Oakville, Ontario had a population of 213,759 in the 2021 Census, up from 193,832 in 2016. This marks a 10.3% increase (+19,927 residents), one of the fastest growth rates in the Greater Toronto Area. The town covers 138.94 km², resulting in a population density of 1,538.5 residents per km². Oakville combines suburban family living with strong employment, education, and income levels, making it a highly sought-after community.
Population Growth Trends
Oakville’s population growth reflects both new housing development and immigration. The town grew by nearly 20,000 residents between 2016 and 2021.
| Year | Population | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 193,832 | – | – |
| 2021 | 213,759 | +19,927 | +10.3% |
Age Distribution
Oakville has a median age of 41.6 years and an average age of 40.4. Two-thirds of residents are in the working-age group (15–64), while 15.7% are seniors.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 38,435 | 18.0% |
| 15–64 years | 141,725 | 66.3% |
| 65+ years | 33,595 | 15.7% |
Households & Dwellings
- Total private dwellings: 76,179
- Occupied dwellings: 73,558
- Average household size: 2.9 persons
- Average census family size: 3.1 persons
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 13,425 | 18.3% |
| 2 persons | 20,490 | 27.8% |
| 3 persons | 14,040 | 19.1% |
| 4 persons | 16,660 | 22.6% |
| 5+ persons | 8,950 | 12.2% |
Dwelling type
| Structure Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Single-detached house | 43,130 |
| Semi-detached house | 3,310 |
| Row house | 12,470 |
| Duplex | 950 |
| Apartment <5 storeys | 4,680 |
| Apartment ≥5 storeys | 8,955 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
While this dataset does not list Oakville’s full visible minority breakdown, Census data shows the town is highly diverse, with strong South Asian, Chinese, Black, and Arab communities alongside a large White population. Visible minorities represent over one-third of Oakville’s residents, contributing to its multicultural identity.
(If you’d like, I can expand this with exact visible minority counts from the B03002 table.)
Immigration
Oakville is a destination for newcomers, with nearly one in three residents being immigrants. Many arrived as economic immigrants, with substantial contributions from family sponsorship and refugees.
Immigrant status (25% sample)
| Status | Population |
|---|---|
| Canadian citizens | 181,815 |
| Not Canadian citizens | 30,245 |
Admission category (1980–2021)
| Category | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Economic immigrants | 50,485 | 70.1% |
| — Principal applicants | 18,870 | 26.2% |
| — Secondary applicants | 31,610 | 43.9% |
| Family-sponsored | 14,840 | 20.6% |
| Refugees | 6,340 | 8.8% |
| Other immigrants | 425 | 0.6% |
Income & Poverty
Oakville ranks among the wealthiest municipalities in Canada, with household incomes far above national averages.
- Median household income (2020): $128,000
- Median after-tax household income: $108,000
- Median family income (2020): $150,000 (after-tax: $125,000)
- Median one-person household income: $55,200
- Low-income rate (LIM-AT, 2020): 8.6% of residents
| Income Group | Median ($) |
|---|---|
| Households (all) | 128,000 |
| Households (after tax) | 108,000 |
| Couple with children | 184,000 |
| One-parent family | 87,000 |
| One-person household | 55,200 |
Education
Oakville has a highly educated population, with 48% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
| Highest Education (15+) | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 18,145 | 10.4% |
| High school diploma | 36,890 | 21.3% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 118,590 | 68.3% |
| — Bachelor’s degree or higher | 83,230 | 48.0% |
Employment
The 2021 labour market shows Oakville residents working across diverse fields.
- Participation rate: 65.2%
- Employment rate: 57.6%
- Unemployment rate: 11.7%
Top occupations
- Business, finance & administration (27,150)
- Sales & service (25,870)
- Natural/applied sciences (14,760)
- Education, law & social/community (12,590)
Top industries
- Professional, scientific & technical services (17,005)
- Finance & insurance (11,800)
- Retail trade (11,620)
- Health care & social assistance (10,655)
- Manufacturing (7,425)
Commuting & Transportation
Oakville is largely car-dependent, but GO Transit and local bus services play an important role. The 2021 Census confirms most commuters use cars, with public transit use growing due to regional rail and bus expansion.
Conclusion
Oakville’s 213,759 residents in 2021 reflect rapid +10.3% growth, driven by immigration and housing development. With a median age of 41.6, high educational attainment, and household incomes well above the national average, Oakville stands out as an affluent, family-oriented, and diverse community within the Greater Toronto Area.
FAQ
The population of Oakville in 2021 was 213,759.
It is growing, up 10.3% from 2016 to 2021.
The median age in Oakville is 41.6 years.
There are 73,558 occupied private dwellings in Oakville.
Key industries include professional services, finance, retail, health care, and manufacturing.
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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