Cobalt, Ontario — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Cobalt census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 989
- −12.3% since 2016
- Density
- 478.5
- people per km²
- Land area
- 2.07
- km²
- Median age
- 48.0
- years
- Median household income
- $56,000
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 12.8%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Cobalt. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 2.07 km2. The town has a population density of 478.50 people per km2.
We highlight the Cobalt town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Cobalt on the Map
- Points of interest (2)
- Places to visit (12)
- Green spaces (1)
Cobalt location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Cobalt has a population of around 989 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Cobalt has decreased by ▼ -12.32%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,128 | 989 | --12.32% |
2026 Population Projection
Cobalt's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 989 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Cobalt Population Trend & Context
Cobalt is the 284th-largest town in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 989 — a decline of 139 (▼ 12.32%) people from the 1,128 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Ontario towns. The town's median age of 48 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Cobalt compare to other Ontario towns?
- 282nd Assiginack 1,008
- 283rd Chippewas of Rama First Nation 998
- 284th Cobalt This town 989
- 285th Papineau-Cameron 982
- 286th The Archipelago 979
Population By Genders
The male population of Cobalt is around 500 while the female population is around 490.
Of the 989 total population in Cobalt, the largest gender is male with around 500 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | 490 | -2.00% |
Is Cobalt a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Cobalt 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.
Cobalt Population Compared to Ontario
Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how Cobalt compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Cobalt | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $56,000 | $91,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 12.8% | 12.2% |
| Median age | 48 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 5.1% | 33.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 1.5% | 30.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Cobalt has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 10.10% of the total population. The town median age is 48.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 50 10.00% | 50 10.20% | 0.00% | 100 10.10% |
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 64.10% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 21.20% and 14.60%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Cobalt are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 63.00% | 65.30% | 64.10% |
| 65 years and over | 20.00% | 21.40% | 21.20% |
| 0 to 14 years | 17.00% | 13.30% | 14.60% |
Explore Cobalt Through Videos
Population of Cobalt by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Cobalt is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Cobalt 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 Cobalt are English, which accounts for 34.01% of the total population, followed by Scottish (24.37%), French (21.32%), Canadian (19.80%), and Irish (19.80%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Cobalt include French Canadian, German, Caucasian (White), First Nations (North American Indian), and Ojibway.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 34.62% | 33.70% | 34.01% |
| Scottish | 24.04% | 26.09% | 24.37% |
| French | 22.12% | 20.65% | 21.32% |
| Canadian | 18.27% | 20.65% | 19.80% |
| Irish | 20.19% | 19.57% | 19.80% |
| French Canadian | 6.73% | 7.61% | 7.11% |
| German | 8.65% | 3.26% | 6.60% |
| Caucasian (White) | 3.85% | 4.35% | 4.06% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 2.88% | 5.43% | 4.06% |
| Ojibway | 2.88% | 4.35% | 3.55% |
Indigenous Identity in Cobalt
About 5.08% of Cobalt's population (50 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 94.92% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 15 people (1.50% 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 Cobalt's population profile.
About 1.5% of Cobalt's population are immigrants (15 people).
The top countries of origin for Cobalt's immigrant population are Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0), Haiti (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
| Guyana | 0 |
| Haiti | 0 |
99.5% of Cobalt's residents (980 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.0% are not.
By generation status, 2.5% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 5.1% are second generation, and 91.9% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 340 of Cobalt'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 16.50% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.15%, 5.50%, and 1.65%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 170 | 18.70% |
| 1 person | 150 | 16.50% |
| 3 persons | 65 | 7.15% |
| 4 persons | 50 | 5.50% |
| 5 or more persons | 15 | 1.65% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 455 occupied private dwellings in Cobalt, 67.0% are owner-occupied (305) and 31.9% are rented (145). The median value of owned dwellings is $131,000 (average $136,000).
Period of Construction
57.1% of Cobalt's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 0.0% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Cobalt
Of census families in Cobalt, 77.6% are couple families and 22.4% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
34.1% of households in Cobalt are one-person households, 42.9% are couple-family households, 13.2% are one-parent-family households, and 2.2% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 155 | 34.1% |
| Couple-family households | 195 | 42.9% |
| One-parent-family households | 60 | 13.2% |
| Multigenerational households | 10 | 2.2% |
Income in Cobalt
Analyzing income distribution in Cobalt can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Cobalt is $31,000.
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 town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Cobalt population or around 120 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 120 and 80 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Cobalt's median household income is $56,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Cobalt's median household income is 28,000 dollars below 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 Cobalt
This data sheds light on the distribution of Cobalt 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.
