According to the 2021 Census, Richmond Hill, Ontario recorded a population of 202,022, up from 195,022 in 2016. This represents a 3.6% increase (+7,000 residents). With a land area of 100.79 km², the town has a population density of 2,004.4 residents per km². Richmond Hill is known for its cultural diversity, highly educated residents, and strong household incomes, making it one of the most desirable communities in York Region.
Population Growth Trends
Richmond Hill has seen steady growth, though at a slower pace than nearby Vaughan and Markham. Between 2016 and 2021, the town added over 7,000 residents.
| Year | Population | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 195,022 | – | – |
| 2021 | 202,022 | +7,000 | +3.6% |
Age Distribution
The median age in Richmond Hill is 43.6 years, slightly higher than the Ontario median, reflecting a mature population. Seniors (65+) represent 17.2% of residents.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 29,970 | 14.8% |
| 15–64 years | 137,390 | 68.0% |
| 65+ years | 34,665 | 17.2% |
Households & Dwellings
Richmond Hill has a housing stock dominated by single-detached houses, with an average household size of 2.9 persons.
- Total private dwellings: 72,017
- Occupied dwellings: 69,314
- Average household size: 2.9
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 12,180 | 17.6% |
| 2 persons | 18,935 | 27.3% |
| 3 persons | 15,080 | 21.8% |
| 4 persons | 14,770 | 21.3% |
| 5+ persons | 8,350 | 12.0% |
Dwelling type
| Structure Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Single-detached house | 39,295 |
| Semi-detached house | 2,665 |
| Row house | 10,505 |
| Duplex | 2,135 |
| Apartment <5 storeys | 1,695 |
| Apartment ≥5 storeys | 12,960 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Richmond Hill is one of Canada’s most diverse towns, home to large Chinese, West Asian, South Asian, and Iranian communities, alongside a sizeable White population. Nearly 60% of residents are visible minorities, making cultural diversity a defining feature of the community.
(For exact visible minority counts from the B03002 dataset, I can add a full table on request.)
Immigration
Immigration has been the primary driver of Richmond Hill’s population growth. Between 1980 and 2021, more than 100,000 immigrants settled in the town, with a strong concentration of economic-class immigrants.
Immigrant status
| Status | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizens | 169,955 | 84.5% |
| Not Canadian citizens | 30,970 | 15.5% |
Admission category (1980–2021)
| Category | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Economic immigrants | 67,645 | 66.4% |
| — Principal applicants | 26,250 | 25.8% |
| — Secondary applicants | 41,395 | 40.6% |
| Family-sponsored | 23,270 | 22.8% |
| Refugees | 9,540 | 9.4% |
| Other immigrants | 1,480 | 1.5% |
Income & Poverty
Richmond Hill is among Ontario’s most affluent municipalities.
- Median household income (2020): $102,000
- Median after-tax household income: $89,000
- Median economic family income (2020): $118,000
- Median one-person household income: $42,400
- Low-income rate (LIM-AT, 2020): 11.8% of residents
| Income Group | Median ($) |
|---|---|
| Households (all) | 102,000 |
| After-tax households | 89,000 |
| Couple with children | 146,000 |
| One-parent family | 76,000 |
| One-person household | 42,400 |
Education
Richmond Hill residents are highly educated, with nearly 45% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
| Highest Education Level (15+) | Population |
|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 19,070 |
| High school diploma | 39,335 |
| Postsecondary (any) | 112,575 |
| — Below bachelor level | 36,065 |
| — Bachelor’s or higher | 76,510 |
Employment
The 2021 labour force in Richmond Hill showed diverse occupational patterns, with significant employment in business, sciences, education, health, and services.
- Labour force participation: 62.6%
- Employment rate: 54.4%
- Unemployment rate: 13.1%
Top occupations
- Business, finance & administration (23,615)
- Sales & service (24,935)
- Natural/applied sciences (16,600)
- Education, law & social services (10,495)
- Trades & transport (11,310)
Top industries
- Professional, scientific & technical services (15,485)
- Finance & insurance (9,740)
- Retail trade (11,735)
- Manufacturing (7,365)
- Health care & social assistance (10,650)
Commuting & Transportation
Richmond Hill is a car-oriented community but benefits from strong GO Transit and regional transit connections. Most residents commute by car, though a growing share use public transit to access Toronto and surrounding employment centers.
Conclusion
Richmond Hill’s 202,022 residents in 2021 reflect steady growth of 3.6% since 2016. With a median age of 43.6, high educational attainment, and median household income above $100,000, the town stands out as both affluent and diverse. Its unique characteristic lies in its high concentration of immigrants and multicultural communities, shaping its identity as one of the most international towns in Canada.
FAQ
The population of Richmond Hill in 2021 was 202,022.
Richmond Hill’s population is growing, up 3.6% since 2016.
The median age in Richmond Hill is 43.6 years.
There are 69,314 occupied private dwellings in Richmond Hill.
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
Recent Comments