Sarnia, Ontario, a city known for its petrochemical industry, waterfront parks, and gateway to the U.S. via the Blue Water Bridge, has an estimated 2024 population of 108,636. With Ontario’s total population reaching 16,124,116, Sarnia accounts for approximately 0.67% of the province’s population. Its strategic location on the St. Clair River, combined with a balanced mix of urban and suburban living, makes Sarnia a key community in southwestern Ontario.
Total Population
108,636
Median Age
42.4 years
Land Area
1,117.20 km²
Sarnia Population by Age
Sarnia’s population structure highlights a strong working-age group, alongside a significant senior population.
| Age Group | Population | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 14 years | 15,580 | 14.3% |
| 15 to 64 years | 67,347 | 62.0% |
| 65 years and older | 25,709 | 23.7% |
| Median Age | 42.4 | — |
With a median age of 42.4, Sarnia has a slightly younger demographic than many nearby communities, reflecting a mix of families, working professionals, and retirees.
Housing, Density, and Area Stats for Sarnia
Sarnia’s housing and land data provide context for its population growth and density:
- Population (2021 Census): 97,592
- Total Private Dwellings (2021): 45,210
- Occupied Private Dwellings (2021): 42,581
- Land Area: 1,117.20 km²
- Population Density (2021): 87.4 people/km²
- National Population Rank (2021): 44th
- Ontario Population Rank (2021): 18th
Sarnia has seen steady growth between 2021 and 2024, supported by housing developments, its industrial sector, and cross-border economic activity.
Demographics – Racial & Ethnic Composition of Sarnia
In 2021, Sarnia had 6,450 residents identifying as part of a visible minority group, representing 6.7% of its total population. The largest visible minority groups were South Asian (1,965), Black (1,290), and Latin American (765) communities.
Racial Composition of Sarnia (2021)
| Ethnicity / Group | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| South Asian | 1,965 | 1.8% |
| Chinese | 590 | 0.5% |
| Black | 1,290 | 1.2% |
| Filipino | 575 | 0.5% |
| Arab | 370 | 0.3% |
| Latin American | 765 | 0.7% |
| Southeast Asian | 190 | 0.2% |
| West Asian | 175 | 0.2% |
| Korean | 135 | 0.1% |
| Japanese | 35 | 0.03% |
| Visible minority, n.i.e. | 150 | 0.1% |
| Multiple visible minorities | 220 | 0.2% |
| Total Visible Minorities | 6,450 | 6.7% |
| Not a visible minority | 89,835 | 93.3% |
Sarnia’s visible minority population is modest but steadily increasing, contributing to the city’s evolving cultural diversity.
FAQ
The population is estimated at 108,636, representing about 0.67% of Ontario’s total population.
Yes. Sarnia grew from 97,592 residents in 2021 to 108,636 in 2024, driven by economic stability, housing expansion, and cross-border commerce.
The median age is 42.4, slightly younger than many neighbouring communities.
Visible minorities make up 6.7% of Sarnia’s population, with South Asian, Black, and Latin American communities being the largest groups.
Sarnia is known for its petrochemical industry, Blue Water Bridge border crossing, waterfront parks, and recreational access to Lake Huron.
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
Recent Comments