About Belleville
In the landscape of Ontario’s sprawling cities and vibrant communities, Belleville quite stands out, not just for its scenic beauty, but also for its steady rise in prominence. Belleville situated in Bay of Quinte, this city has a story that is as dynamic as its population growth over the years.
Historically, Belleville has its roots dating back to the Loyalist era. The city’s foundation, deeply intertwined with the early settlers and their pursuit for a better life, has left an indelible mark on its culture and character. Today, it’s a bustling urban center, home to a number of industries, educational institutions, and cultural attractions.
As of the latest census, the population of Belleville was noted to be on an upward trajectory. The influx of residents from various parts of Canada and beyond is testament to the city’s growing appeal. So, what draws people to Belleville?
For starters, Belleville offers an optimal balance between city life and natural beauty. Its downtown area is vibrant, dotted with shops, eateries, and theaters. Yet, just a short drive away, residents can immerse themselves in nature trails, parks, and waterways. The city also boasts a strong community feel, with numerous events and festivals dotting its annual calendar.
Economically, Belleville has been displaying a steady growth, with diverse sectors contributing to its robustness. From manufacturing to services, the city has lots of businesses, offering a range of employment opportunities for its population. This economic dynamism, coupled with a strategic location close to major highways and transportation hubs, makes Belleville an attractive destination for both businesses and professionals.
Education in the city has been a major catalyst for its growth. With institutions catering to varied academic pursuits and research, Belleville is increasingly becoming a hub for higher learning in eastern Ontario. Moreover, the city’s commitment to innovation is evident in its infrastructure projects and forward-thinking urban planning strategies.
But beyond the numbers, charts, and growth curves, lies the heart of Belleville, its people. Residents of the city exude a warmth and hospitality that’s genuinely endearing. Their pride in Belleville’s heritage, coupled with an optimism for its future, creates an atmosphere of unity and forward momentum.
In essence, Belleville, Ontario, is more than just a location on the map. It’s a testament to the resilience of its past, the dynamism of its present, and the promise of its future.
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Belleville has a population of around 55,071 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Belleville has increased by ▲ 8.59%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 50,716 | 55,071 | +8.59% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.66% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Belleville's population is projected to reach approximately 59,800 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 241.96 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 55,071 | 59,800 | 241.96 |
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.
Belleville Population Trend & Context
Belleville is the 39th-largest city in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 55,071 — an increase of 4,355 (▲ 8.59%) people from the 50,716 recorded in 2016.
The city's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Ontario cities. The city's median age of 45.2 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Belleville compare to other Ontario cities?
- Aurora: 62,057 (2021)
- Welland: 55,750 (2021)
- Belleville: 55,071 (2021) ← 39th largest
- North Bay: 52,662 (2021)
- Whitchurch-Stouffville: 49,864 (2021)
Population By Genders
The male population of Belleville is around 26,630 while the female population is around 28,445.
Of the 55,071 total population in Belleville, the largest gender is female with around 28,445 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 26,630 | 28,445 | +6.38% |
Is Belleville a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Belleville 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.
