Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Sidney has a population of around 12,318 people. The town's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Sidney has increased by 5.53%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 11,672 | 12,318 | +5.53% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.08% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Sidney's population is projected to reach approximately 13,000 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 2,544.03 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 12,318 | 13,000 | 2,544.03 |
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.
Population By Genders
The male population of Sidney is around 5,525 while the female population is around 6,795.
Of the 12,318 total population in Sidney, the largest gender is female with around 6,795 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 5,525 | 6,795 | +18.69% |
Is Sidney a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Sidney compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against British Columbia, 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.
Other Towns Near Sidney
- Ladysmith (48.9 km)
- Lake Cowichan (52.0 km)
- Nanaimo Town 1 (67.9 km)
- Gibsons (83.8 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Sidney has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 70 to 74 years old, accounting for 10.00% of the total population. The town median age is 62.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 to 74 years | 535 9.70% | 700 10.30% | 23.57% | 1,235 10.00% |
| 65 to 69 years | 490 8.90% | 720 10.60% | 31.94% | 1,210 9.80% |
| 85 years and over | 425 7.70% | 725 10.70% | 41.38% | 1,150 9.30% |
| 75 to 79 years | 480 8.70% | 630 9.30% | 23.81% | 1,110 9.00% |
| 60 to 64 years | 440 8.00% | 585 8.60% | 24.79% | 1,025 8.30% |
| 80 to 84 years | 360 6.50% | 475 7.00% | 24.21% | 840 6.80% |
| 55 to 59 years | 355 6.40% | 460 6.80% | 22.83% | 815 6.60% |
| 85 to 89 years | 275 5.00% | 375 5.50% | 26.67% | 645 5.20% |
| 50 to 54 years | 270 4.90% | 370 5.40% | 27.03% | 640 5.20% |
| 35 to 39 years | 270 4.90% | 265 3.90% | 1.85% | 540 4.40% |
| 40 to 44 years | 250 4.50% | 265 3.90% | 5.66% | 515 4.20% |
| 45 to 49 years | 245 4.40% | 250 3.70% | 2.00% | 495 4.00% |
| 30 to 34 years | 225 4.10% | 215 3.20% | 4.44% | 445 3.60% |
| 15 to 19 years | 240 4.30% | 180 2.60% | 25.00% | 420 3.40% |
| 25 to 29 years | 215 3.90% | 205 3.00% | 4.65% | 420 3.40% |
| 5 to 9 years | 190 3.40% | 200 2.90% | 5.00% | 395 3.20% |
| 90 to 94 years | 125 2.30% | 260 3.80% | 51.92% | 390 3.20% |
| 10 to 14 years | 185 3.30% | 180 2.60% | 2.70% | 365 3.00% |
| 20 to 24 years | 180 3.30% | 185 2.70% | 2.70% | 365 3.00% |
| 0 to 4 years | 165 3.00% | 165 2.40% | 0.00% | 330 2.70% |
| 95 to 99 years | 20 0.40% | 80 1.20% | 75.00% | 105 0.90% |
| Median age of the population | 60 59.60% | 64 64.00% | 7.81% | 62 62.00% |
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 46.10% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 45.00% and 8.80%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Sidney are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average age of the population | 53.80% | 57.90% | 56.00% |
| 15 to 64 years | 48.80% | 44.00% | 46.10% |
| 65 years and over | 41.40% | 47.90% | 45.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 9.80% | 8.10% | 8.80% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Sidney
Population of Sidney by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Sidney is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Sidney is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the province appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in the province are English, which accounts for 35.61% of the total population, followed by Scottish (26.74%), Irish (17.28%), German (12.18%), and Canadian (9.38%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include British Isles, French, Ukrainian, Dutch, and Welsh.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 35.56% | 35.68% | 35.61% |
| Scottish | 26.81% | 26.70% | 26.74% |
| Irish | 16.46% | 17.96% | 17.28% |
| German | 12.61% | 11.84% | 12.18% |
| Canadian | 9.97% | 8.90% | 9.38% |
| British Isles | 8.94% | 8.75% | 8.83% |
| French | 7.62% | 7.82% | 7.77% |
| Ukrainian | 4.42% | 5.57% | 5.05% |
| Dutch | 4.80% | 4.64% | 4.67% |
| Welsh | 4.61% | 3.41% | 3.99% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Sidney's population profile.
