Blind River, Ontario — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Blind River census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 3,422
- −1.4% since 2016
- Density
- 6.7
- people per km²
- Land area
- 514
- km²
- Median age
- 52.8
- years
- Median household income
- $66,500
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 11.7%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Blind River. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 513.98 km2. The town has a population density of 6.70 people per km2.
We highlight the Blind River town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Blind River on the Map
- Points of interest (8)
- Places to visit (3)
Blind River location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Blind River has a population of around 3,422 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Blind River has decreased by ▼ -1.44%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,472 | 3,422 | --1.44% |
2026 Population Projection
Blind River's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 3,422 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Blind River Population Trend & Context
Blind River is the 212th-largest town in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 3,422 — a decline of 50 (▼ 1.44%) people from the 3,472 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has seen a slight decline over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Ontario towns. The town's median age of 52.8 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Blind River compare to other Ontario towns?
- 210th Mulmur 3,571
- 211th Georgian Bay 3,441
- 212th Blind River This town 3,422
- 213th East Hawkesbury 3,418
- 214th Sables-Spanish Rivers 3,237
Population By Genders
The male population of Blind River is around 1,685 while the female population is around 1,735.
Of the 3,422 total population in Blind River, the largest gender is female with around 1,735 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,685 | 1,735 | -2.88% |
Is Blind River a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Blind River 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.
Blind River Population Compared to Ontario
Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how Blind River compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Blind River | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $66,500 | $91,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.7% | 12.2% |
| Median age | 52.8 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.5% | 33.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 4.1% | 30.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Blind River has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 11.40% of the total population. The town median age is 52.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 185 11.00% | 205 11.80% | 9.76% | 390 11.40% |
| 65 to 69 years | 165 9.80% | 160 9.20% | 3.03% | 325 9.50% |
| 55 to 59 years | 145 8.60% | 170 9.80% | 14.71% | 315 9.20% |
| 70 to 74 years | 125 7.40% | 130 7.50% | 3.85% | 260 7.60% |
| 35 to 39 years | 95 5.60% | 105 6.10% | 9.52% | 200 5.80% |
| 50 to 54 years | 95 5.60% | 105 6.10% | 9.52% | 200 5.80% |
| 5 to 9 years | 90 5.30% | 100 5.80% | 10.00% | 190 5.60% |
| 10 to 14 years | 90 5.30% | 75 4.30% | 16.67% | 170 5.00% |
| 40 to 44 years | 90 5.30% | 80 4.60% | 11.11% | 170 5.00% |
| 45 to 49 years | 75 4.50% | 100 5.80% | 25.00% | 170 5.00% |
| 75 to 79 years | 80 4.70% | 80 4.60% | 0.00% | 160 4.70% |
| 20 to 24 years | 90 5.30% | 60 3.50% | 33.33% | 155 4.50% |
| 30 to 34 years | 70 4.20% | 85 4.90% | 17.65% | 155 4.50% |
| 15 to 19 years | 80 4.70% | 65 3.70% | 18.75% | 150 4.40% |
| 0 to 4 years | 70 4.20% | 65 3.70% | 7.14% | 130 3.80% |
| 25 to 29 years | 70 4.20% | 60 3.50% | 14.29% | 125 3.70% |
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 59.20% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 26.80% and 14.20%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Blind River are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 58.50% | 59.70% | 59.20% |
| 65 years and over | 26.40% | 26.80% | 26.80% |
| 0 to 14 years | 15.10% | 13.50% | 14.20% |
Explore Blind River Through Videos
Population of Blind River by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Blind River is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Blind River 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 Blind River are French, which accounts for 29.41% of the total population, followed by English (19.41%), Canadian (19.12%), Scottish (18.38%), and Irish (17.21%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Blind River include German, First Nations (North American Indian), French Canadian, Ojibway, and Italian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| French | 28.87% | 29.65% | 29.41% |
| English | 20.24% | 18.60% | 19.41% |
| Canadian | 19.35% | 18.90% | 19.12% |
| Scottish | 17.86% | 18.90% | 18.38% |
| Irish | 16.07% | 18.02% | 17.21% |
| German | 12.80% | 7.56% | 10.29% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 6.85% | 5.81% | 6.18% |
| French Canadian | 6.25% | 5.81% | 6.03% |
| Ojibway | 4.46% | 4.65% | 4.56% |
| Italian | 2.98% | 4.36% | 3.68% |
Indigenous Identity in Blind River
About 19.26% of Blind River's population (655 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 80.74% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 275 people (8.10% 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 Blind River's population profile.
About 4.1% of Blind River's population are immigrants (140 people).
The top countries of origin for Blind River's immigrant population are United States of America (45), United Kingdom (40), Germany (20), Brazil (0), Colombia (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United States of America | 45 |
| United Kingdom | 40 |
| Germany | 20 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
99.0% of Blind River's residents (3,365 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.0% are not.
By generation status, 5.3% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 7.4% are second generation, and 87.4% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,245 of Blind River's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 20.80% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 16.25% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.25%, 4.20%, and 2.20%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 665 | 20.80% |
| 1 person | 520 | 16.25% |
| 3 persons | 200 | 6.25% |
| 4 persons | 135 | 4.20% |
| 5 or more persons | 70 | 2.20% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 1,600 occupied private dwellings in Blind River, 70.6% are owner-occupied (1,130) and 29.4% are rented (470). The median value of owned dwellings is $200,000 (average $248,800).
