Southgate, Ontario — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Southgate census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 8,716
- +18.5% since 2016
- Density
- 13.6
- people per km²
- Land area
- 643
- km²
- Median age
- 36.0
- years
- Median household income
- $85,000
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 7.8%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Southgate. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 643.08 km2. The town has a population density of 13.60 people per km2.
We highlight the Southgate town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Southgate on the Map
- Points of interest (10)
- Green spaces (3)
Southgate location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Southgate has a population of around 8,716 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Southgate has increased by ▲ 18.52%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 7,354 | 8,716 | +18.52% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.46% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Southgate's population is projected to reach approximately 10,330 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 16.06 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 8,716 | 10,330 | 16.06 |
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.
Southgate Population Trend & Context
Southgate is the 144th-largest town in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 8,716 — an increase of 1,362 (▲ 18.52%) people from the 7,354 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 36 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
How does Southgate compare to other Ontario towns?
Population By Genders
The male population of Southgate is around 4,500 while the female population is around 4,215.
Of the 8,716 total population in Southgate, the largest gender is male with around 4,500 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 4,500 | 4,215 | +6.33% |
Is Southgate a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Southgate 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.
Southgate Population Compared to Ontario
Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how Southgate compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Southgate | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $85,000 | $91,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.8% | 12.2% |
| Median age | 36 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.6% | 33.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 11.7% | 30.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Southgate has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 0 to 4 years old, accounting for 8.50% of the total population. The town median age is 36.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 years | 395 8.80% | 345 8.20% | 12.66% | 745 8.50% |
| 55 to 59 years | 350 7.80% | 330 7.80% | 5.71% | 685 7.90% |
| 5 to 9 years | 345 7.70% | 315 7.50% | 8.70% | 660 7.60% |
| 25 to 29 years | 325 7.20% | 295 7.00% | 9.23% | 620 7.10% |
| 10 to 14 years | 315 7.00% | 270 6.40% | 14.29% | 590 6.80% |
| 60 to 64 years | 305 6.80% | 270 6.40% | 11.48% | 575 6.60% |
| 30 to 34 years | 285 6.30% | 275 6.50% | 3.51% | 570 6.50% |
| 20 to 24 years | 275 6.10% | 265 6.30% | 3.64% | 540 6.20% |
| 15 to 19 years | 290 6.40% | 240 5.70% | 17.24% | 530 6.10% |
| 50 to 54 years | 240 5.30% | 265 6.30% | 9.43% | 505 5.80% |
| 35 to 39 years | 250 5.60% | 240 5.70% | 4.00% | 490 5.60% |
| 65 to 69 years | 250 5.60% | 235 5.60% | 6.00% | 485 5.60% |
| 40 to 44 years | 235 5.20% | 240 5.70% | 2.08% | 475 5.50% |
| 45 to 49 years | 235 5.20% | 200 4.70% | 14.89% | 430 4.90% |
| 70 to 74 years | 180 4.00% | 185 4.40% | 2.70% | 365 4.20% |
| 75 to 79 years | 115 2.60% | 110 2.60% | 4.35% | 230 2.60% |
| 85 years and over | 45 1.00% | 65 1.50% | 30.77% | 110 1.30% |
| 80 to 84 years | 55 1.20% | 55 1.30% | 0.00% | 105 1.20% |
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 62.20% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 22.90% and 14.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Southgate are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 62.10% | 62.30% | 62.20% |
| 0 to 14 years | 23.60% | 22.20% | 22.90% |
| 65 years and over | 14.40% | 15.40% | 14.90% |
Population of Southgate by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Southgate is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Southgate 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 Southgate are English, which accounts for 23.41% of the total population, followed by Scottish (23.06%), Irish (20.65%), Canadian (18.36%), and German (11.88%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Southgate include French, Mennonite, Dutch, British Isles, and Swiss.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 23.44% | 23.25% | 23.41% |
| Scottish | 22.56% | 23.61% | 23.06% |
| Irish | 19.56% | 21.83% | 20.65% |
| Canadian | 18.89% | 17.56% | 18.36% |
| German | 11.33% | 12.57% | 11.88% |
| French | 6.11% | 7.59% | 6.83% |
| Mennonite | 5.22% | 5.81% | 5.57% |
| Dutch | 5.33% | 5.58% | 5.45% |
| British Isles | 3.56% | 4.27% | 3.96% |
| Swiss | 3.00% | 3.68% | 3.27% |
Indigenous Identity in Southgate
About 1.78% of Southgate's population (155 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 98.22% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 55 people (0.60% 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 Southgate's population profile.
About 11.7% of Southgate's population are immigrants (1,020 people).
The top countries of origin for Southgate's immigrant population are United Kingdom (115), India (85), Jamaica (80), Germany (70), Sri Lanka (55).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 115 |
| India | 85 |
| Jamaica | 80 |
| Germany | 70 |
| Sri Lanka | 55 |
96.4% of Southgate's residents (8,400 people) are Canadian citizens, and 3.7% are not.
By generation status, 12.6% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 14.1% are second generation, and 73.3% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 2,755 of Southgate's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 16.70% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 10.25% of the population. 3 persons, 5 or more persons, and 4 persons households account for 8.20%, 8.05%, and 6.80%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 1,010 | 16.70% |
| 1 person | 620 | 10.25% |
| 3 persons | 495 | 8.20% |
| 5 or more persons | 485 | 8.05% |
| 4 persons | 410 | 6.80% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 3,015 occupied private dwellings in Southgate, 83.6% are owner-occupied (2,520) and 16.6% are rented (500). The median value of owned dwellings is $600,000 (average $636,500).
