Nipigon, Ontario — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Nipigon census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 1,473
- −10.3% since 2016
- Density
- 13.6
- people per km²
- Land area
- 108
- km²
- Median age
- 51.6
- years
- Median household income
- $71,500
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 14.4%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Nipigon. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 107.94 km2. The town has a population density of 13.60 people per km2.
We highlight the Nipigon town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Nipigon on the Map
- Points of interest (5)
- Places to visit (2)
- Green spaces (2)
Nipigon location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Nipigon has a population of around 1,473 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Nipigon has decreased by ▼ -10.29%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,642 | 1,473 | --10.29% |
2026 Population Projection
Nipigon's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 1,473 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Nipigon Population Trend & Context
Nipigon is the 258th-largest town in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 1,473 — a decline of 169 (▼ 10.29%) people from the 1,642 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Ontario towns. The town's median age of 51.6 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Nipigon compare to other Ontario towns?
Population By Genders
The male population of Nipigon is around 730 while the female population is around 745.
Of the 1,473 total population in Nipigon, the largest gender is female with around 745 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 730 | 745 | -2.01% |
Is Nipigon a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Nipigon compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Ontario, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.
Employment & Economy
Income & Affordability
Commute
Housing Character
Household Composition
Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.
Nipigon Population Compared to Ontario
Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how Nipigon compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Nipigon | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $71,500 | $91,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 14.4% | 12.2% |
| Median age | 51.6 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.1% | 33.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 3.6% | 30.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Nipigon has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 8.80% of the total population. The town median age is 51.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 60 8.20% | 70 9.40% | 14.29% | 130 8.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 60 8.20% | 60 8.10% | 0.00% | 125 8.50% |
| 55 to 59 years | 65 8.90% | 50 6.70% | 23.08% | 120 8.10% |
| 70 to 74 years | 65 8.90% | 60 8.10% | 7.69% | 120 8.10% |
Broader Age Groups
If the town's population is divided into broader age groups, most of the population falls into the 15 to 64 years age group. The group accounts for 56.90% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 28.50% and 14.60%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Nipigon are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 57.50% | 56.40% | 56.90% |
| 65 years and over | 28.10% | 28.90% | 28.50% |
| 0 to 14 years | 14.40% | 14.10% | 14.60% |
Explore Nipigon Through Videos
Population of Nipigon by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Nipigon is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Nipigon is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the town appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Nipigon are French, which accounts for 24.09% of the total population, followed by English (20.80%), Irish (15.33%), First Nations (North American Indian) (12.41%), and Scottish (11.68%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Nipigon include Finnish, Canadian, German, Ukrainian, and Norwegian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| French | 21.38% | 27.13% | 24.09% |
| English | 21.38% | 20.16% | 20.80% |
| Irish | 16.55% | 13.18% | 15.33% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 12.41% | 12.40% | 12.41% |
| Scottish | 9.66% | 13.18% | 11.68% |
| Finnish | 13.10% | 10.85% | 11.68% |
| Canadian | 11.03% | 10.08% | 10.58% |
| German | 10.34% | 8.53% | 9.12% |
| Ukrainian | 6.90% | 4.65% | 5.84% |
| Norwegian | 6.21% | 3.10% | 4.74% |
Indigenous Identity in Nipigon
About 25.09% of Nipigon's population (345 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 74.91% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 275 people (20.10% of the total population) hold Registered or Treaty Indian status.
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Nipigon's population profile.
About 3.6% of Nipigon's population are immigrants (50 people).
The top countries of origin for Nipigon's immigrant population are Germany (10), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Germany | 10 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
| Guyana | 0 |
98.9% of Nipigon's residents (1,355 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.1% are not.
By generation status, 5.1% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 15.3% are second generation, and 79.6% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 630 of Nipigon's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 20.45% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 16.30% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.05%, 4.55%, and 2.65%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 270 | 20.45% |
| 1 person | 215 | 16.30% |
| 3 persons | 80 | 6.05% |
| 4 persons | 60 | 4.55% |
| 5 or more persons | 35 | 2.65% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 660 occupied private dwellings in Nipigon, 93.2% are owner-occupied (615) and 7.6% are rented (50). The median value of owned dwellings is $134,000 (average $151,000).
