Macdonald, Manitoba — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Macdonald census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 8,120
- +13.4% since 2016
- Density
- 7.0
- people per km²
- Land area
- 1,156
- km²
- Median age
- 39.6
- years
- Median household income
- $135,000
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 4.9%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Macdonald. It is a township in Canada that encompasses a land area of 1,156.11 km2. The township has a population density of 7.00 people per km2.
We highlight the Macdonald township's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Macdonald on the Map
- Points of interest (36)
- Places to visit (4)
- Green spaces (20)
Macdonald location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Macdonald has a population of around 8,120 people. The township's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Macdonald has increased by ▲ 13.38%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 7,162 | 8,120 | +13.38% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.54% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Macdonald's population is projected to reach approximately 9,206 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 7.96 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 8,120 | 9,206 | 7.96 |
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.
Macdonald Population Trend & Context
Macdonald is the 16th-largest township in Manitoba, with a 2021 census population of 8,120 — an increase of 958 (▲ 13.38%) people from the 7,162 recorded in 2016.
The township's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Manitoba townships. The township's median age of 39.6 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
How does Macdonald compare to other Manitoba townships?
- 14th Stanley 8,981
- 15th Rockwood 8,440
- 16th Macdonald This township 8,120
- 17th Ritchot 7,469
- 18th Portage la Prairie 6,888
Population By Genders
The male population of Macdonald is around 4,075 while the female population is around 4,040.
Of the 8,120 total population in Macdonald, the largest gender is male with around 4,075 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 4,075 | 4,040 | +0.86% |
Is Macdonald a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Macdonald compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Manitoba, 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.
Macdonald Population Compared to Manitoba
Manitoba's population in 2021 was 1,342,153, spread across the area. Here's how Macdonald compares to the township's key indicators:
| Indicator | Macdonald | Manitoba |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $135,000 | $79,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 8.3% |
| Median age | 39.6 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.1% | 25.9% |
| Immigrants (%) | 7.6% | 19.7% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Macdonald has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 8.10% of the total population. The township median age is 39.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 340 8.30% | 320 7.90% | 5.88% | 655 8.10% |
| 10 to 14 years | 285 7.00% | 340 8.40% | 16.18% | 620 7.60% |
| 45 to 49 years | 300 7.40% | 310 7.70% | 3.23% | 610 7.50% |
| 40 to 44 years | 310 7.60% | 290 7.20% | 6.45% | 600 7.40% |
| 5 to 9 years | 295 7.20% | 290 7.20% | 1.69% | 585 7.20% |
| 50 to 54 years | 285 7.00% | 290 7.20% | 1.72% | 575 7.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 280 6.90% | 290 7.20% | 3.45% | 565 7.00% |
| 35 to 39 years | 260 6.40% | 300 7.40% | 13.33% | 565 7.00% |
| 60 to 64 years | 270 6.60% | 270 6.70% | 0.00% | 545 6.70% |
| 0 to 4 years | 255 6.30% | 240 5.90% | 5.88% | 495 6.10% |
| 30 to 34 years | 240 5.90% | 250 6.20% | 4.00% | 490 6.00% |
| 20 to 24 years | 250 6.10% | 195 4.80% | 22.00% | 445 5.50% |
| 65 to 69 years | 200 4.90% | 205 5.10% | 2.44% | 405 5.00% |
| 25 to 29 years | 180 4.40% | 155 3.80% | 13.89% | 340 4.20% |
| 70 to 74 years | 175 4.30% | 150 3.70% | 14.29% | 320 3.90% |
| 75 to 79 years | 95 2.30% | 85 2.10% | 10.53% | 180 2.20% |
Broader Age Groups
If the township'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 66.30% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 20.90% and 12.60%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Macdonald are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 66.40% | 66.50% | 66.30% |
| 0 to 14 years | 20.50% | 21.40% | 20.90% |
| 65 years and over | 13.10% | 12.30% | 12.60% |
Population of Macdonald by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Macdonald is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Macdonald is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the township appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Macdonald are English, which accounts for 25.11% of the total population, followed by Scottish (22.20%), German (19.10%), Ukrainian (16.76%), and French (14.86%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Macdonald include Irish, Canadian, Polish, Russian, and Mennonite.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 26.57% | 23.72% | 25.11% |
| Scottish | 22.43% | 21.81% | 22.20% |
| German | 18.67% | 19.64% | 19.10% |
| Ukrainian | 16.54% | 16.96% | 16.76% |
| French | 15.16% | 14.54% | 14.86% |
| Irish | 14.91% | 13.90% | 14.48% |
| Canadian | 11.40% | 11.61% | 11.57% |
| Polish | 8.02% | 8.80% | 8.41% |
| Russian | 6.02% | 5.74% | 5.88% |
| Mennonite | 5.51% | 3.70% | 4.62% |
Indigenous Identity in Macdonald
About 8.73% of Macdonald's population (690 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 91.27% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 80 people (1.00% 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 Macdonald's population profile.
