The City of Welland, Ontario, recorded a population of 55,750 in the 2021 Census, compared to 52,293 in 2016. This represents a 6.6% increase (+3,457 residents) in five years. With a land area of 81.16 km², Welland’s population density reached 686.9 people per km². Known as the “Rose City,” Welland has a mix of industrial heritage, multicultural communities, and access to the Welland Canal.
Population Growth Trends
| Year | Population | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 52,293 | – | – |
| 2021 | 55,750 | +3,457 | +6.6% |
Age Distribution
Welland’s median age was 45.2 years in 2021, higher than the Ontario median. Nearly one-quarter of residents (23%) were aged 65 or older.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 8,310 | 14.9% |
| 15–64 years | 34,600 | 62.1% |
| 65+ years | 12,840 | 23.0% |
Households & Dwellings
Welland had 24,530 private dwellings in 2021, with 23,656 occupied. The average household size was 2.3 persons.
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 7,130 | 30.1% |
| 2 persons | 8,515 | 36.0% |
| 3 persons | 3,690 | 15.6% |
| 4 persons | 2,720 | 11.5% |
| 5+ persons | 1,605 | 6.8% |
Dwelling type
| Dwelling Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Single-detached house | 15,265 |
| Semi-detached house | 1,680 |
| Row house | 1,060 |
| Duplex/apartment in duplex | 1,095 |
| Apartment <5 storeys | 2,955 |
| Apartment ≥5 storeys | 1,480 |
| Other | 120 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Welland is a multicultural city with a long history of immigration, particularly from Italian, French, and Eastern European communities. Recent years have also seen growth in South Asian, Black, and Latin American populations.
| Visible Minority Group | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| South Asian | ~3% |
| Black | ~2% |
| Latin American | ~1% |
| Chinese | ~1% |
| Other visible minorities | ~2% |
| White (non-minority) | ~91% |
Immigration
Immigrants form an important part of Welland’s cultural identity. Between 1980 and 2021, 3,550 immigrants settled in the city.
Immigrant status (2021)
| Status | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizens | 52,915 | 96.2% |
| Not Canadian citizens | 2,070 | 3.8% |
Admission category (1980–2021)
| Category | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Economic immigrants | 1,360 | 38.3% |
| — Principal applicants | 700 | 19.7% |
| — Secondary applicants | 660 | 18.6% |
| Family-sponsored | 1,195 | 33.7% |
| Refugees | 890 | 25.1% |
| Other immigrants | 110 | 3.1% |
Period of immigration (est.)
| Period | Percent |
|---|---|
| Before 1980 | ~30% |
| 1980–1999 | ~35% |
| 2000–2010 | ~20% |
| 2011–2021 | ~15% |
Income & Poverty
Welland households report lower incomes than Ontario’s average, with higher reliance on government transfers.
Household income (2020)
| Household Type | Median Income ($) |
|---|---|
| All households | 71,500 |
| One-person households | 36,800 |
| Two+ person households | 90,000 |
Economic family income (2020)
| Family Type | Median Income ($) |
|---|---|
| All families | 90,000 |
| Couple with children | 118,000 |
| Couple without children | 79,500 |
| One-parent families | 62,800 |
Low income (LIM-AT, 2020)
| Age Group | In Low Income | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–17 years | 1,470 | 14.7% |
| 18–64 years | 3,710 | 11.3% |
| 65+ years | 1,420 | 11.6% |
| Total | 6,595 | 12.0% |
Education
Welland has a lower share of university graduates compared to Ontario, though many residents hold college or trades diplomas.
| Highest Education Level (15+) | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 8,125 | 17.4% |
| High school diploma | 15,680 | 33.6% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 22,865 | 49.0% |
| — Apprenticeship/trades | 3,415 | 7.3% |
| — College diploma | 12,115 | 25.9% |
| — University degree+ | 6,615 | 14.2% |
Employment
In 2021, Welland had a participation rate of 56.9%, an employment rate of 48.4%, and an unemployment rate of 15.0%, higher than the national average due to pandemic effects.
Occupation groups
| Occupation Group | Workers |
|---|---|
| Sales & service | 8,010 |
| Trades & transport | 5,120 |
| Business & finance | 3,450 |
| Education, law & government | 2,915 |
| Health occupations | 2,275 |
| Manufacturing & utilities | 1,360 |
Top industries
| Industry Sector | Workers |
|---|---|
| Retail trade | 3,470 |
| Health care & social assistance | 3,665 |
| Manufacturing | 2,530 |
| Construction | 2,350 |
| Accommodation & food services | 2,060 |
| Education services | 1,945 |
Commuting & Transportation
Welland residents are highly car-dependent, with limited public transit connections.
| Mode of Transport | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| Car (driver/passenger) | ~90% |
| Public transit | ~6% |
| Walking & cycling | ~3% |
| Other | ~1% |
Conclusion
In 2021, Welland’s population reached 55,750, growing 6.6% since 2016. With a median age of 45.2 years, it has an older population than Ontario overall. While household incomes are modest, Welland remains an affordable community in the Niagara Region. Its unique characteristic lies in its cultural diversity and industrial heritage tied to the Welland Canal, positioning it as both a historic city and a growing residential hub.
FAQ
The population of Welland was 55,750 in 2021.
Welland’s population is growing, up 6.6% since 2016.
The median age is 45.2 years.
There were 23,656 occupied dwellings in 2021.
Key industries include retail, health care, manufacturing, construction, and education.
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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