Skip to content
Canada Population

Rideau Lakes, Ontario — Population & Demographics (2026)

Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Rideau Lakes census dataset on Statistics Canada

Population (2021)
10,883
+5.4% since 2016
Density
15.3
people per km²
Land area
712
km²
Median age
55.6
years
Median household income
$84,000
2020, before tax
Unemployment rate
9.0%
2021 Census

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Rideau Lakes. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 711.81 km2. The town has a population density of 15.30 people per km2.

We highlight the Rideau Lakes town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.

Rideau Lakes on the Map

  • Points of interest (43)
  • Places to visit (47)
  • Green spaces (14)

Rideau Lakes location on the map. View in Google Maps

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Rideau Lakes has a population of around 10,883 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Rideau Lakes has increased by ▲ 5.39%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
10,32610,883 +5.39%

2026 Population Projection

Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.06% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Rideau Lakes's population is projected to reach approximately 11,470 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 16.11 people per km².

Population in 2021Projected Population in 2026Projected Density in 2026 (per km²)
10,88311,47016.11

This projection is an estimate calculated by CAPopulation from the compound annual growth rate between the 2016 and 2021 censuses. Official 2026 complete census data expected to be released in late 2027.

Rideau Lakes Population Trend & Context

Rideau Lakes is the 122nd-largest town in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 10,883 — an increase of 557 (▲ 5.39%) people from the 10,326 recorded in 2016.

The town's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Ontario towns. The town's median age of 55.6 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.

How does Rideau Lakes compare to other Ontario towns?

  1. 120th Tay 11,091
  2. 121st Adjala-Tosorontio 10,989
  3. 122nd Rideau Lakes This town 10,883
  4. 123rd Mapleton 10,839
  5. 124th North Dumfries 10,619

Population By Genders

The male population of Rideau Lakes is around 5,375 while the female population is around 5,505.

Of the 10,883 total population in Rideau Lakes, the largest gender is female with around 5,505 female within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
5,3755,505 +2.36%

Is Rideau Lakes a Good Place to Live?

Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Rideau Lakes compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Ontario, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.

Employment & Economy

9.0%
Unemployment rate
3.2 pts below the province
47.9%
Employment rate
7.2 pts below the province
52.8%
Participation rate
10.0 pts below the province

Income & Affordability

$84,000
Median household income
$7,000 below the province
9.8%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
0.3 pts below the province

Commute

55.9%
Commute under 30 minutes
6.1 pts below the province
94.0%
Commute by car
10.4 pts above the province
0.3%
Commute by public transit
8.3 pts below the province

Housing Character

91.9%
Single-detached houses
38.3 pts above the province
2.3%
Apartments (any building size)
28.9 pts below the province

Household Composition

2.30 people
Average household size
0.30people below the province
25.0%
One-person households
1.5 pts below the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Rideau Lakes Population Compared to Ontario

Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how Rideau Lakes compares to the town's key indicators:

IndicatorRideau LakesOntario
Median household income$84,000$91,000
Unemployment rate9.0%12.2%
Median age55.641.6
Bachelor's degree or higher18.8%33.4%
Immigrants (%)6.7%30.0%

Population by Age Characteristics

Rideau Lakes has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 65 to 69 years old, accounting for 11.20% of the total population. The town median age is 55.60.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal
65 to 69 years605 11.30%610 11.10% 0.82%1,215 11.20%
60 to 64 years535 10.00%625 11.40% 14.40%1,160 10.70%
70 to 74 years510 9.50%470 8.50% 7.84%980 9.00%
55 to 59 years480 8.90%495 9.00% 3.03%975 9.00%
50 to 54 years315 5.90%395 7.20% 20.25%710 6.50%
75 to 79 years295 5.50%295 5.40% 0.00%585 5.40%
45 to 49 years275 5.10%280 5.10% 1.79%555 5.10%
40 to 44 years240 4.50%240 4.40% 0.00%480 4.40%
15 to 19 years245 4.60%230 4.20% 6.12%475 4.40%
35 to 39 years245 4.60%230 4.20% 6.12%475 4.40%
10 to 14 years225 4.20%240 4.40% 6.25%465 4.30%
30 to 34 years235 4.40%230 4.20% 2.13%465 4.30%
25 to 29 years240 4.50%215 3.90% 10.42%455 4.20%
20 to 24 years220 4.10%215 3.90% 2.27%435 4.00%
0 to 4 years220 4.10%215 3.90% 2.27%430 4.00%
5 to 9 years225 4.20%195 3.50% 13.33%425 3.90%
80 to 84 years160 3.00%170 3.10% 5.88%325 3.00%
85 years and over115 2.10%155 2.80% 25.81%270 2.50%
85 to 89 years80 1.50%105 1.90% 23.81%185 1.70%

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 56.80% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 31.00% and 12.10%, respectively.

If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Rideau Lakes are within the 15 to 64 years age group.

