Carleton Place, Ontario — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Carleton Place census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 12,517
- +17.6% since 2016
- Density
- 1,259.4
- people per km²
- Land area
- 9.94
- km²
- Median age
- 41.6
- years
- Median household income
- $89,000
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 7.8%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Carleton Place. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 9.94 km2. The town has a population density of 1259.40 people per km2.
We highlight the Carleton Place town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Carleton Place on the Map
- Points of interest (24)
- Places to visit (6)
- Green spaces (11)
Carleton Place location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Carleton Place has a population of around 12,517 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Carleton Place has increased by ▲ 17.60%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 10,644 | 12,517 | +17.60% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.29% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Carleton Place's population is projected to reach approximately 14,720 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 1,480.89 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 12,517 | 14,720 | 1,480.89 |
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.
Carleton Place Population Trend & Context
Carleton Place is the 112th-largest town in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 12,517 — an increase of 1,873 (▲ 17.60%) people from the 10,644 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Ontario towns. The town's median age of 41.6 years closely mirrors the national median of 41.9, suggesting a demographic profile in line with the Canadian average.
How does Carleton Place compare to other Ontario towns?
- 110th Perth East 12,595
- 111th Brock 12,567
- 112th Carleton Place This town 12,517
- 113th Wellington North 12,431
- 114th Erin 11,981
Population By Genders
The male population of Carleton Place is around 5,950 while the female population is around 6,570.
Of the 12,517 total population in Carleton Place, the largest gender is female with around 6,570 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 5,950 | 6,570 | +9.44% |
Is Carleton Place a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Carleton Place 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.
Carleton Place Population Compared to Ontario
Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how Carleton Place compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Carleton Place | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $89,000 | $91,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.8% | 12.2% |
| Median age | 41.6 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 33.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 7.9% | 30.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Carleton Place has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 30 to 34 years old, accounting for 7.40% of the total population. The town median age is 41.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 to 34 years | 445 7.50% | 490 7.50% | 9.18% | 930 7.40% |
| 35 to 39 years | 450 7.60% | 475 7.20% | 5.26% | 925 7.40% |
| 60 to 64 years | 385 6.50% | 470 7.20% | 18.09% | 855 6.80% |
| 55 to 59 years | 405 6.80% | 445 6.80% | 8.99% | 850 6.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 370 6.20% | 455 6.90% | 18.68% | 825 6.60% |
| 40 to 44 years | 375 6.30% | 405 6.20% | 7.41% | 780 6.20% |
| 25 to 29 years | 395 6.60% | 375 5.70% | 5.06% | 770 6.20% |
| 5 to 9 years | 365 6.10% | 400 6.10% | 8.75% | 765 6.10% |
| 10 to 14 years | 385 6.50% | 370 5.60% | 3.90% | 755 6.00% |
| 45 to 49 years | 365 6.10% | 390 5.90% | 6.41% | 755 6.00% |
| 0 to 4 years | 375 6.30% | 350 5.30% | 6.67% | 725 5.80% |
| 50 to 54 years | 305 5.10% | 375 5.70% | 18.67% | 675 5.40% |
| 70 to 74 years | 310 5.20% | 365 5.60% | 15.07% | 670 5.40% |
| 15 to 19 years | 310 5.20% | 310 4.70% | 0.00% | 620 5.00% |
| 20 to 24 years | 270 4.50% | 255 3.90% | 5.56% | 530 4.20% |
| 75 to 79 years | 205 3.40% | 235 3.60% | 12.77% | 435 3.50% |
| 85 years and over | 120 2.00% | 235 3.60% | 48.94% | 355 2.80% |
| 80 to 84 years | 120 2.00% | 170 2.60% | 29.41% | 285 2.30% |
| 85 to 89 years | 85 1.40% | 115 1.80% | 26.09% | 195 1.60% |
| 90 to 94 years | 35 0.60% | 85 1.30% | 58.82% | 120 1.00% |
Broader Age Groups
If the town'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 61.50% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 20.60% and 17.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Carleton Place are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 62.20% | 60.90% | 61.50% |
| 65 years and over | 18.90% | 22.10% | 20.60% |
| 0 to 14 years | 18.90% | 17.00% | 17.90% |
Explore Carleton Place Through Videos
Population of Carleton Place by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Carleton Place is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Carleton Place is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the town appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Carleton Place are Irish, which accounts for 32.48% of the total population, followed by Scottish (28.93%), English (27.47%), Canadian (18.05%), and French (17.07%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Carleton Place include German, British Isles, Dutch, Italian, and French Canadian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | 31.63% | 33.26% | 32.48% |
| Scottish | 27.88% | 29.90% | 28.93% |
| English | 26.94% | 28.02% | 27.47% |
| Canadian | 17.31% | 18.74% | 18.05% |
| French | 18.07% | 16.08% | 17.07% |
| German | 12.96% | 11.16% | 12.06% |
| British Isles | 5.54% | 5.70% | 5.58% |
| Dutch | 4.26% | 4.53% | 4.40% |
| Italian | 3.84% | 2.97% | 3.34% |
| French Canadian | 3.41% | 2.81% | 3.14% |
Indigenous Identity in Carleton Place
About 4.65% of Carleton Place's population (570 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 95.35% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 130 people (1.10% 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 Carleton Place's population profile.
