In the 2021 Census, the City of St. Catharines, Ontario recorded a population of 136,803, up from 133,113 in 2016. This represents a 2.8% increase (+3,690 residents) over five years. Covering a land area of 96.20 km², the city’s population density is 1,422.1 people per km². Known as the “Garden City,” St. Catharines is the largest city in the Niagara Region and serves as a hub for education, healthcare, and culture.
Population Growth Trends
| Year | Population | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 133,113 | – | – |
| 2021 | 136,803 | +3,690 | +2.8% |
Age Distribution
St. Catharines has a relatively older demographic compared to Ontario overall, with a median age of 44.8 years. Seniors (65+) make up nearly a quarter of the city’s residents.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 19,350 | 14.1% |
| 15–64 years | 85,590 | 62.6% |
| 65+ years | 31,865 | 23.3% |
Households & Dwellings
St. Catharines had 61,977 total private dwellings in 2021, with 58,903 occupied. The average household size is 2.3 persons, reflecting the city’s large share of one- and two-person households.
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 19,010 | 32.3% |
| 2 persons | 20,870 | 35.4% |
| 3 persons | 8,400 | 14.3% |
| 4 persons | 6,780 | 11.5% |
| 5+ persons | 3,840 | 6.5% |
Dwelling type
| Dwelling Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Single-detached house | 32,725 |
| Semi-detached house | 3,425 |
| Row house | 5,010 |
| Apartment in duplex | 2,500 |
| Apartment <5 storeys | 8,465 |
| Apartment ≥5 storeys | 6,500 |
| Other single-attached / movable | 275 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
St. Catharines remains predominantly White, but its cultural diversity is increasing through immigration and visible minority communities. The largest groups include South Asian, Black, and Chinese populations.
| Visible Minority Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| White (not visible minority) | ~118,000 | ~86% |
| South Asian | ~3,000 | ~2% |
| Black | ~2,500 | ~1.8% |
| Chinese | ~1,800 | ~1.3% |
| Other visible minorities | ~5,500 | ~4% |
| Indigenous identity | ~3,000 | ~2% |
Immigration
Immigrants make up an important share of the city’s growth. Between 1980 and 2021, the majority arrived as economic immigrants (41%), followed by family sponsorship (31%) and refugees (25%).
Immigrant status
| Status | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizens | 125,595 | 93.5% |
| Not Canadian citizens | 8,740 | 6.5% |
Admission category (1980–2021)
| Category | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Economic immigrants | 6,640 | 41.0% |
| — Principal applicants | 2,895 | 17.9% |
| — Secondary applicants | 3,745 | 23.1% |
| Family-sponsored | 5,050 | 31.2% |
| Refugees | 4,135 | 25.5% |
| Other immigrants | 375 | 2.3% |
Income & Poverty
Households in St. Catharines had a median total income of $72,500 in 2020, with families earning higher than one-person households. Despite moderate incomes, poverty remains a concern.
- Median household income (2020): $72,500
- Median after-tax household income: $65,000
- Median family income (2020): $92,000
- Median one-person household income: $38,400
- Low-income rate (LIM-AT, 2020): 12.4%
| Income Group | Median ($) |
|---|---|
| Households (all) | 72,500 |
| After-tax households | 65,000 |
| One-person households | 38,400 |
| Two+ person households | 92,000 |
| Economic families | 92,000 |
| Couple with children | 122,000 |
| One-parent families | 64,000 |
Education
St. Catharines is home to Brock University, and over half of adults hold postsecondary credentials.
| Highest Education Level (15+) | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 17,880 | 15.5% |
| High school diploma | 36,115 | 31.4% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 61,010 | 53.1% |
| — Apprenticeship/trades | 7,540 | 6.6% |
| — College diploma | 25,940 | 22.6% |
| — University degree | 25,420 | 22.1% |
Employment
The labour force participation rate was 58.4%, with an employment rate of 49.1% and an unemployment rate of 15.8%, reflecting challenges during the pandemic period.
Top occupations
| Occupation Group | Workers |
|---|---|
| Sales & service | 20,410 |
| Trades & transport | 10,900 |
| Business & finance | 9,290 |
| Education, law & government | 7,750 |
| Health occupations | 5,780 |
Top industries
| Industry Sector | Workers |
|---|---|
| Health care & social assistance | 9,185 |
| Retail trade | 9,135 |
| Manufacturing | 5,685 |
| Educational services | 5,055 |
| Accommodation & food services | 5,305 |
Commuting & Transportation
St. Catharines residents rely heavily on cars, though some use transit or active transportation.
| Mode of Transport | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| Car (driver/passenger) | ~80% |
| Public transit | ~10% |
| Walking & cycling | ~8% |
| Other | ~2% |
Conclusion
In 2021, St. Catharines had 136,803 residents, growing 2.8% since 2016. With a median age of 44.8 years, modest incomes, and a diverse economic base, the city balances its historic manufacturing roots with modern growth in healthcare, education, and services. Its unique characteristic is its role as the largest city in Niagara Region, combining urban amenities with access to the region’s wine country and natural beauty.
FAQ
The population of St. Catharines in 2021 was 136,803.
St. Catharines’ population is growing, up 2.8% since 2016.
The median age in St. Catharines is 44.8 years.
There are 58,903 occupied private dwellings in St. Catharines.
The largest industries are health care, retail trade, manufacturing, education, and hospitality.
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