Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Stratford has a population of around 10,927 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Stratford has increased by ▲ 12.52%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 9,711 | 10,927 | +12.52% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.39% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Stratford's population is projected to reach approximately 12,295 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 542.35 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 10,927 | 12,295 | 542.35 |
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.
Stratford Population Trend & Context
Stratford had a 2021 census population of 10,927 — an increase of 1,216 (▲ 12.52%) people from the 9,711 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Prince Edward Island towns. The town's median age of 40.4 years closely mirrors the national median of 41.9, suggesting a demographic profile in line with the Canadian average.
Population By Genders
The male population of Stratford is around 5,285 while the female population is around 5,640.
Of the 10,927 total population in Stratford, the largest gender is female with around 5,640 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 5,285 | 5,640 | +6.29% |
Is Stratford a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Stratford compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Prince Edward Island, 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.
Stratford Population Compared to Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island's population in 2021 was 154,331, spread across the area. Here's how Stratford compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Stratford | Prince Edward Island |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $91,000 | $73,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 10.3% |
| Median age | 40.4 | 44 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 43.3% | 24.7% |
| Immigrants (%) | 12.7% | 7.8% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Stratford has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 45 to 49 years old, accounting for 7.20% of the total population. The town median age is 40.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 to 49 years | 375 7.10% | 415 7.40% | 9.64% | 790 7.20% |
| 10 to 14 years | 390 7.40% | 390 6.90% | 0.00% | 780 7.10% |
| 40 to 44 years | 360 6.80% | 415 7.40% | 13.25% | 770 7.00% |
| 35 to 39 years | 350 6.60% | 385 6.80% | 9.09% | 735 6.70% |
| 5 to 9 years | 375 7.10% | 340 6.00% | 9.33% | 715 6.50% |
| 55 to 59 years | 345 6.50% | 350 6.20% | 1.43% | 695 6.40% |
| 20 to 24 years | 360 6.80% | 335 5.90% | 6.94% | 690 6.30% |
| 50 to 54 years | 325 6.10% | 360 6.40% | 9.72% | 690 6.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 310 5.90% | 360 6.40% | 13.89% | 670 6.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 330 6.20% | 305 5.40% | 7.58% | 635 5.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 275 5.20% | 345 6.10% | 20.29% | 620 5.70% |
| 70 to 74 years | 290 5.50% | 325 5.80% | 10.77% | 615 5.60% |
| 25 to 29 years | 320 6.10% | 290 5.10% | 9.38% | 610 5.60% |
| 60 to 64 years | 250 4.70% | 330 5.90% | 24.24% | 575 5.30% |
| 0 to 4 years | 300 5.70% | 270 4.80% | 10.00% | 570 5.20% |
| 75 to 79 years | 175 3.30% | 210 3.70% | 16.67% | 380 3.50% |
| 80 to 84 years | 105 2.00% | 120 2.10% | 12.50% | 220 2.00% |
| 85 years and over | 65 1.20% | 110 2.00% | 40.91% | 170 1.60% |
| 85 to 89 years | 40 0.80% | 65 1.20% | 38.46% | 110 1.00% |
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 62.70% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 18.90% and 18.40%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Stratford are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 62.70% | 62.70% | 62.70% |
| 0 to 14 years | 20.20% | 17.70% | 18.90% |
| 65 years and over | 17.00% | 19.70% | 18.40% |
Explore Stratford Through Videos
Population of Stratford by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Stratford is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Stratford 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 Stratford are Scottish, which accounts for 36.45% of the total population, followed by Irish (30.18%), English (24.33%), French (12.21%), and Canadian (11.43%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Stratford include Chinese, German, Acadian, Caucasian (White), and British Isles.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish | 35.08% | 37.66% | 36.45% |
| Irish | 29.75% | 30.50% | 30.18% |
| English | 23.95% | 24.60% | 24.33% |
| French | 11.88% | 12.52% | 12.21% |
| Canadian | 10.65% | 12.16% | 11.43% |
| Chinese | 5.70% | 5.28% | 5.48% |
| German | 5.89% | 4.83% | 5.35% |
| Acadian | 4.28% | 5.55% | 5.02% |
| Caucasian (White) | 3.90% | 4.11% | 4.01% |
| British Isles | 2.38% | 3.04% | 2.72% |
Indigenous Identity in Stratford
About 1.48% of Stratford's population (160 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 98.52% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 50 people (0.50% 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 Stratford's population profile.
