Portage la Prairie, Manitoba — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Portage la Prairie census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 6,888
- −1.2% since 2016
- Density
- 3.5
- people per km²
- Land area
- 1,973
- km²
- Median age
- 38.8
- years
- Median household income
- $89,000
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 5.8%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Portage la Prairie. It is a township in Canada that encompasses a land area of 1,973.45 km2. The township has a population density of 3.50 people per km2.
We highlight the Portage la Prairie township's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Portage la Prairie on the Map
- Points of interest (14)
- Places to visit (5)
- Green spaces (2)
Portage la Prairie location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Portage la Prairie has a population of around 6,888 people. The township's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Portage la Prairie has decreased by ▼ -1.25%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 6,975 | 6,888 | --1.25% |
2026 Population Projection
Portage la Prairie's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 6,888 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Portage la Prairie Population Trend & Context
Portage la Prairie is the 18th-largest township in Manitoba, with a 2021 census population of 6,888 — a decline of 87 (▼ 1.25%) people from the 6,975 recorded in 2016.
The township's population has seen a slight decline over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Manitoba townships. The township's median age of 38.8 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
How does Portage la Prairie compare to other Manitoba townships?
- 16th Macdonald 8,120
- 17th Ritchot 7,469
- 18th Portage la Prairie This township 6,888
- 19th La Broquerie 6,725
- 20th West St. Paul 6,682
Population By Genders
The male population of Portage la Prairie is around 3,495 while the female population is around 3,390.
Of the 6,888 total population in Portage la Prairie, the largest gender is male with around 3,495 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,495 | 3,390 | -3.00% |
Is Portage la Prairie a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Portage la Prairie 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.
Portage la Prairie Population Compared to Manitoba
Manitoba's population in 2021 was 1,342,153, spread across the area. Here's how Portage la Prairie compares to the township's key indicators:
| Indicator | Portage la Prairie | Manitoba |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $89,000 | $79,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 8.3% |
| Median age | 38.8 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.6% | 25.9% |
| Immigrants (%) | 4.9% | 19.7% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Portage la Prairie has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 7.90% of the total population. The township median age is 38.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 275 7.90% | 270 8.00% | 1.82% | 545 7.90% |
| 5 to 9 years | 255 7.30% | 275 8.10% | 7.27% | 530 7.70% |
| 10 to 14 years | 275 7.90% | 225 6.60% | 18.18% | 500 7.30% |
| 0 to 4 years | 245 7.00% | 245 7.20% | 0.00% | 485 7.00% |
| 55 to 59 years | 240 6.90% | 225 6.60% | 6.25% | 460 6.70% |
| 35 to 39 years | 230 6.60% | 215 6.30% | 6.52% | 445 6.50% |
| 30 to 34 years | 215 6.20% | 220 6.50% | 2.27% | 435 6.30% |
| 15 to 19 years | 235 6.70% | 190 5.60% | 19.15% | 425 6.20% |
| 45 to 49 years | 205 5.90% | 215 6.30% | 4.65% | 420 6.10% |
| 65 to 69 years | 200 5.70% | 220 6.50% | 9.09% | 420 6.10% |
| 40 to 44 years | 205 5.90% | 200 5.90% | 2.44% | 405 5.90% |
| 50 to 54 years | 195 5.60% | 200 5.90% | 2.50% | 395 5.70% |
| 25 to 29 years | 180 5.20% | 195 5.80% | 7.69% | 375 5.40% |
| 20 to 24 years | 195 5.60% | 170 5.00% | 12.82% | 365 5.30% |
| 70 to 74 years | 155 4.40% | 150 4.40% | 3.23% | 305 4.40% |
| 75 to 79 years | 110 3.10% | 100 2.90% | 9.09% | 205 3.00% |
| 80 to 84 years | 60 1.70% | 40 1.20% | 33.33% | 100 1.50% |
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 62.00% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 22.10% and 15.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Portage la Prairie are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 62.10% | 62.10% | 62.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 22.30% | 21.80% | 22.10% |
| 65 years and over | 15.90% | 16.10% | 15.90% |
Population of Portage la Prairie by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Portage la Prairie is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Portage la Prairie 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 Portage la Prairie are English, which accounts for 28.85% of the total population, followed by Scottish (26.27%), Irish (18.71%), German (18.71%), and Canadian (14.75%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Portage la Prairie include Ukrainian, French, Dutch, Mennonite, and Polish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 28.73% | 29.40% | 28.85% |
| Scottish | 26.73% | 25.47% | 26.27% |
| Irish | 18.00% | 19.66% | 18.71% |
| German | 17.27% | 20.22% | 18.71% |
| Canadian | 14.91% | 14.42% | 14.75% |
| Ukrainian | 11.27% | 12.92% | 12.07% |
| French | 9.09% | 10.86% | 9.95% |
| Dutch | 5.64% | 5.24% | 5.35% |
| Mennonite | 5.09% | 5.43% | 5.16% |
| Polish | 4.55% | 3.18% | 3.87% |
Indigenous Identity in Portage la Prairie
About 19.28% of Portage la Prairie's population (1,045 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 80.72% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 250 people (4.60% 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 Portage la Prairie's population profile.
