Ontario’s population in 2024 is estimated at 16,124,116 residents. Within this total, the town of Petawawa has a population of 20,039, representing approximately 0.12% of the province’s population. Known for its strong military presence and proximity to natural attractions, Petawawa is a small yet vibrant community with unique demographic and housing characteristics.
Total Population
20,039
Median Age
33.8 years
Land Area
164.7 km²
Petawawa Population by Age
Petawawa’s age distribution highlights a relatively young population compared to the provincial median. The median age is 33.8 years, which is significantly lower than Ontario’s average, reflecting the presence of younger families and military personnel.
| Age Group | Population | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 14 years | 3,863 | 19.28% |
| 15 to 64 years | 14,088 | 70.31% |
| 65 years and older | 2,088 | 10.42% |
| All Ages | 20,039 | 100% |
The large proportion of residents in the working-age category (15–64 years) underlines the town’s active workforce and its role as a service hub in the Ottawa Valley.
Housing, Density, and Area Stats for Petawawa
According to the 2021 Census, Petawawa had a population of 18,160, which has since grown to over 20,000 in 2024. The town has 7,174 total private dwellings, with 6,762 occupied by usual residents.
- Land Area: 164.7 square kilometres
- Population Density (2021): 110.3 people per km²
- National Population Rank (2021): 122
- Ontario Population Rank (2021): 38
This moderate population density reflects Petawawa’s mix of suburban residential areas and surrounding rural landscapes.
Demographics – Racial & Ethnic Composition of Petawawa
Petawawa is home to a diverse population, though the majority identify as not being part of a visible minority. In 2021, 1,075 residents (about 6.6% of the population) belonged to visible minority groups.
| Visible Minority Group | Population | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| South Asian | 305 | 1.88% |
| Chinese | 60 | 0.37% |
| Black | 270 | 1.67% |
| Filipino | 70 | 0.43% |
| Arab | 45 | 0.28% |
| Latin American | 75 | 0.46% |
| Southeast Asian | 70 | 0.43% |
| West Asian | 10 | 0.06% |
| Korean | 40 | 0.25% |
| Japanese | 45 | 0.28% |
| Visible minority, n.i.e | 35 | 0.22% |
| Multiple visible minorities | 60 | 0.37% |
| Total visible minority population | 1,075 | 6.63% |
| Not a visible minority | 16,215 | 93.37% |
This diversity, while modest in proportion, adds to the town’s cultural richness.
FAQ
Petawawa has a population of 20,039 in 2024, representing about 0.12% of Ontario’s total population.
The median age is 33.8 years, indicating a younger-than-average population.
In 2021, 1,075 residents (6.6% of the population) identified as belonging to a visible minority group.
As of 2021, Petawawa had a population density of 110.3 residents per square kilometre.
Petawawa’s population grew from 18,160 in 2021 to 20,039 in 2024, reflecting steady growth driven by its military presence and family-oriented community.
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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