The County of Norfolk, Ontario, reported a population of 67,490 in the 2021 Census, compared to 64,044 in 2016. This represents a 5.4% increase (+3,446 residents) over five years. With a land area of 1,597.68 km², Norfolk has a population density of 42.2 people per km². Known for its agricultural economy, small-town communities, and proximity to Lake Erie, Norfolk continues to grow while maintaining its rural character.
Population Growth Trends
| Year | Population | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 64,044 | – | – |
| 2021 | 67,490 | +3,446 | +5.4% |
Age Distribution
Norfolk County has an average age of 45.5 years and a median age of 48.8 years, making it significantly older than Ontario’s median. Over one-quarter of the population is aged 65 or older.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 10,290 | 15.2% |
| 15–64 years | 39,755 | 58.9% |
| 65+ years | 17,450 | 25.9% |
Households & Dwellings
Norfolk had 30,085 private dwellings in 2021, of which 27,594 were occupied. The average household size was 2.4 persons.
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 7,370 | 26.7% |
| 2 persons | 11,155 | 40.4% |
| 3 persons | 3,640 | 13.2% |
| 4 persons | 3,295 | 11.9% |
| 5+ persons | 2,140 | 7.8% |
Dwelling type
| Dwelling Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Single-detached house | 22,815 |
| Semi-detached house | 770 |
| Row house | 940 |
| Apartment in duplex | 565 |
| Apartment <5 storeys | 1,890 |
| Apartment ≥5 storeys | 390 |
| Movable dwelling | 130 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Norfolk is a predominantly White-majority community, with relatively small visible minority populations. South Asian, Black, Chinese, and Indigenous residents form part of the county’s growing diversity.
| Visible Minority Group | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| South Asian | ~1% |
| Black | ~1% |
| Chinese | ~0.5% |
| Indigenous peoples | ~4% |
| Other visible minorities | ~2% |
| White (non-minority) | ~92% |
Immigration
Immigrants make up a modest share of Norfolk’s population, with the majority arriving through family sponsorship or economic programs.
Immigrant status (2021)
| Status | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizens | 64,805 | 97.9% |
| Not Canadian citizens | 1,420 | 2.1% |
Admission category (1980–2021)
| Category | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Economic immigrants | 1,550 | 43.2% |
| — Principal applicants | 545 | 15.2% |
| — Secondary applicants | 1,010 | 28.0% |
| Family-sponsored | 1,650 | 46.0% |
| Refugees | 325 | 9.1% |
| Other immigrants | 60 | 1.7% |
Period of immigration
| Period | Share (est.) |
|---|---|
| Before 1980 | ~25% |
| 1980–1999 | ~35% |
| 2000–2010 | ~20% |
| 2011–2021 | ~20% |
Income & Poverty
Norfolk households earn below the Ontario median, reflecting its rural economy. In 2020, the median household income was $82,000, while the median after-tax income was $72,000.
Household income (2020)
| Household Type | Median Income ($) |
|---|---|
| All households | 82,000 |
| One-person households | 40,800 |
| Two+ person households | 99,000 |
Economic family income (2020)
| Family Type | Median Income ($) |
|---|---|
| All families | 99,000 |
| Couple with children | 128,000 |
| Couple without children | 86,000 |
| One-parent families | 69,000 |
Low income (LIM-AT, 2020)
| Age Group | In Low Income | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–17 years | 1,250 | 10.1% |
| 18–64 years | 3,385 | 9.1% |
| 65+ years | 1,960 | 11.7% |
| Total | 6,600 | 10.0% |
Education
Educational attainment in Norfolk is lower than the provincial average, with fewer university graduates.
| Highest Education Level (15+) | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 11,880 | 21.2% |
| High school diploma | 17,690 | 31.6% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 26,410 | 47.2% |
| — Apprenticeship/trades | 4,405 | 7.9% |
| — College diploma | 14,250 | 25.5% |
| — University degree+ | 6,975 | 12.5% |
Employment
Norfolk had a participation rate of 56.5%, an employment rate of 50.7%, and an unemployment rate of 10.2% in 2021. Agriculture and manufacturing remain vital sectors.
Occupation groups
| Occupation Group | Workers |
|---|---|
| Sales & service | 6,715 |
| Trades & transport | 7,685 |
| Business & finance | 3,865 |
| Health occupations | 2,275 |
| Education, law & government | 2,815 |
| Manufacturing & utilities | 3,325 |
Top industries
| Industry Sector | Workers |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 5,530 |
| Agriculture, forestry & fishing | 2,570 |
| Retail trade | 3,390 |
| Construction | 3,020 |
| Health care & social assistance | 3,695 |
| Educational services | 1,700 |
Commuting & Transportation
Norfolk residents primarily rely on cars due to limited public transit options.
| Mode of Transport | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| Car (driver/passenger) | ~92% |
| Public transit | ~3% |
| Walking & cycling | ~4% |
| Other | ~1% |
Conclusion
In 2021, Norfolk County had 67,490 residents, growing 5.4% since 2016. With a median age of 48.8 years, it is an older population compared to Ontario overall. Norfolk’s unique characteristic is its agricultural backbone, making it a hub for farming, food processing, and rural living in southern Ontario.
FAQ
The population of Norfolk County was 67,490 in 2021.
Norfolk’s population is growing, up 5.4% since 2016.
The median age in Norfolk County is 48.8 years.
There were 27,594 occupied dwellings in 2021.
Key industries include manufacturing, agriculture, health care, retail, 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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