DataMaleFemaleTotal
15 to 64 years56.40%57.30%56.80%
65 years and over31.30%30.70%31.00%
0 to 14 years12.50%11.90%12.10%

Explore Rideau Lakes Through Videos

Population of Rideau Lakes by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Rideau Lakes is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Rideau Lakes 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 Rideau Lakes are Irish, which accounts for 34.20% of the total population, followed by English (29.01%), Scottish (25.72%), Canadian (19.28%), and French (10.66%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Rideau Lakes include German, Dutch, British Isles, Caucasian (White), and Welsh.

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
Irish34.06%34.43%34.20%
English29.25%28.78%29.01%
Scottish25.00%26.50%25.72%
Canadian20.00%18.49%19.28%
French10.47%10.84%10.66%
German9.53%9.65%9.64%
Dutch5.28%5.83%5.51%
British Isles4.62%5.10%4.87%
Caucasian (White)4.06%3.92%3.99%
Welsh2.36%2.09%2.32%

Indigenous Identity in Rideau Lakes

About 3.57% of Rideau Lakes's population (385 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 96.43% who report a non-Indigenous identity.

Of the Indigenous population, 60 people (0.60% of the total population) hold Registered or Treaty Indian status.

Indigenous identity3.6%
Non-Indigenous identity96.4%

Immigration Profile

Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Rideau Lakes's population profile.

About 6.7% of Rideau Lakes's population are immigrants (720 people).

The top countries of origin for Rideau Lakes's immigrant population are United Kingdom (235), United States of America (100), Germany (75), Philippines (50), Netherlands (35).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
United Kingdom235
United States of America100
Germany75
Philippines50
Netherlands35

98.6% of Rideau Lakes's residents (10,635 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.4% are not.

By generation status, 7.5% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 12.3% are second generation, and 80.2% are third generation or more.

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 4,315 of Rideau Lakes's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.

Household Size

About 23.00% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 12.50% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.55%, 4.90%, and 3.10%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
2 persons2,16023.00%
1 person1,17512.50%
3 persons6156.55%
4 persons4604.90%
5 or more persons2903.10%

Dwelling & Housing Detail

Of the 4,695 occupied private dwellings in Rideau Lakes, 87.8% are owner-occupied (4,120) and 12.1% are rented (570). The median value of owned dwellings is $400,000 (average $489,200).

Period of Construction

28.5% of Rideau Lakes's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 3.0% were built between 2016 and 2021.

Family and Household Structure in Rideau Lakes

Of census families in Rideau Lakes, 89.2% are couple families and 10.8% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.

Couple families89.2%
One-parent families10.8%

24.9% of households in Rideau Lakes are one-person households, 60.9% are couple-family households, 6.4% are one-parent-family households, and 2.2% are multigenerational households.

Household TypeHouseholdsPercentage
One-person households1,17024.9%
Couple-family households2,86060.9%
One-parent-family households3006.4%
Multigenerational households1052.2%

Income in Rideau Lakes

Analyzing income distribution in Rideau Lakes can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Rideau Lakes is $41,600.

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 Rideau Lakes population or around 1,260 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 1,135 and 1,105 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Rideau Lakes's median household income is $84,000, according to 2020 data.

Above national average Rideau Lakes's median household income is 0 dollars above 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 Rideau Lakes

This data sheds light on the distribution of Rideau Lakes 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.

65.00% or most of the Rideau Lakes population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 27.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 8.10% 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.)

Population aged 25 to 64 years, using 25% sample data. Individual values may not sum exactly to totals due to Statistics Canada's random rounding.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree1,5401,8703,41065.00%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate7256851,41527.00%
No certificate, diploma or degree2651604258.10%

Below national average 19.2% of Rideau Lakes's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Rideau Lakes

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Rideau Lakes. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.

The data shows that the unemployment rate in Rideau Lakes is at 9.05% which is very high.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate47.93%
Unemployment rate9.05%

Work Activity During the Reference Year

Of the population aged 15 and over in Rideau Lakes, 29.1% worked full year full time in the reference year, 24.5% worked part year and/or part time, and 46.3% did not work.

Only using 25% sample data.
Work ActivityPopulationPercentage
Worked full year full time2,75029.1%
Worked part year and/or part time2,31524.5%
Did not work4,36546.3%

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 Rideau Lakes's population (around 64.30%) are working permanent position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the town, there are 535 men and 390 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 920.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed535390920

Employment Industry Sectors

The Rideau Lakes industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Rideau Lakes is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.

Rideau Lakes has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (13%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Construction sector comes second at 13%, followed by Retail trade at 12%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Health care and social assistance12053013%
Construction5656513%
Retail trade31028512%
Educational services802757%
Public administration1651907%
Manufacturing2251207%
Accommodation and food services1001655%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services1501005%
Professional, scientific and technical services1151355%
Other services (except public administration)1051004%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting135554%
Transportation and warehousing105804%
Finance and insurance50853%
Real estate and rental and leasing60602%
Wholesale trade65402%
Arts, entertainment and recreation75252%
Information and cultural industries30401%
Utilities2000%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction1000%
Management of companies and enterprises000%

Labour Market Snapshot

A quick snapshot of where Rideau Lakes residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.

