The Town of Whitby, Ontario recorded a population of 138,501 in the 2021 Census, up from 128,377 in 2016. This marks a 7.9% growth (+10,124 residents) over five years, one of the fastest growth rates in Durham Region. With a land area of 146.69 km², Whitby has a population density of 944.1 residents per km². The town is recognized for its suburban family communities, proximity to Toronto, and a strong mix of employment in health care, education, and professional services.
Population Growth Trends
| Year | Population | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 128,377 | – | – |
| 2021 | 138,501 | +10,124 | +7.9% |
Age Distribution
Whitby has a median age of 40.0 years, slightly younger than the provincial median. Children under 15 make up nearly one-fifth of the population, while seniors 65+ account for about 15%.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 26,425 | 19.1% |
| 15–64 years | 91,640 | 66.2% |
| 65+ years | 20,440 | 14.8% |
Households & Dwellings
Whitby is primarily a community of single-detached homes, with an average household size of 2.9 persons.
- Total private dwellings: 47,389
- Occupied dwellings: 46,460
- Average household size: 2.9
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 8,015 | 17.3% |
| 2 persons | 12,775 | 27.5% |
| 3 persons | 8,995 | 19.4% |
| 4 persons | 10,525 | 22.6% |
| 5+ persons | 6,155 | 13.2% |
Dwelling type
| Dwelling Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Single-detached house | 32,295 |
| Semi-detached house | 1,385 |
| Row house | 6,135 |
| Apartment in duplex | 870 |
| Apartment <5 storeys | 2,435 |
| Apartment ≥5 storeys | 3,300 |
| Other / movable dwelling | 30 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Whitby is becoming increasingly diverse. While the majority identify as White, large visible minority communities include South Asian, Black, and Chinese residents.
| Visible Minority Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| White (not visible minority) | ~93,000 | ~68% |
| South Asian | ~14,500 | ~10% |
| Black | ~10,000 | ~7% |
| Chinese | ~4,500 | ~3% |
| Filipino | ~3,500 | ~2.5% |
| Other groups (Arab, Latin American, Southeast Asian, etc.) | ~13,000 | ~9.5% |
Immigration
Whitby’s immigrant population contributes to its cultural diversity, with most immigrants admitted through the economic and family sponsorship categories.
Immigrant status
| Status | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizens | 128,075 | 93.7% |
| Not Canadian citizens | 8,585 | 6.3% |
Admission category (1980–2021)
| Category | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Economic immigrants | 14,545 | 50.7% |
| — Principal applicants | 5,770 | 20.1% |
| — Secondary applicants | 8,775 | 30.6% |
| Family-sponsored | 9,445 | 32.9% |
| Refugees | 4,320 | 15.1% |
| Other immigrants | 375 | 1.3% |
Income & Poverty
Whitby households are among the most affluent in Durham Region, with relatively low poverty rates.
- Median household income (2020): $123,000
- Median after-tax household income: $104,000
- Median family income (2020): $138,000
- Median one-person household income: $50,400
- Low-income rate (LIM-AT, 2020): 5.4%
| Income Group | Median ($) |
|---|---|
| Households (all) | 123,000 |
| After-tax households | 104,000 |
| Couple with children | 164,000 |
| One-parent family | 89,000 |
| One-person household | 50,400 |
Education
Whitby residents are highly educated, with over 60% holding postsecondary credentials.
| Highest Education Level (15+) | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 13,870 | 12.6% |
| High school diploma | 29,880 | 27.1% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 66,515 | 60.3% |
| — College diploma | 25,305 | 22.9% |
| — Apprenticeship/trades | 5,340 | 4.8% |
| — University degree | 33,265 | 30.2% |
Employment
Whitby’s economy is tied to both local industries and commuting to Toronto. Key employment sectors include business, health, education, and trades.
- Participation rate: 67.0%
- Employment rate: 58.8%
- Unemployment rate: 12.3%
Top occupations
| Occupation Group | Workers |
|---|---|
| Sales & service | 17,555 |
| Business & finance | 14,790 |
| Trades & transport | 10,500 |
| Education, law, government | 9,515 |
| Natural & applied sciences | 7,400 |
| Health occupations | 5,100 |
Top industries
| Industry Sector | Workers |
|---|---|
| Retail trade | 8,120 |
| Health care & social assistance | 8,180 |
| Educational services | 5,995 |
| Construction | 5,115 |
| Professional, scientific & technical services | 6,565 |
| Finance & insurance | 5,910 |
| Public administration | 4,355 |
Commuting & Transportation
Whitby is a commuter town, with most residents driving or using GO Transit for work.
| Mode of Transport | Percent (est.) |
|---|---|
| Car (driver/passenger) | ~80% |
| Public transit | ~15% |
| Walking & cycling | ~4% |
| Other | ~1% |
Conclusion
In 2021, Whitby’s population reached 138,501, growing a strong 7.9% since 2016. With a median age of 40.0, a highly educated workforce, and one of the highest median household incomes in Durham Region, Whitby stands out as a prosperous and family-friendly community. Its unique characteristic is its balance of rapid growth and suburban quality of life, offering both modern amenities and access to Toronto’s job market.
FAQ
The population of Whitby in 2021 was 138,501.
Whitby’s population is growing, up 7.9% since 2016.
The median age in Whitby is 40.0 years.
There are 46,460 occupied private dwellings in Whitby.
Whitby’s leading industries include retail, health care, education, professional services, and construction.
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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