About 7.9% of Carleton Place's population are immigrants (965 people).
The top countries of origin for Carleton Place's immigrant population are United Kingdom (270), India (70), United States of America (65), Poland (50), Germany (40).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 270 |
| India | 70 |
| United States of America | 65 |
| Poland | 50 |
| Germany | 40 |
97.9% of Carleton Place's residents (12,010 people) are Canadian citizens, and 2.2% are not.
By generation status, 8.9% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 15.1% are second generation, and 76.1% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 2,775 of Carleton Place's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.50% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 13.80% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.70%, 6.95%, and 2.95%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 1,930 | 18.50% |
| 1 person | 1,440 | 13.80% |
| 3 persons | 800 | 7.70% |
| 4 persons | 725 | 6.95% |
| 5 or more persons | 305 | 2.95% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 5,210 occupied private dwellings in Carleton Place, 70.2% are owner-occupied (3,655) and 29.9% are rented (1,560). The median value of owned dwellings is $472,000 (average $500,400).
Period of Construction
25.0% of Carleton Place's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 17.1% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Carleton Place
Of census families in Carleton Place, 81.7% are couple families and 18.3% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.8 people.
27.6% of households in Carleton Place are one-person households, 53.8% are couple-family households, 10.5% are one-parent-family households, and 1.7% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 1,440 | 27.6% |
| Couple-family households | 2,805 | 53.8% |
| One-parent-family households | 545 | 10.5% |
| Multigenerational households | 90 | 1.7% |
Income in Carleton Place
Analyzing income distribution in Carleton Place can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Carleton Place is $47,200.
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 town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Carleton Place population or around 1,680 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 1,390 and 1,265 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Carleton Place's median household income is $89,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Carleton Place'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 town'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 town's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Carleton Place
This data sheds light on the distribution of Carleton Place 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.
63.80% or most of the Carleton Place population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 29.40% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 6.80% 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 | 1,825 | 2,325 | 4,155 | 63.80% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 1,050 | 860 | 1,915 | 29.40% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 245 | 195 | 440 | 6.80% |
Below national average 24.2% of Carleton Place's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Carleton Place
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Carleton Place. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Carleton Place is at 7.80% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 59.52% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.80% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Carleton Place, 38.6% worked full year full time in the reference year, 26.2% worked part year and/or part time, and 35.2% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 3,870 | 38.6% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 2,625 | 26.2% |
| Did not work | 3,535 | 35.2% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the town who work as an employee. The majority of Carleton Place's population (around 77.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 365 men and 320 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 685.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 365 | 320 | 685 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Carleton Place industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Carleton Place is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Carleton Place has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (13%) works in the public administration sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 13%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 13%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public administration | 440 | 425 | 13% |
| Retail trade | 420 | 450 | 13% |
| Health care and social assistance | 150 | 700 | 13% |
| Construction | 555 | 65 | 10% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 300 | 245 | 8% |
| Manufacturing | 255 | 150 | 6% |
| Educational services | 120 | 255 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 175 | 195 | 6% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 140 | 155 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 110 | 155 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 145 | 40 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 95 | 60 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 50 | 100 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 75 | 75 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 70 | 50 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 55 | 30 | 1% |
| Utilities | 30 | 0 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 20 | 0 | 0% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 0 | 10 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 10 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Carleton Place residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Carleton Place: Public administration (13%), Retail trade (13%), Health care and social assistance (13%)
Top occupation categories in Carleton Place: Sales and service occupations (25%), Business, finance and administration occupations (19%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (15%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the town. 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 | 1,735 | 1,800 | 3,540 | 59.30% |
| Worked at home | 720 | 970 | 1,690 | 28.30% |
