About Cambridge
Cambridge, once merely a blip on the map of Southern Ontario, has progressively emerged as a significant urban center. With an increasing population, the city is making a mark not only as a cultural hub but also as a stronghold of economic development in the region.
When one talks about the birth and growth of Cambridge, it’s essential to delve into the history. Formed in 1973 by the amalgamation of Galt, Preston, Hespeler, and Blair, Cambridge carries a rich tapestry of histories and cultures. Over the decades, these once-separate entities have unified, rendering a cohesive identity to Cambridge, while still holding on to their distinct heritages.
An essential aspect of any city’s prominence is its economy. Cambridge boasts a diversified economic landscape. From manufacturing and tech industries to retail and tourism, the city exhibits resilience and adaptability. Local businesses, both long-standing and new, find an encouraging environment here, fostering innovation and growth. Moreover, the city’s strategic location, lying roughly halfway between Toronto and London, Ontario, provides it with a competitive edge. It’s well-connected by highways, making transportation and logistics smoother for businesses operating in the area.
Education plays a pivotal role in Cambridge’s story. Home to a multitude of schools, colleges, and research institutions, the city draws students and professionals from all over. Knowledge exchange and innovation are central to its ethos, enhancing the overall quality of life and offering a myriad of opportunities for its residents.
While the hustle and bustle of economic activities characterize its weekdays, Cambridge doesn’t fall short on leisure. The Grand and Speed rivers that intertwine with the city’s landscape offer scenic beauty and recreational activities. Parks, trails, and green spaces dot the urban setting, providing residents with places to relax and rejuvenate.
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Cambridge has a population of around 138,479 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Cambridge has increased by 6.59%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 129,920 | 138,479 | +6.59% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.28% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Cambridge's population is projected to reach approximately 147,602 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 1,306.33 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 138,479 | 147,602 | 1,306.33 |
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 Cambridge is around 68,615 while the female population is around 69,860.
Of the 138,479 total population in Cambridge, the largest gender is female with around 69,860 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 68,615 | 69,860 | +1.78% |
Is Cambridge a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Cambridge 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 Cambridge
- Kitchener (17.8 km)
- Waterloo (20.6 km)
- Guelph (21.3 km)
- Brantford (24.7 km)
- Brant (30.3 km)
- Hamilton (37.4 km)
- Burlington (41.9 km)
- Woodstock (44.1 km)
- Stratford (54.1 km)
- Brampton (57.4 km)
- Mississauga (59.6 km)
- Haldimand County (60.1 km)
- Norfolk County (63.6 km)
- Vaughan (79.6 km)
- Toronto (81.7 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Cambridge has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 30 to 34 years old, accounting for 7.20% of the total population. The city median age is 39.20.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 to 34 years | 4,915 7.20% | 5,050 7.20% | 2.67% | 9,965 7.20% |
| 55 to 59 years | 4,935 7.20% | 4,970 7.10% | 0.70% | 9,905 7.20% |
| 35 to 39 years | 4,880 7.10% | 4,800 6.90% | 1.64% | 9,680 7.00% |
| 25 to 29 years | 5,065 7.40% | 4,555 6.50% | 10.07% | 9,620 6.90% |
| 45 to 49 years | 4,560 6.60% | 4,720 6.80% | 3.39% | 9,280 6.70% |
| 50 to 54 years | 4,545 6.60% | 4,650 6.70% | 2.26% | 9,195 6.60% |
| 40 to 44 years | 4,370 6.40% | 4,600 6.60% | 5.00% | 8,965 6.50% |
| 10 to 14 years | 4,460 6.50% | 4,200 6.00% | 5.83% | 8,665 6.30% |
| 60 to 64 years | 4,150 6.00% | 4,320 6.20% | 3.94% | 8,470 6.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 4,335 6.30% | 4,125 5.90% | 4.84% | 8,455 6.10% |
| 20 to 24 years | 4,420 6.40% | 3,900 5.60% | 11.76% | 8,325 6.00% |
| 5 to 9 years | 4,245 6.20% | 3,990 5.70% | 6.01% | 8,240 6.00% |
| 0 to 4 years | 3,870 5.60% | 3,695 5.30% | 4.52% | 7,575 5.50% |
| 65 to 69 years | 3,315 4.80% | 3,665 5.20% | 9.55% | 6,980 5.00% |
| 70 to 74 years | 2,685 3.90% | 3,100 4.40% | 13.39% | 5,790 4.20% |
| 75 to 79 years | 1,770 2.60% | 2,145 3.10% | 17.48% | 3,910 2.80% |
| 85 years and over | 935 1.40% | 1,915 2.70% | 51.17% | 2,855 2.10% |
| 80 to 84 years | 1,165 1.70% | 1,460 2.10% | 20.21% | 2,630 1.90% |
| 85 to 89 years | 655 1.00% | 1,075 1.50% | 39.07% | 1,735 1.30% |
| 90 to 94 years | 225 0.30% | 600 0.90% | 62.50% | 830 0.60% |
| 95 to 99 years | 55 0.10% | 210 0.30% | 73.81% | 265 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 66.30% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 17.70% and 16.00%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Cambridge are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average age of the population | 38.90% | 41.10% | 40.00% |
| Median age of the population | 38.00% | 40.80% | 39.20% |
| 0 to 14 years | 18.30% | 17.00% | 17.70% |
| 65 years and over | 14.40% | 17.60% | 16.00% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Cambridge
Explore Cambridge Through Videos
