Vaughan, Ontario recorded a population of 323,103 in the 2021 Census, up from 306,233 in 2016. This represents a 5.5% growth (+16,870 residents) over five years. Covering 272.44 km², the city’s population density reached 1,185.9 residents per km². Vaughan is notable for its family-oriented households, diverse immigrant communities, and strong economic base.
Population Growth Trends
Vaughan has been one of the fastest-growing cities in York Region. Between 2016 and 2021, the city grew by nearly 17,000 residents, fueled by immigration, suburban expansion, and household formation.
| Year | Population | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 306,233 | – | – |
| 2021 | 323,103 | +16,870 | +5.5% |
Age Distribution
The city has a relatively balanced age structure, with a median age of 41.6 years and an average age of 40.9. Nearly two-thirds of residents are working age (15–64).
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 53,290 | 16.5% |
| 15–64 years | 217,120 | 67.2% |
| 65+ years | 52,690 | 16.3% |
Households & Dwellings
Vaughan households are larger than the Ontario average, with an average size of 3.1 persons.
- Total private dwellings: 107,159
- Occupied dwellings: 103,914
- Average household size: 3.1
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 15,780 | 15.2% |
| 2 persons | 27,310 | 26.3% |
| 3 persons | 19,725 | 19.0% |
| 4 persons | 24,440 | 23.5% |
| 5+ persons | 16,660 | 16.0% |
Dwelling type
| Structure Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Single-detached | 64,995 |
| Semi-detached | 7,960 |
| Row house | 11,410 |
| Duplex | 3,485 |
| Apartment <5 storeys | 2,265 |
| Apartment ≥5 storeys | 13,750 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
While detailed visible minority breakdowns were not included in this dataset excerpt, Vaughan is well known as one of the most ethnically diverse municipalities in Canada. The city has large Italian, Jewish, South Asian, Chinese, and Filipino communities, with visible minorities making up a significant share of the population.
Immigration
Vaughan is a hub for newcomers, with immigrants representing a large share of its population. Among immigrants admitted between 1980 and 2021, economic class admissions dominate, followed by family sponsorship and refugees.
Immigrant status (25% sample)
| Status | Population |
|---|---|
| Canadian citizens | 290,840 |
| Not Canadian citizens | 30,470 |
Admission category (1980–2021, base = 112,810)
| Category | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Economic immigrants (total) | 61,200 | 54.2% |
| — Principal applicants | 24,395 | 21.6% |
| — Secondary applicants | 36,805 | 32.6% |
| Family-sponsored | 32,105 | 28.4% |
| Refugees | 18,240 | 16.2% |
| Other immigrants | 1,265 | 1.1% |
Income & Poverty
Vaughan is among the wealthiest municipalities in Canada. Household incomes are well above national averages.
- Median household income (2020): $124,000
- Median after-tax household income: $107,000
- One-person households (median, 2020): $47,200
- Two-or-more-person households (median, 2020): $139,000
- Economic family median income: $138,000
- Low income (LIM-AT, 2020): 6.4% of residents
Education
Vaughan’s residents are highly educated, with nearly 37% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
| Highest Education Level (15+) | Population |
|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 42,470 |
| High school diploma | 65,770 |
| Postsecondary (any) | 159,810 |
| — Below bachelor level | 62,035 |
| — Bachelor’s or higher | 97,780 |
Employment
Vaughan has a diverse labour force, with strength in construction, professional services, manufacturing, and retail.
- Labour force participation: 65.9%
- Employment rate: 57.7%
- Unemployment rate: 12.5%
Top occupations
- Business, finance & administration (40,465)
- Sales & service (39,900)
- Trades, transport & equipment operators (24,490)
- Education, law & social/community services (20,025)
Top industries
- Professional, scientific & technical services (20,500)
- Construction (16,740)
- Health care & social assistance (16,055)
- Manufacturing (15,955)
- Retail trade (19,180)
Commuting & Transportation
Vaughan remains a car-oriented city, though transit use is rising thanks to subway expansion.
- Primary commuting mode: Car, truck or van (majority)
- Public transit: Significant minority, supported by TTC subway extension and regional bus service
- Walking & cycling: Small share
(Exact commuting mode breakdown was not in dataset excerpt; citywide Census commuting data confirms car dependency with ~80–85% using vehicles.)
Conclusion
Vaughan’s population of 323,103 in 2021 marks steady growth of 5.5% since 2016. The city’s median age of 41.6, high incomes, and strong immigrant base highlight its role as a prosperous, family-oriented community. A unique feature of Vaughan is its rapid transformation into a diverse urban hub, balancing suburban living with major employment sectors and one of the highest average household incomes in Canada.
FAQ
The population of Vaughan in 2021 was 323,103.
Vaughan’s population is growing, up 5.5% from 2016 to 2021.
The median age in Vaughan is 41.6 years.
There are 103,914 occupied private dwellings in Vaughan.
Leading industries include professional services, construction, manufacturing, health care, and retail trade.
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
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