Belleville Population Compared to Ontario
Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how Belleville compares to the city's key indicators:
| Indicator | Belleville | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $73,000 | $91,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.9% | 12.2% |
| Median age | 45.2 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.0% | 33.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 9.3% | 30.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Belleville has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 7.60% of the total population. The city median age is 45.20.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 2,000 7.50% | 2,215 7.80% | 9.71% | 4,210 7.60% |
| 55 to 59 years | 1,970 7.40% | 2,205 7.80% | 10.66% | 4,175 7.60% |
| 65 to 69 years | 1,725 6.50% | 2,035 7.20% | 15.23% | 3,765 6.80% |
| 25 to 29 years | 1,810 6.80% | 1,740 6.10% | 3.87% | 3,550 6.40% |
| 30 to 34 years | 1,725 6.50% | 1,635 5.70% | 5.22% | 3,355 6.10% |
| 70 to 74 years | 1,490 5.60% | 1,795 6.30% | 16.99% | 3,280 6.00% |
| 40 to 44 years | 1,505 5.70% | 1,685 5.90% | 10.68% | 3,185 5.80% |
| 50 to 54 years | 1,525 5.70% | 1,660 5.80% | 8.13% | 3,185 5.80% |
| 35 to 39 years | 1,600 6.00% | 1,560 5.50% | 2.50% | 3,155 5.70% |
| 20 to 24 years | 1,625 6.10% | 1,490 5.20% | 8.31% | 3,120 5.70% |
| 45 to 49 years | 1,505 5.70% | 1,565 5.50% | 3.83% | 3,070 5.60% |
| 10 to 14 years | 1,495 5.60% | 1,445 5.10% | 3.34% | 2,945 5.30% |
| 15 to 19 years | 1,460 5.50% | 1,350 4.70% | 7.53% | 2,810 5.10% |
| 5 to 9 years | 1,415 5.30% | 1,370 4.80% | 3.18% | 2,790 5.10% |
| 0 to 4 years | 1,315 4.90% | 1,175 4.10% | 10.65% | 2,490 4.50% |
| 75 to 79 years | 1,035 3.90% | 1,315 4.60% | 21.29% | 2,350 4.30% |
| 85 years and over | 695 2.60% | 1,245 4.40% | 44.18% | 1,935 3.50% |
| 80 to 84 years | 735 2.80% | 965 3.40% | 23.83% | 1,695 3.10% |
| 85 to 89 years | 465 1.70% | 680 2.40% | 31.62% | 1,140 2.10% |
| 90 to 94 years | 190 0.70% | 415 1.50% | 54.22% | 605 1.10% |
| 95 to 99 years | 45 0.20% | 125 0.40% | 64.00% | 175 0.30% |
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 61.40% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 23.70% and 14.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Belleville are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age of the population | 42.80% | 47.60% | 45.20% |
| Average age of the population | 42.90% | 45.90% | 44.50% |
| 65 years and over | 21.30% | 25.80% | 23.70% |
| 0 to 14 years | 15.90% | 14.00% | 14.90% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Belleville
Explore Belleville Through Videos
Population of Belleville by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Belleville is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Belleville is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the city appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Belleville are English, which accounts for 30.70% of the total population, followed by Irish (28.17%), Scottish (22.32%), Canadian (17.88%), and French (10.43%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Belleville include German, Dutch, British Isles, Italian, and Caucasian (White).
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 29.47% | 31.86% | 30.70% |
| Irish | 27.69% | 28.63% | 28.17% |
| Scottish | 21.22% | 23.35% | 22.32% |
| Canadian | 18.43% | 17.39% | 17.88% |
| French | 10.52% | 10.32% | 10.43% |
| German | 9.80% | 9.62% | 9.70% |
| Dutch | 5.72% | 6.11% | 5.91% |
| British Isles | 3.98% | 4.28% | 4.14% |
| Italian | 3.60% | 3.54% | 3.57% |
| Caucasian (White) | 2.99% | 2.77% | 2.87% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Belleville's population profile.
About 9.3% of Belleville's population are immigrants (4,990 people).
The top countries of origin for Belleville's immigrant population are United Kingdom (905), India (635), Philippines (375), United States of America (275), Germany (210).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 905 |
| India | 635 |
| Philippines | 375 |
| United States of America | 275 |
| Germany | 210 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 13,980 of Belleville's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.70% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 15.60% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.85%, 5.45%, and 3.45%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 8,805 | 18.70% |
| 1 person | 7,335 | 15.60% |
| 3 persons | 3,220 | 6.85% |
| 4 persons | 2,560 | 5.45% |
| 5 or more persons | 1,615 | 3.45% |
Income in Belleville
Analyzing income distribution in Belleville can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Belleville is $38,800.
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 city's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Belleville population or around 6,470 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 5,950 and 5,485 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Belleville's median household income is $73,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Belleville's median household income is 11,000 dollars below 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 Belleville
This data sheds light on the distribution of Belleville 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.