About 7.6% of Macdonald's population are immigrants (600 people).
The top countries of origin for Macdonald's immigrant population are India (125), Philippines (80), United Kingdom (55), Germany (40), United States of America (30).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| India | 125 |
| Philippines | 80 |
| United Kingdom | 55 |
| Germany | 40 |
| United States of America | 30 |
97.8% of Macdonald's residents (7,735 people) are Canadian citizens, and 2.2% are not.
By generation status, 8.4% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 13.1% are second generation, and 78.5% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 2,490 of Macdonald's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.85% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 4 persons households ranked second, accounting for 10.85% of the population. 3 persons, 1 person, and 5 or more persons households account for 8.55%, 5.85%, and 5.85%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 1,035 | 18.85% |
| 4 persons | 595 | 10.85% |
| 3 persons | 470 | 8.55% |
| 1 person | 320 | 5.85% |
| 5 or more persons | 320 | 5.85% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 2,740 occupied private dwellings in Macdonald, 93.6% are owner-occupied (2,565) and 6.4% are rented (175). The median value of owned dwellings is $472,000 (average $503,600).
Period of Construction
10.6% of Macdonald's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 17.9% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Macdonald
Of census families in Macdonald, 92.6% are couple families and 7.4% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.1 people.
11.9% of households in Macdonald are one-person households, 77.9% are couple-family households, 5.3% are one-parent-family households, and 1.8% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 325 | 11.9% |
| Couple-family households | 2,135 | 77.9% |
| One-parent-family households | 145 | 5.3% |
| Multigenerational households | 50 | 1.8% |
Income in Macdonald
Analyzing income distribution in Macdonald can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Macdonald is $55,200.
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 township's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Macdonald population or around 1,030 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $100,000 to $149,999 with around 865 and 780 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Macdonald's median household income is $135,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Macdonald's median household income is 51,000 dollars above the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the township'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 township's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Macdonald
This data sheds light on the distribution of Macdonald 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.
71.40% or most of the Macdonald population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 24.70% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 3.80% 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 | 1,495 | 1,600 | 3,090 | 71.40% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 535 | 540 | 1,070 | 24.70% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 115 | 50 | 165 | 3.80% |
Above national average 36.4% of Macdonald's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Macdonald
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Macdonald. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Macdonald is at 4.88% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 69.90% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.88% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Macdonald, 45.1% worked full year full time in the reference year, 30.5% worked part year and/or part time, and 24.4% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 2,835 | 45.1% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,915 | 30.5% |
| Did not work | 1,530 | 24.4% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the township who work as an employee. The majority of Macdonald's population (around 71.30%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 425 men and 290 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 710.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 425 | 290 | 710 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Macdonald industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Macdonald is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Macdonald has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (11%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 10%, followed by Educational services at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 70 | 435 | 11% |
| Retail trade | 280 | 200 | 10% |
| Educational services | 120 | 320 | 10% |
| Public administration | 245 | 170 | 9% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 230 | 115 | 7% |
| Construction | 295 | 50 | 7% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 160 | 180 | 7% |
| Manufacturing | 220 | 55 | 6% |
| Wholesale trade | 200 | 55 | 5% |
| Finance and insurance | 105 | 125 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 110 | 100 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 145 | 45 | 4% |
| Accommodation and food services | 60 | 95 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 60 | 70 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 85 | 40 | 3% |
| Utilities | 40 | 10 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 35 | 15 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 10 | 20 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 | 10 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Macdonald residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Macdonald: Health care and social assistance (11%), Retail trade (10%), Educational services (10%)
Top occupation categories in Macdonald: Sales and service occupations (20%), Business, finance and administration occupations (18%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (17%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the township. 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 | 1,540 | 1,410 | 2,950 | 67.20% |
| Worked at home | 455 | 500 | 955 | 21.80% |
| No fixed workplace address | 370 | 100 | 475 | 10.80% |
| Worked outside Canada | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0.20% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Macdonald 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 Macdonald residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Macdonald spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the township's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the township.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 36.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 32.10% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 17.30% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 10.20% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.10% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Macdonald 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 township's social fabric. We can gain insights into Macdonald's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights township'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 Macdonald. About 7,810 people living in the township speak English, 280 people speak French, 20 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 5 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 7,810 |
| French | 280 |
| Neither English nor French | 20 |
| English and French | 5 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 8.9% of Macdonald's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 90.8% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 7,370 | 90.8% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 725 | 8.9% |
| Neither English nor French | 15 | 0.2% |
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 | 85.2% | 92.9% |
| Non-official languages | 9.4% | 4.6% |
| French | 3.5% | 1.2% |
Religion
Macdonald is predominantly Christian. About 4,655 of its population is Christian (2,310 males and 2,340 females).
