Thompson, Manitoba Population & Demographics: How Many People Live Here?

Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Thompson census dataset on Statistics Canada

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Thompson. It is a city in Canada that encompasses a land area of 16.62 km2. The city has a population density of 784.30 people per km2.

We highlight the Thompson city's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.

Thompson on the Map

The map and listings below are sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors, not Statistics Canada, and may be incomplete depending on how thoroughly the area has been mapped.

Thompson location on the map. View in Google Map

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Thompson has a population of around 13,035 people. The city's population is in decreased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Thompson has decreased by -4.70%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
13,67813,035 --4.70%

2026 Population Projection

Thompson's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 13,035 people recorded in the 2021 census.

Population By Genders

The male population of Thompson is around 6,565 while the female population is around 6,465.

Of the 13,035 total population in Thompson, the largest gender is male with around 6,565 women within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
6,5656,465 -1.52%

Is Thompson a Good Place to Live?

Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Thompson compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Manitoba, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.

Employment & Economy

8.9%
Unemployment rate
0.6 pts above the province
62.2%
Employment rate
3.1 pts above the province
68.3%
Participation rate
3.9 pts above the province

Income & Affordability

$96,000
Median household income
$16,500 above the province
14.5%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
0.3 pts above the province

Commute

94.2%
Commute under 30 minutes
21.0 pts above the province
87.0%
Commute by car
0.9 pts above the province
1.1%
Commute by public transit
4.6 pts below the province

Housing Character

49.2%
Single-detached houses
17.2 pts below the province
28.5%
Apartments (any building size)
4.2 pts above the province

Household Composition

2.80 people
Average household size
0.30people above the province
24.9%
One-person households
3.3 pts below the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Population by Age Characteristics

Thompson has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 5 to 9 years old, accounting for 8.70% of the total population. The city median age is 31.00.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal
5 to 9 years580 8.80%555 8.60% 4.31%1,135 8.70%
10 to 14 years560 8.50%575 8.90% 2.61%1,135 8.70%
0 to 4 years570 8.70%525 8.10% 7.89%1,100 8.40%
30 to 34 years540 8.20%540 8.40% 0.00%1,075 8.20%
25 to 29 years510 7.80%560 8.70% 8.93%1,065 8.20%
20 to 24 years475 7.20%450 7.00% 5.26%925 7.10%
35 to 39 years445 6.80%460 7.10% 3.26%910 7.00%
15 to 19 years460 7.00%445 6.90% 3.26%905 6.90%
40 to 44 years425 6.50%475 7.30% 10.53%895 6.90%
50 to 54 years390 5.90%395 6.10% 1.27%790 6.10%
55 to 59 years430 6.50%365 5.60% 15.12%790 6.10%
45 to 49 years375 5.70%390 6.00% 3.85%765 5.90%
60 to 64 years310 4.70%260 4.00% 16.13%570 4.40%
65 to 69 years215 3.30%185 2.90% 13.95%400 3.10%
70 to 74 years140 2.10%135 2.10% 3.57%275 2.10%
75 to 79 years85 1.30%85 1.30% 0.00%170 1.30%
80 to 84 years40 0.60%50 0.80% 20.00%85 0.70%
85 years and over10 0.20%30 0.50% 66.67%40 0.30%
Average age of the population33 32.90%33 32.80% 0.00%33 32.90%
Median age of the population31 31.20%31 31.00% 0.00%31 31.00%

Broader Age Groups

If the city'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 66.70% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 25.80% and 7.40%, respectively.

If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Thompson are within the 15 to 64 years age group.

DataMaleFemaleTotal
65 years and over7.40%7.50%7.40%

Photos of Places & Sceneries in Thompson

Population of Thompson by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Thompson is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Thompson 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 Cree, which accounts for 14.47% of the total population, followed by First Nations (North American Indian) (12.96%), English (12.65%), Scottish (11.84%), and Irish (9.90%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Canadian, French, German, Ukrainian, and North American Indigenous.

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
Cree13.82%15.13%14.47%
First Nations (North American Indian)11.35%14.59%12.96%
English13.05%12.32%12.65%
Scottish11.43%12.32%11.84%
Irish10.19%9.59%9.90%
Canadian10.42%8.58%9.51%
French9.03%7.72%8.42%
German8.03%7.57%7.80%
Ukrainian7.88%7.18%7.49%
North American Indigenous6.25%7.02%6.64%

Immigration Profile

Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Thompson's population profile.

About 13.4% of Thompson's population are immigrants (1,730 people).

The top countries of origin for Thompson's immigrant population are India (765), Philippines (140), Nigeria (115), Jamaica (55), United Kingdom (45).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
India765
Philippines140
Nigeria115
Jamaica55
United Kingdom45

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 2,300 of Thompson's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.