Period of Construction
33.1% of Blind River's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 1.6% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Blind River
Of census families in Blind River, 81.9% are couple families and 18.1% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
32.8% of households in Blind River are one-person households, 50.0% are couple-family households, 10.0% are one-parent-family households, and 1.6% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 525 | 32.8% |
| Couple-family households | 800 | 50.0% |
| One-parent-family households | 160 | 10.0% |
| Multigenerational households | 25 | 1.6% |
Income in Blind River
Analyzing income distribution in Blind River can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Blind River is $37,600.
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 Blind River population or around 360 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 315 and 265 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Blind River's median household income is $66,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Blind River's median household income is 17,500 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 Blind River
This data sheds light on the distribution of Blind River 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.
55.00% or most of the Blind River population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 34.70% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 10.30% 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 | 430 | 505 | 935 | 55.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 275 | 315 | 590 | 34.70% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 95 | 80 | 175 | 10.30% |
Below national average 17.6% of Blind River's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Blind River
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Blind River. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Blind River is at 11.78% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 45.41% |
| Unemployment rate | 11.78% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Blind River, 26.7% worked full year full time in the reference year, 25.8% worked part year and/or part time, and 47.3% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 770 | 26.7% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 745 | 25.8% |
| Did not work | 1,365 | 47.3% |
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 Blind River's population (around 72.80%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 80 men and 100 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 170.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 80 | 100 | 170 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Blind River industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Blind River is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Blind River has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (16%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 15%, followed by Educational services at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 30 | 220 | 16% |
| Retail trade | 130 | 100 | 15% |
| Educational services | 40 | 115 | 10% |
| Manufacturing | 105 | 30 | 9% |
| Construction | 100 | 15 | 7% |
| Public administration | 45 | 40 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 15 | 70 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 45 | 30 | 5% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 75 | 0 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 35 | 30 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 30 | 20 | 4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 10 | 20 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 25 | 0 | 2% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 0 | 20 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 10 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 10 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Blind River residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Blind River: Health care and social assistance (16%), Retail trade (15%), Educational services (10%)
Top occupation categories in Blind River: Sales and service occupations (26%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (21%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (16%)
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 | 470 | 490 | 960 | 73.30% |
| Worked at home | 75 | 105 | 180 | 13.70% |
| No fixed workplace address | 120 | 45 | 170 | 13.00% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Blind River 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 Blind River residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Blind River 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 | 66.80% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 18.60% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 4.90% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 4.90% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.90% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Blind River 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 Blind River'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 Blind River. About 2,945 people living in the town speak English, 450 people speak French, 10 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 2,945 |
| French | 450 |
| English and French | 10 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 29.6% of Blind River's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 69.7% know English only, 0.4% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 2,380 | 69.7% |
| French only | 15 | 0.4% |
| English and French | 1,010 | 29.6% |
| 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 | 80.1% | 93.7% |
| French | 13.8% | 4.4% |
| Non-official languages | 2.5% | 0.6% |
Religion
Blind River is predominantly Christian. About 2,050 of its population is Christian (950 males and 1,100 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Buddhist with 0.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Jewish, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 60.3% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Blind River
Hospitals
Schools
- Blind River Public School
- École séparée Saint-Joseph
- École secondaire catholique Jeunesse-Nord
- St. Mary's Catholic School
- W.C. Eaket Secondary School
Parks
Libraries
Places to Visit in Blind River
Museums
Historic Sites
Nearest Towns to Blind River
- The North Shore 27.1 km away · 531 people
- Spanish 46.9 km away · 670 people
- Thessalon 46.9 km away · 1,260 people
- Gore Bay 48.5 km away · 808 people
- Burpee and Mills 51.2 km away · 382 people
- Plummer Additional 61.1 km away · 757 people
- Bruce Mines 65.4 km away · 582 people
- Billings 68.2 km away · 753 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 Blind River
What is the population of Blind River?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Blind River has a population of 3,422 people, making it the 212th town in Ontario. The population declined moderately from 3,472 in 2016, a decrease of 50 people or 1.44%. The town has a population density of 6.7 people per km² across a land area of 513.98 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Blind River growing?
Blind River's population declined by 1.44% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 3,472 to 3,422 people, a loss of 50 residents. This stability is characteristic of many mid-sized other Ontario towns during this period. The median age of 52.80 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 Blind River?
Blind River has a population density of approximately 6.70 people per square kilometre.
How large is Blind River?
Blind River covers a land area of approximately 513.98 km².
What is the median age in Blind River?
The median age of the population in Blind River is 52.80 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Blind River?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Blind River is French.
What is the median household income in Blind River?
The median household income in Blind River is $66,500, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Blind River?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Blind River.
What is the main religion in Blind River?
Christian is the predominant religion in Blind River.
What percentage of Blind River's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 19.3% of Blind River's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Blind River residents are Canadian citizens?
99.0% of Blind River's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Blind River are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 18.2% of census families in Blind River, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Blind River?
Multigenerational households make up 1.6% of all households in Blind River, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Blind River's population is bilingual in English and French?
29.6% of Blind River's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Blind River's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Blind River, 26.7% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Blind River 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.