Population of Cambridge by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Cambridge is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Cambridge 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 21.55% of the total population, followed by Scottish (16.93%), Irish (16.64%), Canadian (15.47%), and German (11.19%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Portuguese, French, Indian (India), Italian, and Dutch.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 21.62% | 21.48% | 21.55% |
| Scottish | 16.32% | 17.53% | 16.93% |
| Irish | 15.79% | 17.48% | 16.64% |
| Canadian | 15.75% | 15.19% | 15.47% |
| German | 10.91% | 11.47% | 11.19% |
| Portuguese | 7.95% | 8.00% | 7.97% |
| French | 6.27% | 6.67% | 6.47% |
| Indian (India) | 6.37% | 5.62% | 5.99% |
| Italian | 4.18% | 4.38% | 4.28% |
| Dutch | 3.85% | 4.17% | 4.01% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Cambridge's population profile.
About 23.2% of Cambridge's population are immigrants (31,830 people).
The top countries of origin for Cambridge's immigrant population are India (5,200), Portugal (4,020), United Kingdom (3,620), Pakistan (2,490), Philippines (1,240).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| India | 5,200 |
| Portugal | 4,020 |
| United Kingdom | 3,620 |
| Pakistan | 2,490 |
| Philippines | 1,240 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 29,110 of Cambridge's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 15.90% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 11.60% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 8.65%, 8.40%, and 5.50%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 16,295 | 15.90% |
| 1 person | 11,870 | 11.60% |
| 3 persons | 8,860 | 8.65% |
| 4 persons | 8,605 | 8.40% |
| 5 or more persons | 5,630 | 5.50% |
Income in Cambridge
Analyzing income distribution in Cambridge can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Cambridge is $42,000.
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 Cambridge population or around 18,195 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 16,350 and 15,575 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Cambridge's median household income is $93,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Cambridge's median household income is 9,000 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 Cambridge
This data sheds light on the distribution of Cambridge 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.
55.10% or most of the Cambridge population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 30.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 22.35% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 14.90% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 49,015 | 52,380 | 101,405 | 55.10% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 29,035 | 27,640 | 56,675 | 30.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18,600 | 22,480 | 41,080 | 22.35% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 14,780 | 14,660 | 29,440 | 14.90% |
Below national average 22.4% of Cambridge's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Cambridge
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Cambridge. 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 7.59% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 58.45% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.59% |
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 Cambridge's population (around 76.10%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 4,910 men and 3,100 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 8,005.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 4,910 | 3,100 | 8,005 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Cambridge industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Cambridge is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Cambridge has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (19%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 12%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 9,665 | 4,160 | 19% |
| Retail trade | 4,015 | 4,550 | 12% |
| Health care and social assistance | 1,050 | 6,390 | 10% |
| Construction | 4,730 | 905 | 8% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 2,660 | 2,325 | 7% |
| Educational services | 1,330 | 3,275 | 6% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 3,405 | 1,200 | 6% |
| Wholesale trade | 2,315 | 1,300 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 1,405 | 2,195 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 1,695 | 1,360 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 1,070 | 1,765 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 1,345 | 1,380 | 4% |
| Public administration | 1,300 | 1,190 | 3% |
| Information and cultural industries | 730 | 545 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 520 | 575 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 490 | 450 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 340 | 260 | 1% |
| Utilities | 285 | 60 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 55 | 115 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 90 | 40 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Cambridge residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Cambridge: -33 Manufacturing (19%), -45 Retail trade (12%), Health care and social assistance (10%)
Top occupation categories in Cambridge: Sales and service occupations (24%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (20%), Business, finance and administration occupations (16%)
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.
