About Brantford
Brantford, known as the Telephone City, quietly resides within the flourishing province of Ontario, Canada. It bears historical richness intertwined with a diverse population and a thriving economy.
As the city unveils its many layers, one can witness a blend of heritage, cultural vigor, and industrial advancements. Brantford is not just another city on the map; it is a reservoir of vibrant energies and evolving societal dynamics.
One of the remarkable aspects of Brantford is its commitment to sustaining a balanced economy. It has developed a robust economic structure that welcomes various industries and businesses, ensuring a stable and prosperous environment for its inhabitants. The diverse economic activities in the city manifest in sectors like manufacturing, education, and healthcare, contributing to a stable and dynamic economic ecosystem.
The populace of Brantford is a mix of individuals from different backgrounds, creating a melting pot of cultures, thoughts, and traditions. The city warmly embraces everyone, cultivating a sense of belonging and community among its residents. The city’s cultural and community programs reflect a dedication to celebrating diversity, fostering unity and mutual respect among its varied population.
Brantford is renowned for its educational institutions, which play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s future. They serve as the backbone of the community, fostering learning, innovation, and development. These institutions are not merely centers of learning but are also significant contributors to the local economy, providing opportunities and driving progress.
The city’s urban landscape is interlaced with parks and recreational spaces, offering residents and visitors a breath of fresh air and a retreat from urban life. The public spaces in Brantford act as communal grounds where people can gather, interact, and engage in recreational activities, enhancing the overall quality of life in the city.
The infrastructure of the city is another testament to its progressiveness. Brantford has ensured the implementation of well-structured and efficient civic amenities, rendering it a convenient and pleasant place to reside. The city’s commitment to maintaining high-quality infrastructure is evident in its well-paved roads, organized public transit system, and other public facilities.
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Brantford has a population of around 104,688 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Brantford has increased by 6.21%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 98,563 | 104,688 | +6.21% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.21% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Brantford's population is projected to reach approximately 111,194 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 1,127.16 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 104,688 | 111,194 | 1,127.16 |
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 Brantford is around 51,205 while the female population is around 53,480.
Of the 104,688 total population in Brantford, the largest gender is female with around 53,480 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 51,205 | 53,480 | +4.25% |
Is Brantford a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Brantford 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.
Other Cities Near Brantford
- Brant (14.2 km)
- Cambridge (24.7 km)
- Hamilton (34.1 km)
- Kitchener (39.2 km)
- Woodstock (40.0 km)
- Haldimand County (40.9 km)
- Norfolk County (41.2 km)
- Waterloo (41.7 km)
- Burlington (43.0 km)
- Guelph (45.1 km)
- Stratford (63.5 km)
- Mississauga (70.6 km)
- Brampton (73.0 km)
- London (82.0 km)
- St. Catharines (82.7 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Brantford has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 6.90% of the total population. The city median age is 40.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 3,535 6.90% | 3,675 6.90% | 3.81% | 7,205 6.90% |
| 25 to 29 years | 3,575 7.00% | 3,550 6.60% | 0.70% | 7,125 6.80% |
| 30 to 34 years | 3,500 6.80% | 3,625 6.80% | 3.45% | 7,120 6.80% |
| 60 to 64 years | 3,345 6.50% | 3,685 6.90% | 9.23% | 7,030 6.70% |