About 22.7% of Sidney's population are immigrants (2,675 people).
The top countries of origin for Sidney's immigrant population are United Kingdom (945), Philippines (325), United States of America (290), Germany (120), Netherlands (115).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 945 |
| Philippines | 325 |
| United States of America | 290 |
| Germany | 120 |
| Netherlands | 115 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 2,490 of Sidney's population live in a 2 persons. 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 19.30% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 4.70%, 3.25%, and 1.90%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 2,490 | 20.80% |
| 1 person | 2,310 | 19.30% |
| 3 persons | 560 | 4.70% |
| 4 persons | 390 | 3.25% |
| 5 or more persons | 225 | 1.90% |
Income in Sidney
Analyzing income distribution in Sidney can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Sidney is $44,000.
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 Sidney population or around 1,290 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 1,130 and 1,055 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Sidney's median household income is $77,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Sidney's median household income is 7,000 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 Sidney
This data sheds light on the distribution of Sidney 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.
63.45% or most of the Sidney population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 28.40% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 25.15% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.05% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 4,385 | 5,340 | 9,720 | 63.45% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 1,935 | 2,525 | 4,450 | 28.40% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 1,635 | 2,230 | 3,860 | 25.15% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 680 | 665 | 1,350 | 8.05% |
Below national average 25.2% of Sidney's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Sidney
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Sidney. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Newfoundland and Labrador is at 2.20% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 44.79% |
| Unemployment rate | 2.20% |
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 Sidney's population (around 69.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 470 men and 440 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 910.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 470 | 440 | 910 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Sidney industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Sidney is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Sidney has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (17%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 14%, followed by Public administration at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 185 | 645 | 17% |
| Retail trade | 350 | 330 | 14% |
| Public administration | 245 | 210 | 9% |
| Accommodation and food services | 235 | 180 | 8% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 205 | 210 | 8% |
| Construction | 300 | 50 | 7% |
| Educational services | 80 | 215 | 6% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 175 | 110 | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 170 | 75 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 130 | 75 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 75 | 110 | 4% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 70 | 45 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 45 | 70 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 80 | 20 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 20 | 85 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 25 | 40 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 25 | 25 | 1% |
| Utilities | 15 | 10 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 20 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Sidney residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Sidney: Health care and social assistance (17%), -45 Retail trade (14%), Public administration (9%)
Top occupation categories in Sidney: Sales and service occupations (28%), Business, finance and administration occupations (19%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related 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 | 1,515 | 1,650 | 3,175 | 66.30% |
| Worked at home | 370 | 590 | 955 | 19.90% |
| No fixed workplace address | 470 | 175 | 640 | 13.40% |
| Worked outside Canada | 15 | 0 | 20 | 0.40% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Sidney 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 Sidney residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Sidney 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 | 48.50% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 29.60% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 16.50% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.30% |
| 60 minutes and over | 2.10% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Sidneyshed 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 Sidney'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 Sidney. About 11,805 people living in the province speak English, 170 people speak French, 35 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 5 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 11,805 |
| French | 170 |
| Neither English nor French | 35 |
| English and French | 5 |
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 | 86.9% | 95.0% |
| Non-official languages | 10.1% | 3.5% |
| French | 1.6% | 0.3% |
Religion
Sidney is predominantly Christian. About 5,330 of its population is Christian (2,115 males and 2,115 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Jewish with 0.5% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Sikh and Buddhist, both represent 0.5% and 0.3% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.2% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 45.2% |
| Jewish | 0.5% |
| Sikh | 0.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.3% |
| Islam | 0.2% |
| Hindu | 0.1% |
Frequently Asked Questions about Sidney
According to the 2021 census, Sidney has a population of approximately 12,318 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Sidney increased by 5.53%.
Sidney has a population density of approximately 2,412.80 people per square kilometre.
Sidney covers a land area of approximately 5.11 km².
The median age of the population in Sidney is 62.00 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Sidney is English.
The median household income in Sidney is $77,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Sidney.
Christian is the predominant religion in Sidney.
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.