50.00% or most of the Cobalt population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 30.40% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 20.60% 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 | 105 | 150 | 255 | 50.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 100 | 50 | 155 | 30.40% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 65 | 35 | 105 | 20.60% |
Below national average 4.9% of Cobalt's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Cobalt
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Cobalt. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Cobalt is at 12.94% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 43.53% |
| Unemployment rate | 12.94% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Cobalt, 20.6% worked full year full time in the reference year, 31.2% worked part year and/or part time, and 48.2% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 175 | 20.6% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 265 | 31.2% |
| Did not work | 410 | 48.2% |
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 Cobalt's population (around 76.70%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 10 men and 0 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 10.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 10 | 0 | 10 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Cobalt industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Cobalt is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Cobalt has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (17%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 13%, followed by Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 0 | 65 | 17% |
| Retail trade | 10 | 50 | 13% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 45 | 0 | 11% |
| Construction | 40 | 0 | 9% |
| Educational services | 10 | 25 | 9% |
| Manufacturing | 35 | 0 | 8% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 25 | 10 | 8% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 10 | 4% |
| Accommodation and food services | 10 | 0 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 0 | 0 | 2% |
| Public administration | 0 | 0 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Cobalt residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Cobalt: Health care and social assistance (17%), Retail trade (13%), Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (11%)
Top occupation categories in Cobalt: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (34%), Sales and service occupations (17%), 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 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 | 120 | 155 | 275 | 74.30% |
| No fixed workplace address | 50 | 25 | 75 | 20.30% |
| Worked at home | 0 | 15 | 25 | 6.80% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Cobalt 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 Cobalt residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Cobalt 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 |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 45.70% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 27.10% |
| 60 minutes and over | 12.90% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 8.60% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 4.30% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Cobalt 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 Cobalt'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 Cobalt. About 865 people living in the town speak English, 115 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 865 |
| French | 115 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 21.8% of Cobalt's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 77.7% know English only, 0.5% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 765 | 77.7% |
| French only | 5 | 0.5% |
| English and French | 215 | 21.8% |
| Neither English nor French | 0 | 0.0% |
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 | 84.8% | 93.9% |
| French | 12.7% | 5.1% |
| Non-official languages | 0.5% | 0.0% |
Religion
Cobalt is predominantly Christian. About 530 of its population is Christian (240 males and 285 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Buddhist with 0.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Jewish, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 54.1% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Cobalt
Schools
Parks
Places to Visit in Cobalt
Museums
Historic Sites
- Cobalt Mining District
- Heritage Silver Trail Site 3 McKinley Darragh Mill Site
- Heritage Silver Trail Site 1 - Townsite Headframe, The Glory Hole
- Heritage Silver Trail - Site 7 Nipissing Hill Lookout
- Heritage Silver Trail Site 9 - Right-of-Way Mine Site
- Heritage Silver Trail Site 11 - Larose Blacksmith Shop
- Heritage Silver Trail - Site 8
- Heritage Silver Trail Site 14 - Pan Silver Headframe
- Heritage Silver Trail - Site 15 - Northern Customs Concentrator
- Heritage Silver Trail - Site 16 - Colonial Mine Site
Theatres
Green Spaces in Cobalt
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Major Holland V.C Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Cobalt
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 Cobalt
What is the population of Cobalt?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Cobalt has a population of 989 people, making it the 284th town in Ontario. The population declined significantly from 1,128 in 2016, a decrease of 139 people or 12.32%. The town has a population density of 478.5 people per km² across a land area of 2.07 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Cobalt growing?
Cobalt's population declined by 12.32% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 1,128 to 989 people, a loss of 139 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Ontario towns during this period. The median age of 48.00 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (33.0%) may indicate young adults leaving for larger centres. 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 Cobalt?
Cobalt has a population density of approximately 478.50 people per square kilometre.
How large is Cobalt?
Cobalt covers a land area of approximately 2.07 km².
What is the median age in Cobalt?
The median age of the population in Cobalt is 48.00 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Cobalt?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Cobalt is English.
What is the median household income in Cobalt?
The median household income in Cobalt is $56,000, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Cobalt?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Cobalt.
What is the main religion in Cobalt?
Christian is the predominant religion in Cobalt.
What percentage of Cobalt's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 5.1% of Cobalt's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Cobalt residents are Canadian citizens?
99.5% of Cobalt's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Cobalt are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 22.4% of census families in Cobalt, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Cobalt?
Multigenerational households make up 2.2% of all households in Cobalt, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Cobalt's population is bilingual in English and French?
21.8% of Cobalt's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Cobalt's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Cobalt, 20.6% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Cobalt 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.