About 12.7% of Stratford's population are immigrants (1,380 people).
The top countries of origin for Stratford's immigrant population are China (425), United Kingdom (130), India (130), United States of America (110), Nigeria (55).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| China | 425 |
| United Kingdom | 130 |
| India | 130 |
| United States of America | 110 |
| Nigeria | 55 |
88.2% of Stratford's residents (9,575 people) are Canadian citizens, and 11.7% are not.
By generation status, 17.6% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 7.7% are second generation, and 74.7% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 2,825 of Stratford's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.15% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 11.60% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 8.20%, 8.20%, and 3.85%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 1,565 | 18.15% |
| 1 person | 1,000 | 11.60% |
| 3 persons | 705 | 8.20% |
| 4 persons | 705 | 8.20% |
| 5 or more persons | 330 | 3.85% |
Family and Household Structure in Stratford
Of census families in Stratford, 85.8% are couple families and 14.2% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.9 people.
23.1% of households in Stratford are one-person households, 59.0% are couple-family households, 8.6% are one-parent-family households, and 1.6% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 995 | 23.1% |
| Couple-family households | 2,540 | 59.0% |
| One-parent-family households | 370 | 8.6% |
| Multigenerational households | 70 | 1.6% |
Income in Stratford
Analyzing income distribution in Stratford can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Stratford is $45,600.
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 Stratford population or around 1,375 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 1,305 and 1,090 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Stratford's median household income is $91,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Stratford's median household income is 7,000 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 Stratford
This data sheds light on the distribution of Stratford 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.
82.50% or most of the Stratford population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 14.50% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 2.80% 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 | 2,085 | 2,455 | 4,540 | 82.50% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 440 | 355 | 800 | 14.50% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 80 | 75 | 155 | 2.80% |
Above national average 48.5% of Stratford's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Stratford
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Stratford. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Stratford is at 8.03% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 62.28% |
| Unemployment rate | 8.03% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Stratford, 39.2% worked full year full time in the reference year, 28.3% worked part year and/or part time, and 32.4% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 3,430 | 39.2% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 2,475 | 28.3% |
| Did not work | 2,835 | 32.4% |
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 Stratford's population (around 64.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 445 men and 265 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 710.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 445 | 265 | 710 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Stratford industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Stratford is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Stratford has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (16%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Public administration sector comes second at 14%, followed by Retail trade at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 195 | 750 | 16% |
| Public administration | 375 | 455 | 14% |
| Retail trade | 380 | 325 | 12% |
| Educational services | 205 | 360 | 10% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 320 | 190 | 9% |
| Accommodation and food services | 175 | 150 | 6% |
| Construction | 290 | 35 | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 210 | 70 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 85 | 145 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 140 | 65 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 110 | 85 | 3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 140 | 30 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 105 | 30 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 65 | 50 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 55 | 25 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 30 | 30 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 20 | 30 | 1% |
| Utilities | 15 | 15 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 20 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Stratford residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Stratford: Health care and social assistance (16%), Public administration (14%), Retail trade (12%)
Top occupation categories in Stratford: Sales and service occupations (22%), Business, finance and administration occupations (18%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (18%)
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 | 1,800 | 2,035 | 3,835 | 70.50% |
| Worked at home | 505 | 525 | 1,030 | 18.90% |
| No fixed workplace address | 410 | 135 | 550 | 10.10% |
| Worked outside Canada | 25 | 0 | 25 | 0.50% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Stratford 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 Stratford residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Stratford 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 | 44.20% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 41.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 8.90% |
