The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario, recorded a population of 94,415 in the 2021 Census, compared with 88,071 in 2016. This marks a 7.2% growth (+6,344 people) in five years, reflecting moderate but steady expansion. With a land area of 210.25 km², the city has a population density of 449.1 residents per km². Known globally for the world-famous waterfalls, Niagara Falls is also a family-oriented city with a balanced mix of seniors, working-age adults, and children.
Population Growth Trends
| Year | Population | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 88,071 | – | – |
| 2021 | 94,415 | +6,344 | +7.2% |
Age Distribution
Niagara Falls has an average age of 43.9 and a median age of 44.8, making it slightly older than the Ontario average. Seniors (65+) form over one-fifth of the population.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 13,895 | 14.7% |
| 15–64 years | 59,860 | 63.4% |
| 65+ years | 20,660 | 21.9% |
Households & Dwellings
There were 39,778 private dwellings in Niagara Falls in 2021, of which 37,793 were occupied. The average household size was 2.5 persons.
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 10,555 | 27.9% |
| 2 persons | 12,915 | 34.2% |
| 3 persons | 6,005 | 15.9% |
| 4 persons | 5,185 | 13.7% |
| 5+ persons | 3,135 | 8.3% |
Dwelling type
| Dwelling Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Single-detached house | 24,990 |
| Semi-detached house | 2,075 |
| Row house | 2,820 |
| Apartment (duplex) | 1,260 |
| Apartment <5 storeys | 4,980 |
| Apartment ≥5 storeys | 1,595 |
| Other / movable dwelling | 70 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
The 2021 Census shows Niagara Falls as a predominantly White-majority community, though visible minorities are steadily increasing, reflecting immigration patterns. The largest visible minority groups are South Asian, Black, Chinese, and Filipino.
| Visible Minority Group | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| South Asian | ~3% |
| Black | ~2% |
| Chinese | ~1% |
| Filipino | ~1% |
| Arab, Latin American, Other | ~2% |
| White (non-minority) | ~91% |
Immigration
Niagara Falls has a smaller immigrant share compared with larger Ontario cities, but newcomers contribute to its diversity. Of immigrants admitted between 1980–2021, most arrived through economic immigration (44%) and family sponsorship (33%), followed by refugees.
Immigrant status (2021)
| Status | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizens | 85,185 | 91.9% |
| Not Canadian citizens | 7,480 | 8.1% |
Admission category (1980–2021)
| Category | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Economic immigrants | 6,415 | 44.0% |
| — Principal applicants | 2,880 | 19.7% |
| — Secondary applicants | 3,535 | 24.3% |
| Family-sponsored | 4,810 | 33.0% |
| Refugees | 3,025 | 20.7% |
| Other immigrants | 335 | 2.3% |
Income & Poverty
In 2020, households in Niagara Falls reported the following:
- Median household income: $74,500
- Median after-tax household income: $67,500
- Median economic family income: $90,000
- Median income for one-person households: $36,400
- Median income for couple-with-children families: $118,000
Low income (LIM-AT, 2020)
| Age Group | In Low Income | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–17 years | 2,450 | 14.5% |
| 18–64 years | 5,710 | 10.1% |
| 65+ years | 2,455 | 12.6% |
| Total | 10,615 | 11.5% |
Education
Education levels in Niagara Falls are moderate, with just over half of residents holding postsecondary credentials.
| Highest Education Level (15+) | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 12,695 | 16.1% |
| High school diploma | 26,090 | 33.1% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 40,030 | 50.8% |
| — Apprenticeship/trades | 5,130 | 6.5% |
| — College diploma | 18,070 | 22.9% |
| — University degree+ | 15,220 | 19.3% |
Employment
In 2021, Niagara Falls had a participation rate of 58.5%, an employment rate of 45.3%, and an unemployment rate of 22.5%, significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to heavy reliance on tourism.
Occupation groups
| Occupation Group | Workers |
|---|---|
| Sales & service | 16,465 |
| Trades & transport | 7,555 |
| Business & finance | 6,105 |
| Health occupations | 3,780 |
| Education, law & government | 4,305 |
Top industries
| Industry Sector | Workers |
|---|---|
| Accommodation & food services | 6,650 |
| Retail trade | 5,455 |
| Health care & social assistance | 5,590 |
| Construction | 3,310 |
| Manufacturing | 3,345 |
| Arts, entertainment & recreation | 2,575 |
Commuting & Transportation
Niagara Falls residents primarily commute by car, although local transit and regional bus services support travel within the Niagara Region.
| Mode of Transport | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| Car (driver/passenger) | ~85% |
| Public transit | ~8% |
| Walking & cycling | ~5% |
| Other | ~2% |
Conclusion
In 2021, Niagara Falls had 94,415 residents, growing 7.2% since 2016. With a median age of 44.8 years, the city is older than the provincial average, yet still expanding steadily. Its economy is highly dependent on tourism, hospitality, and retail, making it unique among Ontario cities. The combination of natural attractions, affordable living, and family-oriented communities continues to shape Niagara Falls as both a global tourist hub and a growing residential city.
FAQ
The population of Niagara Falls was 94,415 in 2021.
Niagara Falls’ population is growing, up 7.2% since 2016.
The median age in Niagara Falls is 44.8 years.
There were 37,793 occupied private dwellings in 2021.
Key industries include tourism, hospitality, retail, health care, 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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