The City of Quinte West, Ontario, recorded a population of 46,560 in the 2021 Census, an increase from 43,577 in 2016. This represents a 6.8% growth (+2,983 people) over five years. With a land area of 495.45 km², Quinte West had a population density of 94.0 people per km². Located along the Bay of Quinte, the city includes the communities of Trenton, Frankford, and Batawa and is home to CFB Trenton, one of Canada’s largest military bases.
Population Growth Trends
| Year | Population | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 43,577 | – | – |
| 2021 | 46,560 | +2,983 | +6.8% |
Age Distribution
Quinte West has a median age of 45.6 years, higher than the Ontario average, reflecting an aging population. Seniors (65+) make up more than 22% of the population.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 7,355 | 15.8% |
| 15–64 years | 28,860 | 62.0% |
| 65+ years | 10,345 | 22.2% |
Households & Dwellings
Quinte West had 19,888 private dwellings in 2021, of which 19,056 were occupied. The average household size was 2.4 persons. Housing is primarily single-detached homes.
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 4,730 | 24.8% |
| 2 persons | 7,620 | 40.0% |
| 3 persons | 2,980 | 15.6% |
| 4 persons | 2,315 | 12.1% |
| 5+ persons | 1,415 | 7.4% |
Dwelling type
| Dwelling Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Single-detached house | 14,505 |
| Semi-detached house | 855 |
| Row house | 425 |
| Duplex | 315 |
| Apartment <5 storeys | 2,025 |
| Apartment ≥5 storeys | 510 |
| Movable dwelling | 375 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Quinte West is a predominantly White community, though Indigenous peoples and visible minorities contribute to its cultural diversity. Immigration remains modest compared to larger urban centres.
| Visible Minority Group | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| White (non-minority) | ~90% |
| Indigenous peoples | ~5% |
| Other visible minorities | ~5% |
Immigration
In 2021, the vast majority of residents were Canadian citizens. Immigration levels are relatively low, with just under 2,000 immigrants admitted since 1980.
Immigrant status (2021)
| Status | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizens | 45,260 | 98.4% |
| Not Canadian citizens | 720 | 1.6% |
Admission category (1980–2021)
| Category | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Economic immigrants | 775 | 44.9% |
| — Principal applicants | 330 | 19.1% |
| — Secondary applicants | 445 | 25.8% |
| Family-sponsored | 745 | 43.2% |
| Refugees | 185 | 10.7% |
| Other immigrants | 20 | 1.2% |
Income & Poverty
In 2020, Quinte West reported a median household income of $81,000 and a median after-tax income of $72,500.
Household income (2020)
| Household Type | Median Income ($) |
|---|---|
| All households | 81,000 |
| One-person households | 41,600 |
| Two+ person households | 97,000 |
Economic family income (2020)
| Family Type | Median Income ($) |
|---|---|
| All families | 96,000 |
| Couple with children | 124,000 |
| Couple without children | 84,000 |
| One-parent families | 65,000 |
Low income (LIM-AT, 2020)
| Age Group | In Low Income | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–17 years | 880 | 10.0% |
| 18–64 years | 2,285 | 8.4% |
| 65+ years | 1,135 | 11.4% |
| Total | 4,300 | 9.4% |
Education
Education levels show strong high school and college attainment, with fewer university graduates compared to provincial averages.
| Highest Education Level (15+) | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 6,885 | 17.8% |
| High school diploma | 13,360 | 34.6% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 18,385 | 47.6% |
| — Trades/apprenticeship | 2,840 | 7.4% |
| — College diploma | 10,600 | 27.4% |
| — University degree+ | 4,410 | 11.4% |
Employment
Quinte West had a participation rate of 57.6%, an employment rate of 51.3%, and an unemployment rate of 10.9% in 2021, reflecting pandemic disruptions.
Occupation groups
| Occupation Group | Workers |
|---|---|
| Sales & service | 5,230 |
| Trades & transport | 4,520 |
| Business & finance | 2,885 |
| Education, law & government | 3,580 |
| Health occupations | 1,615 |
| Manufacturing & utilities | 1,705 |
| Natural resources/agriculture | 545 |
Top industries
| Industry Sector | Workers |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 2,525 |
| Retail trade | 2,435 |
| Health care & social assistance | 2,690 |
| Construction | 1,640 |
| Public administration | 3,415 |
| Accommodation & food services | 1,270 |
Commuting & Transportation
As a mid-sized city with a strong military base, Quinte West is car-dependent, with limited public transit services.
| Mode of Transport | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| Car (driver/passenger) | ~88% |
| Public transit | ~6% |
| Walking & cycling | ~4% |
| Other | ~2% |
Conclusion
In 2021, the population of Quinte West reached 46,560, growing 6.8% since 2016. With a median age of 45.6 years, a strong manufacturing sector, and the presence of CFB Trenton, Quinte West blends military, industrial, and residential identities. Its unique characteristic is its role as a key Canadian military hub along the Bay of Quinte.
FAQ
The population was 46,560 in 2021.
It is growing, with a 6.8% increase since 2016.
The median age is 45.6 years, above the Ontario average.
There were 19,056 occupied dwellings in 2021.
Key industries include manufacturing, public administration, health care, construction, and retail trade.
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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