Period of Construction
56.1% of Nipigon's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 2.3% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Nipigon
Of census families in Nipigon, 78.4% are couple families and 21.6% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.7 people.
32.3% of households in Nipigon are one-person households, 48.1% are couple-family households, 12.0% are one-parent-family households, and 1.5% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 215 | 32.3% |
| Couple-family households | 320 | 48.1% |
| One-parent-family households | 80 | 12.0% |
| Multigenerational households | 10 | 1.5% |
Income in Nipigon
Analyzing income distribution in Nipigon can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Nipigon is $39,200.
A region's per capita data sheds light on the average income earned per person living in it. Since per capita income is calculated by dividing the region's total income by its population, it quantifies the population's economic situation on an individual basis.
Such data offers insights into the town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Nipigon population or around 160 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $50,000 to $79,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 125 and 120 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Nipigon's median household income is $71,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Nipigon's median household income is 12,500 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the town's economic landscape as well as the living standards of its population.
Analyzing such data enables researchers, policymakers, and businesses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the town's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Nipigon
This data sheds light on the distribution of Nipigon residents across educational milestones.
Such information is crucial in shaping the province’s policies on education, workforce development strategies, and initiatives that aim to improve access to quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities.
57.70% or most of the Nipigon population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 27.70% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 13.90% has a No certificate, diploma or degree. (Individual figures may not sum to exactly 100% due to Statistics Canada's random rounding of small-area 25% sample data.)
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 200 | 200 | 395 | 57.70% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 105 | 85 | 190 | 27.70% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 60 | 35 | 95 | 13.90% |
Below national average 12.4% of Nipigon's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Nipigon
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Nipigon. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Nipigon is at 14.39% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 46.12% |
| Unemployment rate | 14.39% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Nipigon, 26.1% worked full year full time in the reference year, 30.2% worked part year and/or part time, and 43.7% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 320 | 26.1% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 370 | 30.2% |
| Did not work | 535 | 43.7% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the town who work as an employee. The majority of Nipigon's population (around 69.70%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 40 men and 20 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 60.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 40 | 20 | 60 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Nipigon industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Nipigon is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Nipigon has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (15%) works in the retail trade sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 14%, followed by Public administration at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | 55 | 50 | 15% |
| Health care and social assistance | 10 | 75 | 14% |
| Public administration | 40 | 45 | 12% |
| Educational services | 20 | 40 | 8% |
| Construction | 45 | 0 | 8% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 45 | 10 | 8% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 30 | 0 | 6% |
| Utilities | 30 | 0 | 5% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10 | 15 | 4% |
| Accommodation and food services | 0 | 20 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 10 | 0 | 2% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 15 | 0 | 2% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 10 | 0 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 10 | 0 | 2% |
| Manufacturing | 15 | 0 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 10 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Nipigon residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Nipigon: Retail trade (15%), Health care and social assistance (14%), Public administration (12%)
Top occupation categories in Nipigon: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (27%), Sales and service occupations (26%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (12%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the town. It provides a snapshot of workplaces, showing their geographic distribution and the flow of workers across different areas.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 205 | 190 | 400 | 70.20% |
| No fixed workplace address | 85 | 15 | 100 | 17.50% |
| Worked at home | 25 | 45 | 70 | 12.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Nipigon residents travel to school or work. It highlights the frequency of different modes of transportation like walking, cycling, carpooling, and public transit.
The data is pivotal in the making of transportation policies as well as the development of transit systems. Ultimately commuting data contributes to improving the quality of life of Nipigon residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Nipigon spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the town's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the town.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 71.00% |
| 60 minutes and over | 12.00% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 10.00% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 6.00% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 0.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Nipigon shed light on its societal dynamics. It captures the diverse types of marital statuses of the population.