The second largest religion in the township is Sikh with 1.5% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Muslim and Hindu, both represent 1.0% and 0.6% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.2% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 58.9% |
| Sikh | 1.5% |
| Islam | 1.0% |
| Hindu | 0.6% |
| Buddhist | 0.2% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Macdonald
Schools
- J. A. Cuddy School
- École R.H.G. Bonnycastle School
- Chancellor Elementary School
- Parc La Salle School
- Arthur A. Leach School
- Bairdmore School
- Whyte Ridge Elementary School
- Henry G. Izatt Middle School
- Oak Bluff Community School
- Bison Run School
- Pembina Trails Collegiate
Parks
- Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park
- Point West Park
- Kirkbridge Park
- Grandmont Park
- La Salle Park
- Bellemer Park
- Payment Street Park
- Tranquil Bay Park
- Alumni Place Triangle
- Lakeshore Park
- Sandpiper Park East
- Ashland Park
- Red Spruce Park
- CSE Park
- Scurfield Park North
- Scurfield Park
- Vanderbilt Park
- Leon Bell Park
- Don Smith Park
- Boulevard Park
- La Barrière Park
- Bridgwater Trails Centre
- Eaglewood Park
- Jinnah Park
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Macdonald
Museums
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Macdonald
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park | Parks | 18.4 ha |
| Point West Park | Parks | 3.5 ha |
| Kirkbridge Park | Parks | 12.7 ha |
| Grandmont Park | Parks | 5.1 ha |
| La Salle Park | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Bellemer Park | Parks | 1.1 ha |
| Payment Street Park | Parks | 2.7 ha |
| Tranquil Bay Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Alumni Place Triangle | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Lakeshore Park | Parks | 3.7 ha |
| Sandpiper Park East | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Ashland Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Red Spruce Park | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| CSE Park | Parks | 1.5 ha |
| Scurfield Park North | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Scurfield Park | Parks | 9.2 ha |
| Vanderbilt Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Leon Bell Park | Parks | 1.2 ha |
| Don Smith Park | Parks | 4.1 ha |
| Boulevard Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Townships to Macdonald
- Headingley 21.3 km away · 4,331 people
- Montcalm 25.8 km away · 1,278 people
- St. Francois Xavier 26.6 km away · 1,449 people
- Victoria 26.9 km away · 1,188 people
- Ritchot 27.0 km away · 7,469 people
- Dufferin 33.6 km away · 2,543 people
- Cartier 34.0 km away · 3,344 people
- Rosser 36.2 km away · 1,270 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 Macdonald
What is the population of Macdonald?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Macdonald has a population of 8,120 people, making it the 16th township in Manitoba. The population increased significantly from 7,162 in 2016, an increase of 958 people or 13.38%. The township has a population density of 7.0 people per km² across a land area of 1,156.11 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Macdonald growing?
Macdonald's population grew by 13.38% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 7,162 to 8,120 people, a gain of 958 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Manitoba townships during this period. The median age of 39.60 years suggests a relatively balanced demographic profile. The relatively low proportion of one-person households (11.7%) points to a family-oriented community. 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 Macdonald?
Macdonald has a population density of approximately 7.00 people per square kilometre.
How large is Macdonald?
Macdonald covers a land area of approximately 1,156.11 km².
What is the median age in Macdonald?
The median age of the population in Macdonald is 39.60 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Macdonald?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Macdonald is English.
What is the median household income in Macdonald?
The median household income in Macdonald is $135,000, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Macdonald?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Macdonald.
What is the main religion in Macdonald?
Christian is the predominant religion in Macdonald.
What percentage of Macdonald's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 8.7% of Macdonald's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Macdonald residents are Canadian citizens?
97.8% of Macdonald's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Macdonald are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 7.4% of census families in Macdonald, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Macdonald?
Multigenerational households make up 1.8% of all households in Macdonald, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Macdonald's population is bilingual in English and French?
8.9% of Macdonald's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Macdonald's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Macdonald, 45.1% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Macdonald 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.