About 4.9% of Portage la Prairie's population are immigrants (265 people).
The top countries of origin for Portage la Prairie's immigrant population are United Kingdom (50), Germany (50), United States of America (35), Netherlands (25), Greece (10).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 50 |
| Germany | 50 |
| United States of America | 35 |
| Netherlands | 25 |
| Greece | 10 |
97.4% of Portage la Prairie's residents (5,285 people) are Canadian citizens, and 2.5% are not.
By generation status, 6.0% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 9.5% are second generation, and 84.6% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,900 of Portage la Prairie's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 20.55% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 11.30% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.15%, 6.00%, and 4.95%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 890 | 20.55% |
| 1 person | 490 | 11.30% |
| 3 persons | 310 | 7.15% |
| 4 persons | 260 | 6.00% |
| 5 or more persons | 215 | 4.95% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 2,165 occupied private dwellings in Portage la Prairie, 83.1% are owner-occupied (1,800) and 16.9% are rented (365). The median value of owned dwellings is $280,000 (average $292,800).
Period of Construction
29.1% of Portage la Prairie's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 3.9% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Portage la Prairie
Of census families in Portage la Prairie, 88.6% are couple families and 11.4% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.9 people.
22.6% of households in Portage la Prairie are one-person households, 64.4% are couple-family households, 6.2% are one-parent-family households, and 1.6% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 490 | 22.6% |
| Couple-family households | 1,395 | 64.4% |
| One-parent-family households | 135 | 6.2% |
| Multigenerational households | 35 | 1.6% |
Income in Portage la Prairie
Analyzing income distribution in Portage la Prairie can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Portage la Prairie is $44,400.
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 Portage la Prairie population or around 755 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 700 and 700 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Portage la Prairie's median household income is $89,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Portage la Prairie's median household income is 5,000 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 Portage la Prairie
This data sheds light on the distribution of Portage la Prairie 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.
52.50% or most of the Portage la Prairie population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 34.40% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 13.30% 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 | 710 | 795 | 1,505 | 52.50% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 475 | 505 | 985 | 34.40% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 245 | 135 | 380 | 13.30% |
Below national average 14.8% of Portage la Prairie's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Portage la Prairie
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Portage la Prairie. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Portage la Prairie is at 5.82% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 65.80% |
| Unemployment rate | 5.82% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Portage la Prairie, 40.4% worked full year full time in the reference year, 30.1% worked part year and/or part time, and 29.5% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 1,790 | 40.4% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,335 | 30.1% |
| Did not work | 1,305 | 29.5% |
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 Portage la Prairie's population (around 67.70%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 405 men and 210 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 620.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 405 | 210 | 620 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Portage la Prairie industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Portage la Prairie is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Portage la Prairie has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (16%) works in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 15%, followed by Manufacturing at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 340 | 160 | 16% |
| Health care and social assistance | 65 | 385 | 15% |
| Manufacturing | 215 | 65 | 9% |
| Retail trade | 135 | 115 | 8% |
| Construction | 220 | 25 | 8% |
| Public administration | 120 | 115 | 7% |
| Educational services | 40 | 185 | 7% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 115 | 45 | 5% |
| Wholesale trade | 120 | 25 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 40 | 80 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 75 | 40 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 50 | 50 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 20 | 55 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 40 | 20 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 20 | 15 | 1% |
| Utilities | 30 | 0 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 15 | 0 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 15 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 10 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Portage la Prairie residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Portage la Prairie: Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (16%), Health care and social assistance (15%), Manufacturing (9%)