| 35 to 39 years | 3,420 6.70% | 3,565 6.70% | 4.07% | 6,985 6.70% |
| 40 to 44 years | 3,285 6.40% | 3,385 6.30% | 2.95% | 6,670 6.40% |
| 45 to 49 years | 3,095 6.00% | 3,250 6.10% | 4.77% | 6,345 6.10% |
| 50 to 54 years | 3,125 6.10% | 3,195 6.00% | 2.19% | 6,325 6.00% |
| 10 to 14 years | 3,240 6.30% | 3,070 5.70% | 5.25% | 6,305 6.00% |
| 20 to 24 years | 3,230 6.30% | 2,960 5.50% | 8.36% | 6,195 5.90% |
| 65 to 69 years | 2,870 5.60% | 3,315 6.20% | 13.42% | 6,185 5.90% |
| 5 to 9 years | 3,045 5.90% | 2,955 5.50% | 2.96% | 6,000 5.70% |
| 15 to 19 years | 3,065 6.00% | 2,865 5.40% | 6.53% | 5,930 5.70% |
| 0 to 4 years | 3,000 5.90% | 2,660 5.00% | 11.33% | 5,660 5.40% |
| 70 to 74 years | 2,395 4.70% | 2,765 5.20% | 13.38% | 5,155 4.90% |
| 75 to 79 years | 1,565 3.10% | 1,900 3.60% | 17.63% | 3,465 3.30% |
| 85 years and over | 905 1.80% | 1,740 3.30% | 47.99% | 2,650 2.50% |
| 80 to 84 years | 1,020 2.00% | 1,315 2.50% | 22.43% | 2,335 2.20% |
| 85 to 89 years | 585 1.10% | 950 1.80% | 38.42% | 1,530 1.50% |
| 90 to 94 years | 260 0.50% | 565 1.10% | 53.98% | 825 0.80% |
| 95 to 99 years | 50 0.10% | 205 0.40% | 75.61% | 260 0.20% |
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 63.90% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 18.90% and 17.20%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Brantford are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average age of the population | 40.10% | 42.60% | 41.40% |
| Median age of the population | 39.20% | 42.00% | 40.80% |
| 65 years and over | 17.10% | 20.60% | 18.90% |
| 0 to 14 years | 18.10% | 16.20% | 17.20% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Brantford
Explore Brantford Through Videos
Population of Brantford by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Brantford is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Brantford 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 26.52% of the total population, followed by Scottish (19.85%), Irish (17.45%), Canadian (16.94%), and German (10.50%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include French, Italian, Dutch, Polish, and British Isles.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 25.93% | 27.09% | 26.52% |
| Scottish | 19.71% | 20.01% | 19.85% |
| Irish | 16.68% | 18.18% | 17.45% |
| Canadian | 17.26% | 16.64% | 16.94% |
| German | 10.32% | 10.68% | 10.50% |
| French | 6.53% | 6.69% | 6.60% |
| Italian | 6.12% | 6.24% | 6.18% |
| Dutch | 6.21% | 6.04% | 6.12% |
| Polish | 5.11% | 5.27% | 5.19% |
| British Isles | 4.77% | 4.78% | 4.77% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Brantford's population profile.
About 15.6% of Brantford's population are immigrants (16,095 people).
The top countries of origin for Brantford's immigrant population are India (2,485), United Kingdom (2,085), Poland (1,015), Philippines (890), Jamaica (680).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| India | 2,485 |
| United Kingdom | 2,085 |
| Poland | 1,015 |
| Philippines | 890 |
| Jamaica | 680 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 25,235 of Brantford's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 16.60% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 14.00% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 8.10%, 6.85%, and 4.50%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 13,850 | 16.60% |
| 1 person | 11,660 | 14.00% |
| 3 persons | 6,740 | 8.10% |
| 4 persons | 5,690 | 6.85% |
| 5 or more persons | 3,740 | 4.50% |
Income in Brantford
Analyzing income distribution in Brantford can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Brantford is $39,200.
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 city's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Brantford population or around 12,880 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $50,000 to $79,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 12,480 and 11,745 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Brantford's median household income is $79,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Brantford's median household income is 4,500 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 Brantford
This data sheds light on the distribution of Brantford 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.