55.25% or most of the Belleville population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 31.10% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 19.00% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.65% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 17,910 | 21,870 | 39,780 | 55.25% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 11,615 | 11,265 | 22,885 | 31.10% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 5,935 | 7,735 | 13,675 | 19.00% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 5,835 | 4,670 | 10,515 | 13.65% |
Below national average 19.0% of Belleville's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Belleville
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Belleville. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Belleville is at 6.65% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 49.18% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.65% |
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 Belleville's population (around 73.70%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 1,705 men and 1,195 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 2,900.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 1,705 | 1,195 | 2,900 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Belleville industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Belleville is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Belleville has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (15%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 14%, followed by Manufacturing at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 675 | 3,125 | 15% |
| Retail trade | 1,525 | 1,920 | 14% |
| Manufacturing | 2,255 | 875 | 12% |
| Public administration | 1,190 | 655 | 7% |
| Construction | 1,515 | 270 | 7% |
| Educational services | 550 | 1,230 | 7% |
| Accommodation and food services | 655 | 1,085 | 7% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 810 | 680 | 6% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 895 | 285 | 5% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 620 | 495 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 430 | 425 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 415 | 185 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 220 | 280 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 185 | 205 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 200 | 155 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 205 | 120 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 160 | 75 | 1% |
| Utilities | 135 | 40 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 25 | 15 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 30 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Belleville residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Belleville: Health care and social assistance (15%), -45 Retail trade (14%), -33 Manufacturing (12%)
Top occupation categories in Belleville: Sales and service occupations (27%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (16%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (14%)
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.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 8,165 | 8,090 | 16,255 | 72.50% |
| Worked at home | 1,560 | 1,985 | 3,545 | 15.80% |
| No fixed workplace address | 1,830 | 730 | 2,555 | 11.40% |
| Worked outside Canada | 55 | 10 | 70 | 0.30% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Belleville 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 Belleville residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Belleville 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.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 49.40% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 32.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 11.20% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.10% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.10% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Bellevilleshed 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 Belleville's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
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 Belleville. About 53,180 people living in the province speak English, 780 people speak French, 200 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 95 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 53,180 |
| French | 780 |
| Neither English nor French | 200 |
| English and French | 95 |
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 | 89.7% | 94.6% |
| Non-official languages | 7.1% | 3.5% |
| French | 1.5% | 0.5% |
Religion
Belleville is predominantly Christian. About 28,740 of its population is Christian (13,030 males and 13,030 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Hindu with 1.4% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Sikh and Muslim, both represent 1.0% and 0.8% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.3% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 53.4% |
| Hindu | 1.4% |
| Sikh | 1.0% |
| Islam | 0.8% |
| Buddhist | 0.3% |
| Jewish | 0.3% |
Points of Interest in Belleville
