Summerside, the second-largest city in Prince Edward Island (PEI), continues to grow steadily in 2024. With a total population of 20,389, Summerside makes up 11.4% of the province’s total population of 178,550. As one of PEI’s key urban centers, the city plays a vital role in the island’s economy, culture, and community life.
Total Population
20,389
Median Age
44.2 years
Land Area
125.12 km²
Summerside Population by Age
The age distribution in Summerside highlights both its family-friendly environment and aging population trends:
- 0 to 14 years: 2,787
- 15 to 64 years: 12,798
- 65 years and older: 4,804
- Median age: 44.2 years
With nearly a quarter of residents over the age of 65, Summerside reflects PEI’s broader demographic pattern of an aging population, while still maintaining a significant proportion of working-age adults.
Housing, Density, and Area Stats for Summerside
From the 2021 Census of Population and Dwellings, the following details provide additional insight into Summerside:
- Population (2021): 18,157
- Total private dwellings: 8,342
- Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 7,953
- Land area: 125.12 km²
- Population density: 145.1 per km²
- National population rank: 123
- Provincial population rank: 2nd in PEI
These figures highlight Summerside’s relatively high population density compared to other PEI communities, underscoring its role as a thriving urban hub outside Charlottetown.
Summerside Demographics – Racial & Ethnic Composition
Summerside is becoming increasingly diverse, with visible minority populations contributing to the city’s cultural fabric. While the majority of residents (16,215) identify as not part of a visible minority, several groups are represented across the community.
Visible Minority Population in Summerside (2021)
| Group | Population | Percent of Total Population |
|---|---|---|
| South Asian | 480 | 2.4% |
| Chinese | 170 | 0.8% |
| Black | 135 | 0.7% |
| Filipino | 400 | 2.0% |
| Arab | 80 | 0.4% |
| Latin American | 20 | 0.1% |
| Southeast Asian | 100 | 0.5% |
| West Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Korean | 10 | 0.05% |
| Japanese | 15 | 0.07% |
| Visible minority, n.i.e. | 0 | 0.0% |
| Multiple visible minorities | 35 | 0.2% |
| Not a visible minority | 16,215 | 79.5% |
Summerside’s growing immigrant population, particularly South Asian and Filipino communities, reflects broader migration trends into PEI, bringing diversity and contributing to the local economy.
FAQ
The population of Summerside in 2024 is 20,389, making up 11.4% of Prince Edward Island’s total population.
The median age in Summerside is 44.2 years, reflecting a slightly older population compared to national averages.
According to the 2021 Census, Summerside had 8,342 total private dwellings, with 7,953 occupied by usual residents.
Yes, Summerside is becoming increasingly diverse. Visible minorities make up over 6% of the population, with South Asian and Filipino communities being the largest groups.
Summerside is the second-largest city in PEI, after Charlottetown. While Charlottetown has a population of nearly 94,000, Summerside has 20,389 residents, making it a smaller but important urban center in the province.
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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