James, Ontario — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official James census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 348
- −17.1% since 2016
- Density
- 4.1
- people per km²
- Land area
- 85.40
- km²
- Median age
- 56.0
- years
- Median household income
- $66,000
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 0.0%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of James. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 85.40 km2. The town has a population density of 4.10 people per km2.
We highlight the James town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
James on the Map
- Points of interest (1)
- Places to visit (1)
- Green spaces (1)
James location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, James has a population of around 348 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of James has decreased by ▼ -17.14%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 420 | 348 | --17.14% |
2026 Population Projection
James's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 348 people recorded in the 2021 census.
James Population Trend & Context
James is the 381st-largest town in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 348 — a decline of 72 (▼ 17.14%) people from the 420 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Ontario towns. The town's median age of 56 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does James compare to other Ontario towns?
- 379th Summer Beaver 355
- 380th Serpent River 7 351
- 381st James This town 348
- 382nd Casey 341
- 383rd Hiawatha First Nation 341
Population By Genders
The male population of James is around 185 while the female population is around 160.
Of the 348 total population in James, the largest gender is male with around 185 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 185 | 160 | -13.51% |
Is James a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how James 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.
James Population Compared to Ontario
Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how James compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | James | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $66,000 | $91,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 0.0% | 12.2% |
| Median age | 56 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 0.0% | 33.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 2.8% | 30.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
James has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 14.50% of the total population. The town median age is 56.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|
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 65.20% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 26.10% and 10.10%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in James are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 years and over | 45.00% | 40.00% | 90.00% |
| 15 to 64 years | 62.20% | 65.60% | 65.20% |
| 0 to 14 years | 25.00% | 15.00% | 35.00% |
| 65 years and over | 24.30% | 25.00% | 26.10% |
| 0 to 14 years | 13.50% | 9.40% | 10.10% |
Population of James by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of James is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. James 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 James are English, which accounts for 23.94% of the total population, followed by French (21.13%), Canadian (18.31%), French Canadian (14.08%), and Irish (12.68%).
Other ethnicities and origins in James include Scottish, German, Dutch, Caucasian (White), and First Nations (North American Indian).
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 20.51% | 28.13% | 23.94% |
| French | 23.08% | 15.63% | 21.13% |
| Canadian | 20.51% | 18.75% | 18.31% |
| French Canadian | 10.26% | 18.75% | 14.08% |
| Irish | 7.69% | 18.75% | 12.68% |
| Scottish | 12.82% | 9.38% | 11.27% |
| German | 7.69% | 6.25% | 7.04% |
| Dutch | 7.69% | 0.00% | 5.63% |
| Caucasian (White) | 0.00% | 6.25% | 5.63% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 5.13% | 9.38% | 5.63% |
Indigenous Identity in James
About 4.29% of James's population (15 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 95.71% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 15 people (4.20% 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 James's population profile.
About 2.8% of James's population are immigrants (10 people).
The top countries of origin for James's immigrant population are Algeria (0), Congo, Democratic Republic of the (0), Egypt (0), Eritrea (0), Ethiopia (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Algeria | 0 |
| Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 0 |
| Egypt | 0 |
| Eritrea | 0 |
| Ethiopia | 0 |
98.6% of James's residents (350 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.0% are not.
By generation status, 2.8% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 8.5% are second generation, and 88.7% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 160 of James's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 21.60% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 16.20% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.75%, 2.70%, and 1.35%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 80 | 21.60% |
| 1 person | 60 | 16.20% |
| 3 persons | 25 | 6.75% |
| 4 persons | 10 | 2.70% |
| 5 or more persons | 5 | 1.35% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 180 occupied private dwellings in James, 77.8% are owner-occupied (140) and 19.4% are rented (35). The median value of owned dwellings is $200,000 (average $224,000).
Period of Construction
33.3% of James's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 0.0% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in James
Of census families in James, 91.3% are couple families and 8.7% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.4 people.