Top employer sectors in Rideau Lakes: Health care and social assistance (13%), Construction (13%), Retail trade (12%)

Top occupation categories in Rideau Lakes: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (23%), Sales and service occupations (22%), Business, finance and administration occupations (15%)

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.

Only using 25% sample data.
Work LocationMenWomenTotalPercentage
Usual place of work1,4451,4852,93564.90%
Worked at home32053585518.90%
No fixed workplace address56516072516.00%
Worked outside Canada100150.30%

Commuting

The data sheds light on how Rideau Lakes 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 Rideau Lakes residents and sustainable urban planning.

Commuting Duration

This data reveals the average time that the residents of Rideau Lakes 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.

Only using 25% sample data.
DurationPercentage
Less than 15 minutes28.30%
15 to 29 minutes27.60%
30 to 44 minutes18.40%
45 to 59 minutes14.10%
60 minutes and over11.50%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Rideau Lakes 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 Rideau Lakes's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law66.1%
Not married and not living common-law33.9%

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 Rideau Lakes. About 10,610 people living in the town speak English, 240 people speak French, 15 people speak English and French language, and 15 people speak Neither English nor French language.

LanguagePopulation
English10,610
French240
English and French15
Neither English nor French15

Knowledge of Official Languages

About 9.0% of Rideau Lakes's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 90.8% know English only, 0.1% know French only, and 0.1% know neither official language.

Knowledge of Official LanguagesPopulationPercentage
English only9,88090.8%
French only100.1%
English and French9809.0%
Neither English nor French150.1%

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.

LanguageMother TongueSpoken Most Often at Home
English94.1%98.4%
Non-official languages2.9%0.8%
French2.3%0.5%

Religion

Rideau Lakes is predominantly Christian. About 6,990 of its population is Christian (3,300 males and 3,690 females).

The second largest religion in the town is Buddhist with 0.2% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Jewish and Hindu, both represent 0.1% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.

ReligionPopulation
Christian64.8%
Buddhist0.2%
Jewish0.1%
Hindu0.0%
Islam0.0%
Sikh0.0%

Points of Interest in Rideau Lakes

Schools

Parks

Libraries

Community Centres

Places to Visit in Rideau Lakes

Attractions

Historic Sites

Theatres

Green Spaces in Rideau Lakes

NameTypeApprox. Area
John Miller ParkParks—
Portland Bay Conservation AreaParks1.1 ha
Bellamy ParkParks5.0 ha
Lockwood Memorial ParkParks1.5 ha
Victoria ParkParks1.7 ha
Lower Reach ParkParks17.3 ha
Last Duel ParkParks0.9 ha
Poonamalie LockParks3.9 ha
Murphy ParkParks0.5 ha
Murphy ParkParks1.0 ha
Russell ParkParks0.1 ha
Portland Bay Conservation AreaNature Reserves—
Foley Mountain Conservation AreaNature Reserves257.1 ha
Perth Wildlife ReserveNature Reserves97.5 ha

Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.

Nearest Towns to Rideau Lakes

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 Rideau Lakes

What is the population of Rideau Lakes?

According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Rideau Lakes has a population of 10,883 people, making it the 122nd town in Ontario. The population increased significantly from 10,326 in 2016, an increase of 557 people or 5.39%. The town has a population density of 15.3 people per km² across a land area of 711.81 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.

Is the population of Rideau Lakes growing?

Rideau Lakes's population grew by 5.39% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 10,326 to 10,883 people, a gain of 557 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Ontario towns during this period. The median age of 55.60 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 Rideau Lakes?

Rideau Lakes has a population density of approximately 15.30 people per square kilometre.

How large is Rideau Lakes?

Rideau Lakes covers a land area of approximately 711.81 km².

What is the median age in Rideau Lakes?

The median age of the population in Rideau Lakes is 55.60 years.

What is the largest ethnic group in Rideau Lakes?

The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Rideau Lakes is Irish.

What is the median household income in Rideau Lakes?

The median household income in Rideau Lakes is $84,000, based on 2020 data.

What is the most spoken language in Rideau Lakes?

English is the most common first official language spoken in Rideau Lakes.

What is the main religion in Rideau Lakes?

Christian is the predominant religion in Rideau Lakes.

What percentage of Rideau Lakes's population is Indigenous?

According to the 2021 Census, 3.6% of Rideau Lakes's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.

What percentage of Rideau Lakes residents are Canadian citizens?

98.6% of Rideau Lakes's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.

What percentage of families in Rideau Lakes are one-parent families?

One-parent families make up 10.8% of census families in Rideau Lakes, according to the 2021 Census.

Are there many multigenerational households in Rideau Lakes?

Multigenerational households make up 2.2% of all households in Rideau Lakes, per the 2021 Census.

What percentage of Rideau Lakes's population is bilingual in English and French?

9.0% of Rideau Lakes's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.

What percentage of Rideau Lakes's workforce works full-time year-round?

Of the population aged 15 and over in Rideau Lakes, 29.1% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.

Why isn't 2026 census data for Rideau Lakes 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.