Ontario’s population reached 16,124,116 in 2024, with the St. Catharines – Niagara Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) accounting for 492,480 residents. This means the region represents roughly 3.05% of the province’s total population. Known for its wine country, proximity to Niagara Falls, and rich cultural heritage, St. Catharines – Niagara is both a tourism hub and a residential community with a growing and aging population profile.
Total Population
492,480
Median Age
42.9 years
Land Area
1,397.09 km²
St. Catharines Population by Age
The population of St. Catharines – Niagara shows a balanced distribution between working-age adults and seniors, with a notable proportion in the 65+ category, reflecting the area’s appeal to retirees.
| Age Group | Population | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 14 years | 70,102 | 14.23% |
| 15 to 64 years | 309,557 | 62.84% |
| 65 years and older | 112,821 | 22.90% |
| Median Age | 42.9 years | — |
With nearly one in four residents aged 65+, health care services, age-friendly housing, and accessible public infrastructure are increasingly vital to the region’s planning.
Housing, Density, and Area Stats for St. Catharines
The 2021 Census data provides a snapshot of housing, density, and ranking within Ontario and Canada.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 433,604 |
| Total private dwellings | 190,878 |
| Private dwellings occupied by usual residents | 179,224 |
| Land area (km²) | 1,397.09 |
| Population density (per km²) | 310.4 |
| National population rank | 13th |
| Provincial population rank | 6th |
The relatively moderate density reflects the region’s mix of urban centers like St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, balanced by rural communities and agricultural land.
Demographics – Racial & Ethnic Composition of St. Catharines
St. Catharines – Niagara is home to a diverse population, with visible minorities making up 59,015 residents or about 13.6% of the total. The largest groups are South Asian, Black, and Chinese communities.
| Ethnic Group | Population | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| South Asian | 12,765 | 2.94% |
| Chinese | 6,385 | 1.47% |
| Black | 12,785 | 2.95% |
| Filipino | 6,250 | 1.44% |
| Arab | 3,450 | 0.80% |
| Latin American | 6,630 | 1.53% |
| Southeast Asian | 3,025 | 0.70% |
| West Asian | 900 | 0.21% |
| Korean | 1,860 | 0.43% |
| Japanese | 725 | 0.17% |
| Visible minority, n.i.e. | 1,335 | 0.31% |
| Multiple visible minorities | 2,905 | 0.67% |
| Not a visible minority | 366,460 | 86.4% |
While the majority of residents identify as not being part of a visible minority, the community is enriched by a variety of cultural backgrounds that contribute to the region’s cultural events, cuisine, and business diversity.
FAQ
The population is 492,480, making up about 3.05% of Ontario’s total population.
The median age is 42.9 years, reflecting a significant proportion of residents aged 65 and older.
About 13.6% of the population belongs to visible minority groups, with South Asian, Black, and Chinese communities being the largest.
According to the 2021 Census, there are 190,878 total private dwellings, with 179,224 occupied by usual residents.
The population density is 310.4 people per km², which is lower than major metropolitan areas like Toronto, allowing for a mix of urban and rural lifestyles.
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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