Household Size

About 14.10% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 12.45% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 8.95%, 7.80%, and 6.70%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
2 persons1,32014.10%
1 person1,16512.45%
3 persons8358.95%
4 persons7307.80%
5 or more persons6256.70%

Income in Thompson

Analyzing income distribution in Thompson can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Thompson is $46,400.

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 city's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.

Most of Thompson population or around 1,410 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $50,000 to $79,999, and $100,000 to $149,999 with around 1,285 and 1,260 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Thompson's median household income is $96,000, according to 2020 data.

Above national average Thompson's median household income is 12,000 dollars above the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).

The data provides important insights into the city'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 city's income distribution, disparities, and trends.

Education Levels in Thompson

This data sheds light on the distribution of Thompson 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.

47.75% or most of the Thompson population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 30.15% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 22.00% has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 21.50% has Bachelor's degree or higher.

Only using 25% sample data.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree3,5554,1107,66047.75%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate2,5702,3654,93030.15%
No certificate, diploma or degree1,9951,7103,70022.00%
Bachelor's degree or higher1,2702,1603,43521.50%

Below national average 21.5% of Thompson's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Thompson

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Thompson. 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 6.09% which is quite high.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate62.20%
Unemployment rate6.09%

Working as an Employee

The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the city who work as an employee. The majority of Thompson's population (around 80.80%) are working permanent position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the city, there are 165 men and 120 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 280.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed165120280

Employment Industry Sectors

The Thompson industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Thompson is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.

Thompson has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (18%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector comes second at 11%, followed by Retail trade at 11%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Health care and social assistance21099018%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction6658011%
Retail trade41532511%
Educational services16053511%
Public administration3302509%
Accommodation and food services2502808%
Transportation and warehousing340656%
Construction325506%
Other services (except public administration)1201404%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services120453%
Finance and insurance201302%
Utilities80252%
Wholesale trade75202%
Professional, scientific and technical services45552%
Real estate and rental and leasing40351%
Manufacturing4501%
Information and cultural industries15251%
Arts, entertainment and recreation3001%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting2501%
Management of companies and enterprises0100%

Labour Market Snapshot

A quick snapshot of where Thompson residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.

Top employer sectors in Thompson: Health care and social assistance (18%), Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (11%), -45 Retail trade (11%)

Top occupation categories in Thompson: Sales and service occupations (25%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (19%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (19%)

Places of Work

The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the city. It provides a snapshot of workplaces, showing their geographic distribution and the flow of workers across different areas.

Only using 25% sample data.
Work LocationMenWomenTotalPercentage
Usual place of work2,4802,4954,97584.00%
No fixed workplace address49014563010.60%
Worked at home1152003155.30%
Worked outside Canada0000.00%

Commuting

The data sheds light on how Thompson 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 Thompson residents and sustainable urban planning.

Commuting Duration

This data reveals the average time that the residents of Thompson spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the city's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the city.

Only using 25% sample data.
DurationPercentage
Less than 15 minutes80.60%
15 to 29 minutes13.60%
60 minutes and over2.80%
30 to 44 minutes2.60%
45 to 59 minutes0.50%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Thompsonshed 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 city's social fabric. We can gain insights into Thompson's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law
52.38%
Married or living common-law
47.62%

Language Spoken

The data below highlights city'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 Thompson. About 12,665 people living in the province speak English, 190 people speak French, 85 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 30 people speak English and French language.

LanguagePopulation
English12,665
French190
Neither English nor French85
English and French30

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.

LanguageMother TongueSpoken Most Often at Home
English77.7%87.3%
Non-official languages16.2%8.8%
French1.5%0.6%

Religion

Thompson is predominantly Christian. About 5,435 of its population is Christian (2,585 males and 2,585 females).

The second largest religion in the province is Hindu with 5.1% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Sikh and Muslim, both represent 3.1% and 1.0% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.0% of the population.

ReligionPopulation
Christian42.2%
Hindu5.1%
Sikh3.1%
Islam1.0%
Buddhist0.0%
Jewish0.0%

Points of Interest in Thompson

Schools

Parks

Libraries

Places to Visit in Thompson

Museums

Historic Sites

Green Spaces in Thompson

NameTypeApprox. Area
Juniper ParkParks3.1 ha
Southwood ParkParks2.2 ha
Rotary ParkParks0.6 ha
Thompson Skate ParkParks1.0 ha
Ferrel ParkParks1.1 ha
Eastwood ParkParks1.8 ha

Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thompson

According to the 2021 census, Thompson has a population of approximately 13,035 people.

Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Thompson decreased by 4.70%.

Thompson has a population density of approximately 784.30 people per square kilometre.

Thompson covers a land area of approximately 16.62 km².

The median age of the population in Thompson is 31.00 years.

The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Thompson is Cree.

The median household income in Thompson is $96,000, based on 2020 data.

English is the most common first official language spoken in Thompson.

Christian is the predominant religion in Thompson.

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.