| No fixed workplace address | 585 | 145 | 735 | 12.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 10 | 10 | 0.20% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Carleton Place 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 Carleton Place residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Carleton Place spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the town's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the town.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 35.70% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 26.70% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 24.40% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 9.50% |
| 60 minutes and over | 3.70% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Carleton Place 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 town's social fabric. We can gain insights into Carleton Place's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights town'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 Carleton Place. About 11,685 people living in the town speak English, 610 people speak French, 60 people speak English and French language, and 15 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 11,685 |
| French | 610 |
| English and French | 60 |
| Neither English nor French | 15 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 18.4% of Carleton Place's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 81.3% know English only, 0.2% know French only, and 0.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 10,055 | 81.3% |
| French only | 20 | 0.2% |
| English and French | 2,280 | 18.4% |
| Neither English nor French | 20 | 0.2% |
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 | 87.9% | 95.6% |
| French | 5.1% | 1.5% |
| Non-official languages | 5.1% | 1.9% |
Religion
Carleton Place is predominantly Christian. About 7,275 of its population is Christian (3,365 males and 3,915 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.8% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Buddhist, both represent 0.6% and 0.2% of the population, while Sikh represent 0.2% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 59.3% |
| Islam | 0.8% |
| Hindu | 0.6% |
| Buddhist | 0.2% |
| Sikh | 0.2% |
| Jewish | 0.1% |
Points of Interest in Carleton Place
Hospitals
Schools
- TR Leger School - Carleton Place
- Arklan Community Public School
- St. Gregory Catholic School
- École élémentaire catholique J.-L.-Couroux
- Notre Dame Catholic High School
- Caldwell Street Public School
- Carleton Place High Scool
- St. Mary's Catholic School
Parks
- McNeely Park
- Riverside Park
- Ferrill Park
- Giles Park
- Willoughby Park
- Westview Park
- Carleton Junction Park
- St. James Park
- Carleton Place Community Labyrinth
- Hackberry Park
- Sinclair Square
- Hurdis Park
- Roy Brown Park
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Carleton Place
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Carleton Place
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| McNeely Park | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Riverside Park | Parks | 4.7 ha |
| Ferrill Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Giles Park | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Willoughby Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Westview Park | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Carleton Junction Park | Parks | 1.7 ha |
| St. James Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Carleton Place Community Labyrinth | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Hackberry Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Sinclair Square | Parks | 0.1 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Carleton Place
- Beckwith 7.7 km away · 9,021 people
- Mississippi Mills 16.7 km away · 14,740 people
- Drummond/North Elmsley 21.0 km away · 8,183 people
- Montague 23.4 km away · 3,914 people
- Lanark Highlands 27.2 km away · 5,737 people
- Smiths Falls 28.3 km away · 9,254 people
- Arnprior 36.4 km away · 9,629 people
- Tay Valley 38.7 km away · 5,925 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 Carleton Place
What is the population of Carleton Place?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Carleton Place has a population of 12,517 people, making it the 112th town in Ontario. The population increased significantly from 10,644 in 2016, an increase of 1,873 people or 17.60%. The town has a population density of 1,259.4 people per km² across a land area of 9.94 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Carleton Place growing?
Carleton Place's population grew by 17.60% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 10,644 to 12,517 people, a gain of 1,873 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Ontario towns during this period. The median age of 41.60 years suggests a mature, established community. 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 Carleton Place?
Carleton Place has a population density of approximately 1,259.40 people per square kilometre.
How large is Carleton Place?
Carleton Place covers a land area of approximately 9.94 km².
What is the median age in Carleton Place?
The median age of the population in Carleton Place is 41.60 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Carleton Place?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Carleton Place is Irish.
What is the median household income in Carleton Place?
The median household income in Carleton Place is $89,000, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Carleton Place?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Carleton Place.
What is the main religion in Carleton Place?
Christian is the predominant religion in Carleton Place.
What percentage of Carleton Place's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 4.6% of Carleton Place's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Carleton Place residents are Canadian citizens?
97.9% of Carleton Place's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Carleton Place are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 18.3% of census families in Carleton Place, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Carleton Place?
Multigenerational households make up 1.7% of all households in Carleton Place, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Carleton Place's population is bilingual in English and French?
18.4% of Carleton Place's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Carleton Place's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Carleton Place, 38.6% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Carleton Place 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.