The City of Pickering, Ontario, recorded a population of 99,186 in the 2021 Census, up from 91,771 in 2016. This represents an 8.1% increase (+7,415 people) in just five years. With a land area of 231.10 km², Pickering’s population density was 429.2 residents per km². As a fast-growing suburb in Durham Region, Pickering is known for its family-friendly communities, strong incomes, and increasing cultural diversity.
Population Growth Trends
| Year | Population | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 91,771 | – | – |
| 2021 | 99,186 | +7,415 | +8.1% |
Age Distribution
Pickering’s median age is 40.8 years, closely matching Ontario’s provincial average. Children (0–14) represent 16.5% of residents, while seniors (65+) account for 16.6%.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 16,405 | 16.5% |
| 15–64 years | 66,350 | 66.9% |
| 65+ years | 16,435 | 16.6% |
Households & Dwellings
Pickering reported 34,327 total private dwellings in 2021, of which 33,425 were occupied. The average household size was 3.0 persons, reflecting its strong family presence.
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 5,740 | 17.2% |
| 2 persons | 9,715 | 29.1% |
| 3 persons | 6,445 | 19.3% |
| 4 persons | 6,805 | 20.4% |
| 5+ persons | 4,720 | 14.1% |
Dwelling type
| Dwelling Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Single-detached house | 19,915 |
| Semi-detached house | 2,510 |
| Row house | 4,980 |
| Apartment in duplex | 1,825 |
| Apartment <5 storeys | 1,105 |
| Apartment ≥5 storeys | 3,060 |
| Other / movable dwelling | 30 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Pickering is among Durham Region’s most diverse cities, with more than 40% of residents identifying as visible minorities. The largest groups include South Asian, Black, and Filipino populations, alongside significant Chinese and Arab communities.
| Visible Minority Group | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| South Asian | ~15% |
| Black | ~14% |
| Filipino | ~5% |
| Chinese | ~4% |
| Arab & West Asian | ~3% |
| Other visible minorities | ~3–5% |
| White (non-minority) | ~58% |
Immigration
Immigration plays a central role in Pickering’s growth. Many newcomers settle here through the economic immigrant stream, while family sponsorship and refugee admissions also account for a sizeable share.
Immigrant status (2021)
| Status | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizens | 92,515 | 93.9% |
| Not Canadian citizens | 6,065 | 6.1% |
Admission category (1980–2021)
| Category | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Economic immigrants | 12,760 | 47.6% |
| — Principal applicants | 5,040 | 18.8% |
| — Secondary applicants | 7,715 | 28.8% |
| Family-sponsored | 9,410 | 35.1% |
| Refugees | 4,275 | 15.9% |
| Other immigrants | 375 | 1.4% |
Income & Poverty
Pickering households enjoy strong income levels, with most families earning well above the provincial median.
Household income (2020)
| Household Type | Median Income ($) |
|---|---|
| All households | 118,000 |
| After-tax households | 102,000 |
| One-person households | 54,000 |
| Two+ person households | 133,000 |
Economic family income (2020)
| Family Type | Median Income ($) |
|---|---|
| All families | 132,000 |
| Couple with children | 158,000 |
| Couple without children | 110,000 |
| One-parent families | 92,000 |
Low income (LIM-AT, 2020)
| Age Group | In Low Income | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–17 years | 1,370 | 6.9% |
| 18–64 years | 2,830 | 4.5% |
| 65+ years | 1,015 | 6.4% |
| Total | 5,215 | 5.3% |
Education
Pickering residents are well educated, with over 60% of adults holding postsecondary credentials.
| Highest Education Level (15+) | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 9,500 | 11.6% |
| High school diploma | 23,440 | 28.5% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 49,250 | 59.9% |
| — Apprenticeship/trades | 4,000 | 4.9% |
| — College diploma | 17,880 | 21.7% |
| — University degree+ | 25,245 | 30.7% |
Employment
Pickering’s labour force participation rate was 65.3% in 2021, with an employment rate of 56.9% and an unemployment rate of 12.9%, reflecting pandemic impacts.
Occupation groups
| Occupation Group | Workers |
|---|---|
| Sales & service | 12,370 |
| Business & finance | 11,605 |
| Trades & transport | 8,185 |
| Education, law & government | 6,490 |
| Health occupations | 3,400 |
| Natural & applied sciences | 5,375 |
Top industries
| Industry Sector | Workers |
|---|---|
| Health care & social assistance | 5,730 |
| Retail trade | 5,510 |
| Professional & technical services | 5,210 |
| Finance & insurance | 4,840 |
| Educational services | 3,850 |
| Construction | 3,840 |
| Public administration | 2,915 |
Commuting & Transportation
As a commuter city within the Greater Toronto Area, Pickering residents rely heavily on cars, though GO Transit and Durham Region Transit also serve commuters.
| Mode of Transport | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| Car (driver/passenger) | ~80% |
| Public transit | ~15% |
| Walking & cycling | ~4% |
| Other | ~1% |
Conclusion
In 2021, Pickering’s population reached 99,186, up 8.1% since 2016. With a median age of 40.8 years, strong household incomes, and a growing immigrant population, Pickering is one of Durham Region’s most dynamic and diverse cities. Its unique characteristic is its blend of family-oriented suburban living with rapid cultural diversification, making it a key growth hub in the eastern GTA.
FAQ
The population of Pickering in 2021 was 99,186.
Pickering’s population is growing, up 8.1% since 2016.
The median age in Pickering is 40.8 years.
There were 33,425 occupied private dwellings in Pickering in 2021.
The largest industries include health care, retail, professional services, finance, education, 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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