, alongside notable Filipino and Arab populations.
| Visible Minority Group | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| South Asian | ~7% |
| Chinese | ~4% |
| Black | ~3% |
| Filipino | ~2% |
| Arab & West Asian | ~2% |
| Latin American & Other | ~2% |
| White (non-minority) | ~80% |
Immigration
Immigration has shaped Newmarket’s growth, with newcomers arriving primarily through the economic class, followed by family sponsorship and refugee programs.
Immigrant status (2021)
| Status | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizens | 79,015 | 91.2% |
| Not Canadian citizens | 7,600 | 8.8% |
Admission category (1980–2021)
| Category | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Economic immigrants | 13,790 | 57.5% |
| — Principal applicants | 5,550 | 23.1% |
| — Secondary applicants | 8,240 | 34.4% |
| Family-sponsored | 6,245 | 26.0% |
| Refugees | 3,695 | 15.4% |
| Other immigrants | 265 | 1.1% |
Income & Poverty
Newmarket’s residents enjoy relatively high incomes compared to the provincial median. The median household income in 2020 was $110,000, while economic families reported $124,000.
Household income (2020)
| Household Type | Median Income ($) |
|---|---|
| All households | 110,000 |
| One-person households | 45,200 |
| Two+ person households | 126,000 |
Economic family income (2020)
| Family Type | Median Income ($) |
|---|---|
| All families | 124,000 |
| Couple with children | 152,000 |
| Couple without children | 102,000 |
| One-parent families | 82,000 |
Low income (LIM-AT, 2020)
| Age Group | In Low Income | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–17 years | 1,505 | 8.4% |
| 18–64 years | 3,575 | 6.4% |
| 65+ years | 1,365 | 10.6% |
| Total | 6,450 | 7.5% |
Education
Newmarket has a well-educated population: 60% of adults hold postsecondary credentials, with a strong share of university graduates.
| Highest Education Level (15+) | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 9,975 | 13.8% |
| High school diploma | 18,875 | 26.2% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 43,250 | 60.0% |
| — Apprenticeship/trades | 2,975 | 4.1% |
| — College diploma | 14,985 | 20.8% |
| — University degree+ | 23,380 | 32.4% |
Employment
Newmarket had a participation rate of 66.7%, an employment rate of 58.4%, and an unemployment rate of 12.3% in 2021, influenced by pandemic-related disruptions.
Occupation groups
| Occupation Group | Workers |
|---|---|
| Sales & service | 11,940 |
| Business & finance | 9,090 |
| Trades & transport | 7,120 |
| Education, law & government | 5,540 |
| Health occupations | 3,035 |
| Natural & applied sciences | 4,950 |
Top industries
| Industry Sector | Workers |
|---|---|
| Retail trade | 5,580 |
| Health care & social assistance | 4,890 |
| Professional & technical services | 5,060 |
| Manufacturing | 4,590 |
| Construction | 4,030 |
| Educational services | 3,705 |
Commuting & Transportation
Newmarket is a commuter hub within York Region, with strong GO Transit connections but heavy reliance on cars for work travel.
| Mode of Transport | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| Car (driver/passenger) | ~80% |
| Public transit | ~15% |
| Walking & cycling | ~4% |
| Other | ~1% |
Conclusion
In 2021, Newmarket’s population reached 87,942, growing 4.4% since 2016. With a median age of 41.6 years, strong household incomes, and high levels of education, Newmarket is a prosperous commuter town in the Greater Toronto Area. Its unique characteristic lies in its balance of historic small-town charm with rapid suburban growth, making it one of Ontario’s most desirable places to live.
FAQ
The population of Newmarket in 2021 was 87,942.
Newmarket’s population is growing, up 4.4% since 2016.
The median age in Newmarket is 41.6 years.
There were 30,301 occupied private dwellings in Newmarket in 2021.
The largest industries include retail trade, health care, professional services, manufacturing, and construction.
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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