Long-term commitments, such as common-law partnerships, civil unions, and marriages, reflect the town's social fabric. We can gain insights into Nipigon's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights town's linguistic diversity, showing elegances of solo language as well as bilingual harmonies. Other than language, it also shows the cultural landscape in Canada.
English is the most spoken official language in Nipigon. About 1,400 people living in the town speak English, 40 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 1,400 |
| French | 40 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 5.5% of Nipigon's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 94.5% know English only, 0.3% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 1,370 | 94.5% |
| French only | 5 | 0.3% |
| English and French | 80 | 5.5% |
| Neither English nor French | 0 | 0.0% |
Mother Tongue & Home Language
Useful for newcomers researching an area: this shows the language residents first learned at home in childhood (mother tongue) and the language they speak most often at home now, which can differ as families settle in.
| Language | Mother Tongue | Spoken Most Often at Home |
|---|---|---|
| English | 90.3% | 96.9% |
| Non-official languages | 5.2% | 1.0% |
| French | 2.8% | 0.7% |
Religion
Nipigon is predominantly Christian. About 895 of its population is Christian (450 males and 445 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Sikh with 1.1% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Hindu, both represent 0.7% and 0.0% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 65.3% |
| Sikh | 1.1% |
| Buddhist | 0.7% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Nipigon
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
Libraries
Places to Visit in Nipigon
Museums
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Nipigon
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Paddle-to-the-Sea Park | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Ruby Lake Provincial Park | Nature Reserves | 2,908.1 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Nipigon
Methodology
- Data vintage: Reference date was Census Day, May 11, 2021. Statistics Canada released this profile in stages starting February 9, 2022, with later characteristics added through the remainder of 2022.
- Rounding & suppression: To protect respondent confidentiality, Statistics Canada randomly rounds every count shown here, and withholds some characteristics entirely for areas with very small populations. This is why a small number of figures on this page may show as unavailable for smaller places — it reflects a StatCan privacy rule, not missing data on our end.
- Next update: These are the most recent figures available. Canada's next census is scheduled for May 2026, with results expected to begin release in 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nipigon
What is the population of Nipigon?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Nipigon has a population of 1,473 people, making it the 258th town in Ontario. The population declined significantly from 1,642 in 2016, a decrease of 169 people or 10.29%. The town has a population density of 13.6 people per km² across a land area of 107.94 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Nipigon growing?
Nipigon's population declined by 10.29% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 1,642 to 1,473 people, a loss of 169 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Ontario towns during this period. The median age of 51.60 years suggests an aging population. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
What is the population density of Nipigon?
Nipigon has a population density of approximately 13.60 people per square kilometre.
How large is Nipigon?
Nipigon covers a land area of approximately 107.94 km².
What is the median age in Nipigon?
The median age of the population in Nipigon is 51.60 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Nipigon?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Nipigon is French.
What is the median household income in Nipigon?
The median household income in Nipigon is $71,500, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Nipigon?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Nipigon.
What is the main religion in Nipigon?
Christian is the predominant religion in Nipigon.
What percentage of Nipigon's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 25.2% of Nipigon's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Nipigon residents are Canadian citizens?
98.9% of Nipigon's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Nipigon are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 21.6% of census families in Nipigon, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Nipigon?
Multigenerational households make up 1.5% of all households in Nipigon, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Nipigon's population is bilingual in English and French?
5.5% of Nipigon's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Nipigon's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Nipigon, 26.1% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Nipigon available yet?
Statistics Canada (statcan.gc.ca) conducted the 2026 Census of Population in May 2026. However, census data goes through an extensive processing, validation, and quality-assurance period before public release. Based on the release plan, the 2026 Census results begin rolling out on February 10, 2027, with complete community-level profiles available by December 1, 2027. Until then, this page uses 2021 Census data as its primary source, supplemented by a population projection estimate for 2026 calculated using the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from the 2016–2021 Census period.