Top occupation categories in Portage la Prairie: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (22%), Sales and service occupations (15%), Business, finance and administration occupations (14%)
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 | 1,040 | 1,005 | 2,045 | 70.00% |
| Worked at home | 275 | 245 | 520 | 17.80% |
| No fixed workplace address | 275 | 80 | 350 | 12.00% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Portage la Prairie 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 Portage la Prairie residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Portage la Prairie 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 | 49.50% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 33.20% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 8.60% |
| 60 minutes and over | 6.50% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.30% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Portage la Prairie 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 Portage la Prairie'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 Portage la Prairie. About 6,620 people living in the township speak English, 130 people speak Neither English nor French, 125 people speak French language, and 5 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 6,620 |
| Neither English nor French | 130 |
| French | 125 |
| English and French | 5 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 6.0% of Portage la Prairie's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 92.2% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 1.9% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 6,345 | 92.2% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 410 | 6.0% |
| Neither English nor French | 130 | 1.9% |
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 | 71.8% | 79.8% |
| Non-official languages | 24.6% | 18.4% |
| French | 2.0% | 0.5% |
Religion
Portage la Prairie is predominantly Christian. About 2,815 of its population is Christian (1,415 males and 1,400 females).
The second largest religion in the township 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 | 51.9% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Portage la Prairie
Schools
- La Verendrye School
- École Arthur Meighen School
- Portage Collegiate Institute
- Fort La Reine School
- Yellowquill School
- École Arthur Meighen
- Crescentview School
Parks
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Portage la Prairie
Attractions
Historic Sites
Theatres
Green Spaces in Portage la Prairie
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Rotary Republic of Manitobah Park | Parks | 38.6 ha |
| Henderson Park | Parks | 2.5 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Townships to Portage la Prairie
- Grey 34.3 km away · 2,517 people
- Cartier 40.5 km away · 3,344 people
- St. Francois Xavier 54.1 km away · 1,449 people
- Rosser 63.2 km away · 1,270 people
- St. Laurent 63.9 km away · 1,542 people
- Argyle 64.0 km away · 994 people
- Headingley 65.3 km away · 4,331 people
- Macdonald 68.6 km away · 8,120 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 Portage la Prairie
What is the population of Portage la Prairie?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Portage la Prairie has a population of 6,888 people, making it the 18th township in Manitoba. The population declined moderately from 6,975 in 2016, a decrease of 87 people or 1.25%. The township has a population density of 3.5 people per km² across a land area of 1,973.45 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Portage la Prairie growing?
Portage la Prairie's population declined by 1.25% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 6,975 to 6,888 people, a loss of 87 residents. This stability is characteristic of many mid-sized other Manitoba townships during this period. The median age of 38.80 years suggests a relatively balanced demographic profile. 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 Portage la Prairie?
Portage la Prairie has a population density of approximately 3.50 people per square kilometre.
How large is Portage la Prairie?
Portage la Prairie covers a land area of approximately 1,973.45 km².
What is the median age in Portage la Prairie?
The median age of the population in Portage la Prairie is 38.80 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Portage la Prairie?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Portage la Prairie is English.
What is the median household income in Portage la Prairie?
The median household income in Portage la Prairie is $89,000, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Portage la Prairie?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Portage la Prairie.
What is the main religion in Portage la Prairie?
Christian is the predominant religion in Portage la Prairie.
What percentage of Portage la Prairie's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 19.3% of Portage la Prairie's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Portage la Prairie residents are Canadian citizens?
97.4% of Portage la Prairie's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Portage la Prairie are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 11.4% of census families in Portage la Prairie, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Portage la Prairie?
Multigenerational households make up 1.6% of all households in Portage la Prairie, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Portage la Prairie's population is bilingual in English and French?
6.0% of Portage la Prairie's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Portage la Prairie's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Portage la Prairie, 40.4% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Portage la Prairie 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.