Period of Construction
29.0% of Southgate's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 11.4% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Southgate
Of census families in Southgate, 84.7% are couple families and 15.3% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.2 people.
20.4% of households in Southgate are one-person households, 59.1% are couple-family households, 7.6% are one-parent-family households, and 4.3% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 615 | 20.4% |
| Couple-family households | 1,785 | 59.1% |
| One-parent-family households | 230 | 7.6% |
| Multigenerational households | 130 | 4.3% |
Income in Southgate
Analyzing income distribution in Southgate can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Southgate is $38,400.
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 Southgate population or around 1,145 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 1,030 and 995 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Southgate's median household income is $85,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Southgate's median household income is 1,000 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 Southgate
This data sheds light on the distribution of Southgate 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.
45.80% or most of the Southgate population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 31.80% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 22.50% 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 | 950 | 1,055 | 2,010 | 45.80% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 765 | 630 | 1,395 | 31.80% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 555 | 425 | 985 | 22.50% |
Below national average 10.3% of Southgate's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Southgate
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Southgate. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Southgate is at 7.76% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 59.23% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.76% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Southgate, 40.4% worked full year full time in the reference year, 23.9% worked part year and/or part time, and 35.6% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 2,720 | 40.4% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,610 | 23.9% |
| Did not work | 2,395 | 35.6% |
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 Southgate's population (around 66.70%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 655 men and 375 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 1,025.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 655 | 375 | 1,025 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Southgate industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Southgate is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Southgate has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (18%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Construction sector comes second at 14%, followed by Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 520 | 250 | 18% |
| Construction | 535 | 55 | 14% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 320 | 210 | 12% |
| Health care and social assistance | 40 | 330 | 9% |
| Retail trade | 140 | 195 | 8% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 155 | 90 | 6% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 110 | 70 | 4% |
| Educational services | 35 | 150 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 110 | 70 | 4% |
| Wholesale trade | 110 | 55 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 60 | 95 | 4% |
| Accommodation and food services | 35 | 70 | 3% |
| Public administration | 85 | 30 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 30 | 70 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 40 | 30 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 25 | 30 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 20 | 20 | 1% |
| Utilities | 25 | 0 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Southgate residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Southgate: Manufacturing (18%), Construction (14%), Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (12%)
Top occupation categories in Southgate: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (29%), Sales and service occupations (17%), Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations (13%)
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.
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Southgate 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 Southgate residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Southgate 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.
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Southgate 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 Southgate'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 Southgate. About 8,400 people living in the town speak English, 230 people speak Neither English nor French, 75 people speak French language, and 10 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 8,400 |
| Neither English nor French | 230 |
| French | 75 |
| English and French | 10 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 3.9% of Southgate's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 93.3% know English only, 0.1% know French only, and 2.6% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 8,140 | 93.3% |
| French only | 10 | 0.1% |
| English and French | 340 | 3.9% |
| Neither English nor French | 225 | 2.6% |
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 | 76.1% | 81.7% |
| Non-official languages | 21.4% | 16.7% |
| French | 0.8% | 0.5% |
Religion
Southgate is predominantly Christian. About 5,280 of its population is Christian (2,650 males and 2,625 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Hindu with 1.3% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Sikh and Muslim, both represent 0.9% and 0.6% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.5% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 60.6% |
| Hindu | 1.3% |
| Sikh | 0.9% |
| Islam | 0.6% |
| Jewish | 0.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.3% |
Points of Interest in Southgate
Schools
- Wellington Heights Secondary School
- Victoria Cross Public School
- Highpoint Community Elementary School
- Egremont Community School
- Spruce Ridge Community School
- Dundalk & Proton Community School
Parks
Libraries
Community Centres
Green Spaces in Southgate
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Wellington Park | Parks | 8.8 ha |
| Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area | Nature Reserves | 5,681.6 ha |
| Durham Conservation Area | Nature Reserves | 30.1 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Southgate
- Wellington North 20.9 km away · 12,431 people
- Melancthon 25.5 km away · 3,132 people
- Shelburne 31.5 km away · 8,994 people
- Grand Valley 31.6 km away · 3,851 people
- Amaranth 31.9 km away · 4,327 people
- Hanover 34.9 km away · 7,967 people
- Minto 35.6 km away · 9,094 people
- East Garafraxa 39.6 km away · 2,794 people
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 Southgate
What is the population of Southgate?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Southgate has a population of 8,716 people, making it the 144th town in Ontario. The population increased significantly from 7,354 in 2016, an increase of 1,362 people or 18.52%. The town has a population density of 13.6 people per km² across a land area of 643.08 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Southgate growing?
Southgate's population grew by 18.52% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 7,354 to 8,716 people, a gain of 1,362 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Ontario towns during this period. The median age of 36.00 years suggests a relatively balanced demographic profile. 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 Southgate?
Southgate has a population density of approximately 13.60 people per square kilometre.
How large is Southgate?
Southgate covers a land area of approximately 643.08 km².
What is the median age in Southgate?
The median age of the population in Southgate is 36.00 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Southgate?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Southgate is English.
What is the median household income in Southgate?
The median household income in Southgate is $85,000, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Southgate?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Southgate.
What is the main religion in Southgate?
Christian is the predominant religion in Southgate.
What percentage of Southgate's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 1.8% of Southgate's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Southgate residents are Canadian citizens?
96.4% of Southgate's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Southgate are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 15.4% of census families in Southgate, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Southgate?
Multigenerational households make up 4.3% of all households in Southgate, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Southgate's population is bilingual in English and French?
3.9% of Southgate's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Southgate's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Southgate, 40.4% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Southgate 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.