Hospitals
Schools
- Eastside Secondary School
- Prince Charles Public School
- Park Dale Public School
- Georges Vanier Catholic School
- Holy Rosary Catholic School
- Susanna Moodie Elementary School
- Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf
- Harry J. Clarke Public School
- Prince of Wales Public School
- Tyendinaga Public School
- Nicholson Catholic College
- St. Michael Catholic School
- St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School
Parks
- Robin Jeffrey Park
- Township Park
- Stanley Parkette
- Churchill Heights Park
- Tom Gavey Alemite Park
- Haig Park
- Kinsmen Park
- Pirate Ship Park
- Centennial Community Park
- Exhibition Park
- Zwick's Island Park
- Nortel Networks Park
- Duff Park
- Memorial Park
- Orchard Parkette
- Cliff Belch Park
- Montrose Park
- West Hill Green Space
- Riverside Park East
- Lions Park
- Victoria Park
- Corby Park
- Parkdale Veterans Park
- Freestone Point
- Cascade Park
- Reynolds Crescent Park
- Jane Forrester Park
- M.A. Sills Park
- George Ellis Athletic Field
- Driscoll Parkette
- Gerald B. Hyde Park
- Settlers Ridge Park
Libraries
Community Centres
- Gerry Masterson Thurlow Community Centre
- Belleville Youth Centre
- Parkdale Park Community Centre
- Foster Ward Community Centre
Places to Visit in Belleville
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
- Tabernacle United Church
- Albert Carman
- Merchant Navy & Korean War Memorial
- WWII Memorial
- Thurlow War Memorial
- WWI Memorial
- Afghanistan Memorial
- Peacekeeping Memorial
- Belleville Cenotaph
- The Lifeline of the World
- Marchmont Distribution Home
- Belleville railway station
- Glanmore National Historic Site
- Billa Flint House
Stadiums
Theatres
Green Spaces in Belleville
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Robin Jeffrey Park | Parks | 1.3 ha |
| Township Park | Parks | 5.9 ha |
| Stanley Parkette | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Churchill Heights Park | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Tom Gavey Alemite Park | Parks | 1.6 ha |
| Haig Park | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Kinsmen Park | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Pirate Ship Park | Parks | 8.4 ha |
| Centennial Community Park | Parks | 3.6 ha |
| Exhibition Park | Parks | 13.0 ha |
| Zwick's Island Park | Parks | 39.9 ha |
| Nortel Networks Park | Parks | 1.2 ha |
| Duff Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Memorial Park | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Orchard Parkette | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Cliff Belch Park | Parks | 4.9 ha |
| Montrose Park | Parks | 3.8 ha |
| West Hill Green Space | Parks | 1.9 ha |
| Riverside Park East | Parks | 2.7 ha |
| Lions Park | Parks | 2.4 ha |
| Victoria Park | Parks | 2.6 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Other Cities in Ontario
- Toronto 2,794,356
- Ottawa 1,017,449
- Mississauga 717,961
- Brampton 656,480
- Hamilton 569,353
- London 422,324
- Markham 338,503
- Vaughan 323,103
- Kitchener 256,885
- Windsor 229,660
- Burlington 186,948
- Oshawa 175,383
- Greater Sudbury / Grand Sudbury 166,004
- Barrie 147,829
- Guelph 143,740
- Cambridge 138,479
- St. Catharines 136,803
- Kingston 132,485
- Waterloo 121,436
- Thunder Bay 108,843
- Brantford 104,688
- Pickering 99,186
- Niagara Falls 94,415
- Peterborough 83,651
- Kawartha Lakes 79,247
- Sault Ste. Marie 72,051
- Sarnia 72,047
- Norfolk County 67,490
- Welland 55,750
- North Bay 52,662
- Haldimand County 49,216
- Cornwall 47,845
- Woodstock 46,705
- Quinte West 46,560
- St. Thomas 42,840
- Timmins 41,145
- Brant 39,474
- Orillia 33,411
- Stratford 33,232
- Clarence-Rockland 26,505
- Prince Edward County 25,704
- Thorold 23,816
- Brockville 22,116
- Owen Sound 21,612
- Port Colborne 20,033
- Kenora 14,967
- Pembroke 14,364
- Elliot Lake 11,372
- Temiskaming Shores 9,634
- Dryden 7,388
Frequently Asked Questions about Belleville
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Belleville has a population of 55,071 people, making it the 39th city in Ontario. The population increased significantly from 50,716 in 2016, an increase of 4,355 people or 8.59%. The city has a population density of 222.8 people per km² across a land area of 247.15 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Belleville's population grew by 8.59% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 50,716 to 55,071 people, a gain of 4,355 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Ontario cities during this period. The median age of 45.20 years suggests an aging population. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Belleville has a population density of approximately 222.80 people per square kilometre.
Belleville covers a land area of approximately 247.15 km².
The median age of the population in Belleville is 45.20 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Belleville is English.
The median household income in Belleville is $73,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Belleville.
Christian is the predominant religion in Belleville.
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.