52.80% or most of the Brantford population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 31.40% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 18.05% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 15.80% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 32,875 | 39,605 | 72,470 | 52.80% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 22,895 | 21,205 | 44,090 | 31.40% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10,395 | 14,305 | 24,705 | 18.05% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 12,315 | 10,880 | 23,195 | 15.80% |
Below national average 18.1% of Brantford's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Brantford
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Brantford. 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 7.62% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 53.77% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.62% |
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 Brantford's population (around 76.10%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 3,395 men and 2,115 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 5,510.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 3,395 | 2,115 | 5,510 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Brantford industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Brantford is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Brantford has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (18%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 12%, followed by Retail trade at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 6,625 | 2,635 | 18% |
| Health care and social assistance | 830 | 5,580 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 2,830 | 3,175 | 12% |
| Construction | 3,435 | 420 | 7% |
| Educational services | 1,005 | 2,575 | 7% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 2,565 | 925 | 7% |
| Accommodation and food services | 1,135 | 1,930 | 6% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 1,380 | 1,165 | 5% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 1,345 | 1,100 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 1,090 | 1,070 | 4% |
| Wholesale trade | 1,285 | 695 | 4% |
| Public administration | 970 | 805 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 465 | 910 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 395 | 465 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 395 | 385 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 365 | 190 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 240 | 225 | 1% |
| Utilities | 190 | 80 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 60 | 15 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 15 | 50 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Brantford residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Brantford: -33 Manufacturing (18%), Health care and social assistance (12%), -45 Retail trade (12%)
Top occupation categories in Brantford: Sales and service occupations (25%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (20%), Business, finance and administration occupations (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 | 16,955 | 15,685 | 32,635 | 71.20% |
| Worked at home | 3,130 | 4,370 | 7,495 | 16.40% |
| No fixed workplace address | 4,130 | 1,435 | 5,565 | 12.10% |
| Worked outside Canada | 100 | 25 | 130 | 0.30% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Brantford 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 Brantford residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Brantford 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 | 41.40% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 27.00% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 16.50% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 7.80% |
| 60 minutes and over | 7.30% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Brantfordshed 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 Brantford'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 Brantford. About 101,595 people living in the province speak English, 980 people speak French, 960 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 205 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 101,595 |
| French | 980 |
| Neither English nor French | 960 |
| English and French | 205 |
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 | 84.0% | 90.9% |
| Non-official languages | 12.7% | 6.6% |
| French | 1.0% | 0.2% |
Religion
Brantford is predominantly Christian. About 53,420 of its population is Christian (24,795 males and 24,795 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Sikh with 2.6% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Muslim and Hindu, both represent 2.0% and 1.7% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.5% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 51.8% |
| Sikh | 2.6% |
| Islam | 2.0% |
| Hindu | 1.7% |
| Buddhist | 0.5% |
| Jewish | 0.1% |
Points of Interest in Brantford
Schools
- James Hillier Public School
- Holy Cross School
- King George School
- Brier Park Public School
- Resurrection School
- Cedarland Public School
- Central Public School
- Russell Reid Public School
- Princess Elizabeth Public School
Universities
Parks
- Brant Park
- Cedarland Park
- Brant War Memorial Park
- Briar Park
- Bell Telephone Memorial park
- Cockshutt Park
- Tom Thumb Park
- Brant Park Conservation Area
- Edith Monture Park
- Cameron Heights Park
- Steven Brown Sports Complex
- Parson's Park
- Regent Park
- Forestwood Park
- Carolina Park
- Wood Street Park
- Grandwoodlands Park
- Spring Gardens Park
- Shallow Creek Park
- Waterworks Park
- Tutela Park
- Cityview Park
- Alexandra Park
- Victoria Square Park
- Greenwood Park
- Dufferin Park
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Brantford
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
- Square Silo
- Joseph Brant Memorial
- Old Lorne Bridge
- Bell Telephone Memorial
- The Founding of Brantford
- Her Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks
Theatres
Green Spaces in Brantford
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Brant Park | Parks | — |
| Cedarland Park | Parks | 5.8 ha |
| Brant War Memorial Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Briar Park | Parks | 8.1 ha |
| Bell Telephone Memorial park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Cockshutt Park | Parks | 11.1 ha |
| Tom Thumb Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Brant Park Conservation Area | Parks | 172.8 ha |
| Edith Monture Park | Parks | 4.8 ha |
| Cameron Heights Park | Parks | 2.4 ha |
| Steven Brown Sports Complex | Parks | 18.4 ha |
| Parson's Park | Parks | 2.4 ha |
| Regent Park | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Forestwood Park | Parks | 3.0 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Brantford
According to the 2021 census, Brantford has a population of approximately 104,688 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Brantford increased by 6.21%.
Brantford has a population density of approximately 1,061.20 people per square kilometre.
Brantford covers a land area of approximately 98.65 km².
The median age of the population in Brantford is 40.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Brantford is English.
The median household income in Brantford is $79,500, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Brantford.
Christian is the predominant religion in Brantford.
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.