The Ottawa–Gatineau Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), which spans both Ontario and Quebec, is home to 1,660,269 residents.
The Ontario portion of Ottawa–Gatineau accounted for the majority of the population, with 1,287,592 people, representing approximately 77.5% of the CMA’s total population. This section includes the nation’s capital, Ottawa, which serves as the political and administrative hub of Canada, attracting both government and private sector employment.
The Quebec portion of Ottawa–Gatineau had 372,677 residents, making up around 22.5% of the metropolitan total. Centered around the city of Gatineau, this area offers a vibrant francophone community, complementing the primarily anglophone population in Ontario.
This binational metropolitan area benefits from shared infrastructure, economic integration, and cross-provincial commuting, making it one of Canada’s most interconnected urban regions. Its growth reflects strong migration trends, economic opportunities, and the appeal of a region that combines the cultural richness of two provinces.
Ottawa City Statistics
- Population, 2021: 1,017,449
- Population, 2016: 934,243
- Population percentage change, 2016 to 2021: 8.9
- Total private dwellings: 427,113
- Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 407,252
- Population density per square kilometre: 364.9
- Land area in square kilometres: 2,788.2
Ottawa Population by Age
The population distribution shows a relatively young median age compared to other large Canadian CMAs, supported by a strong working-age demographic.
| Age Group | Population | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 14 years | 262,037 | 15.78% |
| 15 to 64 years | 1,111,027 | 66.88% |
| 65 years and older | 287,205 | 17.29% |
| Total | 1,660,269 | 100% |
Median age: 39.4 years
Housing, Density, and Area Stats for Ottawa
Ottawa–Gatineau’s relatively low population density compared to other major CMAs reflects its mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas.
The Ottawa–Gatineau Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) spans both Ontario and Quebec, with a combined population of 1,488,307 in 2021. This unique metropolitan region integrates two provinces, resulting in a diverse demographic and housing landscape.
- Total Private Dwellings: The CMA contained 638,013 private dwellings, of which 604,721 were occupied by usual residents.
- Land Area: The total land area was 8,046.99 square kilometres, giving the region a population density of 185 people per square kilometre.
Ontario Portion
The Ontario side, home to 1,135,014 residents, represented 76.3% of the CMA’s population.
- Dwellings: It had 474,806 total private dwellings, with 453,579 occupied.
- Land Area & Density: Covering 4,665.16 square kilometres, it had a higher population density of 243.3 people per square kilometre compared to the CMA average.
Quebec Portion
The Quebec side, primarily Gatineau, accounted for 353,293 residents, or 23.7% of the CMA’s total.
- Dwellings: It had 163,207 total private dwellings, with 151,142 occupied.
- Land Area & Density: Spanning 3,381.83 square kilometres, the Quebec portion had a lower density of 104.5 people per square kilometre.
Demographics by Race
| Demographic | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Asian | 57,820 | 5.8% |
| Chinese | 47,925 | 4.8% |
| Black | 84,765 | 8.5% |
| Filipino | 14,365 | 1.4% |
| Arab | 58,180 | 5.8% |
| Latin American | 14,350 | 1.4% |
| Southeast Asian | 14,960 | 1.5% |
| West Asian | 13,255 | 1.3% |
| Korean | 165 | 0.0% |
| Japanese | 40 | 0.0% |
| Visible minority, n.i.e. | 3,780 | 0.4% |
| Multiple visible minorities | 10,910 | 1.1% |
| Not a visible minority | 675,975 | 67.8% |
| Total | 996,490 | 100.0% |
Religion of the Population
Income Statistics
FAQ
The CMA’s population is 1,660,269, with Quebec residents making up approximately 18.33% of the province’s total population.
The median age is 39.4 years, reflecting a relatively young and working-age population.
In 2021, there were 638,013 total private dwellings, with 604,721 occupied by usual residents.
Visible minorities represent 26.0% of the population, with Black, Arab, and South Asian communities being the largest.
The CMA has grown by 11.53%, adding over 170,000 residents between 2021 and 2024.
Source:
- Statistics Canada. Table 17-10-0148-01 Population estimates, July 1, by census metropolitan area and census agglomeration, 2021 boundaries
- Statistics Canada. Table 98-10-0005-01 Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations
- Statistics Canada. Table 98-10-0351-01 Visible minority by gender and age: Canada, provinces and territories
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