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Cambridge 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 Cambridge residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Cambridge 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.
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Cambridgeshed 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 Cambridge'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 Cambridge. About 133,105 people living in the province speak English, 2,430 people speak Neither English nor French, 1,520 people speak French language, and 425 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 133,105 |
| Neither English nor French | 2,430 |
| French | 1,520 |
| English and French | 425 |
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 | 74.6% | 84.5% |
| Non-official languages | 20.7% | 11.4% |
| French | 1.1% | 0.3% |
Religion
Cambridge is predominantly Christian. About 74,845 of its population is Christian (35,095 males and 35,095 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 6.8% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Sikh and Hindu, both represent 2.9% and 2.9% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.7% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 54.6% |
| Islam | 6.8% |
| Sikh | 2.9% |
| Hindu | 2.9% |
| Buddhist | 0.7% |
| Jewish | 0.2% |
Points of Interest in Cambridge
Schools
- Victus Academy
- Jacob Hespeler Secondary School
- Centennial (Cambridge) Public School
- Silverheights Public School
- St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School
- Christ The King Catholic Elementary School
- Elgin Street Public School
- Saginaw Public School
- St. John Paul II Catholic Elementary School
- St. Margaret Catholic Elementary School
Parks
- Parkette
- Puslinch Lake (PCA) community picnic tables & firepit
- Galt Central Park
- Lion's Can-Amera Park
- Weaver Park
- Woodland Park
- Forbes Park
- Riverbluffs Park
- Victoria Park
- Hillcrest Park
- Arlington Park
- Riverside Park
- Willard Park
- Hancock Park
- Heise Park
- St. Andrews Park
- Dickson Park
- Queen's Square
- Lincoln Park
- Soper Park
- Bean - Ormston Park
- Victoria Park
- A. Wayne Taylor Park
- Central Park
- Witmer Park
- Dalton Court
- Decaro Park
- Domm Park
- Greenway Park
- Deer Ridge Park
- Tremaine Park
- Churchill Park
Libraries
- Cambridge Public Library - Clemens Mill
- Cambridge Public Library - Queen's Square
- Cambridge Public Library - Hespeler
- Cambridge Public Library - Preston
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Cambridge
Museums
Historic Sites
- Site of the Samuel Bechtel Meetinghouse and Burial Ground
- Galt Cenotaph
- Cenotaph
- Robert Kerr Memorial Stone
- Nell Donaldson Memorial Plaque
- Saint Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church
- University of Waterloo School of Architecture
- Galt Town Hall
- Forbes Textile Mill
- Park Hill Road Bridge
- Main Street Bridge
- Gore Tower
- Preston War Memorial
- McDougall Cottage Historic Site
- Mill Creek Bridge
Stadiums
Theatres
Green Spaces in Cambridge
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parkette | Parks | — |
| Puslinch Lake (PCA) community picnic tables & firepit | Parks | — |
| Galt Central Park | Parks | — |
| Lion's Can-Amera Park | Parks | 6.6 ha |
| Weaver Park | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Woodland Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Forbes Park | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Riverbluffs Park | Parks | 1.9 ha |
| Victoria Park | Parks | 15.9 ha |
| Hillcrest Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Arlington Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Riverside Park | Parks | 65.6 ha |
| Willard Park | Parks | 3.5 ha |
| Hancock Park | Parks | 1.9 ha |
| Heise Park | Parks | 2.6 ha |
| St. Andrews Park | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Dickson Park | Parks | 5.5 ha |
| Puslinch Lake Irish Creek Research Area | Nature Reserves | — |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cambridge
According to the 2021 census, Cambridge has a population of approximately 138,479 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Cambridge increased by 6.59%.
Cambridge has a population density of approximately 1,225.50 people per square kilometre.
Cambridge covers a land area of approximately 112.99 km².
The median age of the population in Cambridge is 39.20 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Cambridge is English.
The median household income in Cambridge is $93,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Cambridge.
Christian is the predominant religion in Cambridge.
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.