| 60 minutes and over | 3.00% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.50% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Stratford 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 Stratford'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 Stratford. About 10,485 people living in the town speak English, 210 people speak French, 115 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 45 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 10,485 |
| French | 210 |
| Neither English nor French | 115 |
| English and French | 45 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 16.2% of Stratford's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 82.6% know English only, 0.1% know French only, and 1.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 8,960 | 82.6% |
| French only | 10 | 0.1% |
| English and French | 1,760 | 16.2% |
| Neither English nor French | 125 | 1.2% |
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 | 83.8% | 88.5% |
| Non-official languages | 12.2% | 8.8% |
| French | 1.8% | 0.9% |
Religion
Stratford is predominantly Christian. About 6,820 of its population is Christian (3,170 males and 3,650 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 1.4% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Buddhist, both represent 1.0% and 0.9% of the population, while Sikh represent 0.7% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 62.9% |
| Islam | 1.4% |
| Hindu | 1.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.9% |
| Sikh | 0.7% |
| Jewish | 0.1% |
Points of Interest in Stratford
Schools
- St. Jean Elementary School
- Prince Street Elementary School
- Birchwood Intermediate School
- Colonel Gray High School
- Queen Charlotte Intermediate School
- Spring Park Elementary School
- West Kent Elementary School
- Glen Stewart Primary School
- Stratford Elementary School
Universities
Parks
- Hillsborough Square
- King Square
- Connaught Square
- Rochford Square
- Victoria Park
- Desbrisay Crescent Park
- Joseph A. Ghiz Memorial Park
- Frank Macauley Park
- Tea Hill Park
- Confederation Landing Park
- Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site
- Evelyn Meader Park
- Anne Park
- Robert Cotton Park
- Evelyn Meader Park Tree Maze
- St Avard's Triangle
Libraries
Community Centres
- Murphy's Pharmacies Community Centre
- St. Paul's Church Parish Hall
- The Soup Kitchen
- Beaconsfield Carriage House
- St. John’s Lodge No. 1 and Victoria Lodge No. 2
Places to Visit in Stratford
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
- Alberta Boulder
- British Columbia Boulder
- Canada Boulder
- Manitoba Boulder
- New Brunswick Boulder
- Newfoundland and Labrador Boulder
- Nova Scotia Boulder
- Ontario Boulder
- Prince Edward Island Boulder
- Quebec Boulder
- Saskatchewan Boulder
- Bessie the cow
- Year Marker
- Sherman Tank
- Province House
- Government House
- Saint Dunstan Cathedral Basilica
- Cenotaph
- Prince Edward Battery
- monument
- Mark Butcher Memorial Chairs
- Irish Settlers Memorial
- Aboriginal Garden Display
- Fathers of Confederation Memorial
- St. Peter's Cathedral
- Survey stone from 1800s?
- Government House
Stadiums
Theatres
Green Spaces in Stratford
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough Square | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| King Square | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Connaught Square | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Rochford Square | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Victoria Park | Parks | 25.6 ha |
| Desbrisay Crescent Park | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Joseph A. Ghiz Memorial Park | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Frank Macauley Park | Parks | 3.2 ha |
| Tea Hill Park | Parks | 5.6 ha |
| Confederation Landing Park | Parks | 1.9 ha |
| Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site | Parks | 41.1 ha |
| Evelyn Meader Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Anne Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Robert Cotton Park | Parks | 6.4 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Stratford
- Cornwall 10.0 km · 6,574 people
- North Rustico 31.9 km · 648 people
- Three Rivers 35.6 km · 7,883 people
- Borden-Carleton 46.6 km · 788 people
- Kensington 48.7 km · 1,812 people
- Alberton 99.8 km · 1,301 people
- O'Leary 102.8 km · 876 people
- Tignish 108.9 km · 744 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Stratford
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Stratford has a population of 10,927 people, making it the 3rd town in Prince Edward Island. The population increased significantly from 9,711 in 2016, an increase of 1,216 people or 12.52%. The town has a population density of 482.0 people per km² across a land area of 22.67 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Stratford's population grew by 12.52% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 9,711 to 10,927 people, a gain of 1,216 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Prince Edward Island towns during this period. The median age of 40.40 years suggests a mature, established community. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Stratford has a population density of approximately 482.00 people per square kilometre.
Stratford covers a land area of approximately 22.67 km².
The median age of the population in Stratford is 40.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Stratford is Scottish.
The median household income in Stratford is $91,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Stratford.
Christian is the predominant religion in Stratford.
According to the 2021 Census, 1.5% of Stratford's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
88.2% of Stratford's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 14.2% of census families in Stratford, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.6% of all households in Stratford, per the 2021 Census.
16.2% of Stratford's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
Of the population aged 15 and over in Stratford, 39.2% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
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.