36.1% of households in James are one-person households, 55.6% are couple-family households, 5.6% are one-parent-family households, and 0.0% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 65 | 36.1% |
| Couple-family households | 100 | 55.6% |
| One-parent-family households | 10 | 5.6% |
| Multigenerational households | 0 | 0.0% |
Income in James
Analyzing income distribution in James can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within James is $36,800.
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 James population or around 60 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $10,000 to $29,999 with around 30 and 30 people, respectively.
Household Income
The James's median household income is $66,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average James's median household income is 18,000 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 James
This data sheds light on the distribution of James 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.
48.80% or most of the James population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 27.90% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 20.90% has a No certificate, diploma or degree. (Individual figures may not sum to exactly 100% due to Statistics Canada's random rounding of small-area 25% sample data.)
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 50 | 60 | 105 | 48.80% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 30 | 30 | 60 | 27.90% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 35 | 10 | 45 | 20.90% |
Below national average 0.0% of James's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in James
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in James. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in James is at 0.00% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 55.74% |
| Unemployment rate | 0.00% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in James, 40.0% worked full year full time in the reference year, 16.7% worked part year and/or part time, and 43.3% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 120 | 40.0% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 50 | 16.7% |
| Did not work | 130 | 43.3% |
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 James's population (around 91.20%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 0 men and 0 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 0.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The James industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in James is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
James has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (27%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector comes second at 18%, followed by Construction at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 35 | 0 | 27% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 15 | 0 | 18% |
| Construction | 15 | 0 | 12% |
| Health care and social assistance | 0 | 20 | 12% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 15 | 0 | 9% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 0 | 0 | 9% |
| Retail trade | 0 | 0 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 10 | 0 | 6% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Educational services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Public administration | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where James residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in James: Manufacturing (27%), Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (18%), Construction (12%)
Top occupation categories in James: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (35%), Sales and service occupations (21%), Business, finance and administration occupations (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 | 90 | 55 | 145 | 87.90% |
| Worked at home | 0 | 0 | 10 | 6.10% |
| No fixed workplace address | 10 | 0 | 10 | 6.10% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how James 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 James residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of James 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 | 51.60% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 22.60% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 9.70% |
| 60 minutes and over | 6.50% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 6.50% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in James 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 James'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 James. About 275 people living in the town speak English, 70 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 275 |
| French | 70 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 25.7% of James's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 71.4% know English only, 1.4% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 250 | 71.4% |
| French only | 5 | 1.4% |
| English and French | 90 | 25.7% |
| 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 | 78.6% | 87.1% |
| French | 18.6% | 11.4% |
| Non-official languages | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Religion
James is predominantly Christian. About 235 of its population is Christian (125 males and 110 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 | 66.2% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in James
Parks
Places to Visit in James
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in James
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| St. James Park | Parks | 2.0 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to James
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 James
What is the population of James?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, James has a population of 348 people, making it the 381st town in Ontario. The population declined significantly from 420 in 2016, a decrease of 72 people or 17.14%. The town has a population density of 4.1 people per km² across a land area of 85.40 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of James growing?
James's population declined by 17.14% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 420 to 348 people, a loss of 72 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Ontario towns during this period. The median age of 56.00 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 James?
James has a population density of approximately 4.10 people per square kilometre.
How large is James?
James covers a land area of approximately 85.40 km².
What is the median age in James?
The median age of the population in James is 56.00 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in James?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in James is English.
What is the median household income in James?
The median household income in James is $66,000, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in James?
English is the most common first official language spoken in James.
What is the main religion in James?
Christian is the predominant religion in James.
What percentage of James's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 4.2% of James's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of James residents are Canadian citizens?
98.6% of James's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in James are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 8.7% of census families in James, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in James?
Multigenerational households make up 0.0% of all households in James, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of James's population is bilingual in English and French?
25.7% of James's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of James's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in James, 40.0% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for James 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.