Cobourg, Ontario — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Cobourg census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 20,519
- +5.6% since 2016
- Density
- 915.7
- people per km²
- Land area
- 22.41
- km²
- Median age
- 54.8
- years
- Median household income
- $77,000
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 12.4%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Cobourg. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 22.41 km2. The town has a population density of 915.70 people per km2.
We highlight the Cobourg town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Cobourg on the Map
- Points of interest (44)
- Places to visit (8)
- Green spaces (19)
Cobourg location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Cobourg has a population of around 20,519 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Cobourg has increased by ▲ 5.55%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 19,440 | 20,519 | +5.55% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.09% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Cobourg's population is projected to reach approximately 21,658 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 966.44 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 20,519 | 21,658 | 966.44 |
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.
Cobourg Population Trend & Context
Cobourg is the 83rd-largest town in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 20,519 — an increase of 1,079 (▲ 5.55%) people from the 19,440 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 54.8 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Cobourg compare to other Ontario towns?
- 81st Essex 21,216
- 82nd Huntsville 21,147
- 83rd Cobourg This town 20,519
- 84th South Frontenac 20,188
- 85th Port Colborne 20,033
Population By Genders
The male population of Cobourg is around 9,510 while the female population is around 11,010.
Of the 20,519 total population in Cobourg, the largest gender is female with around 11,010 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 9,510 | 11,010 | +13.62% |
Is Cobourg a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Cobourg 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.
Cobourg Population Compared to Ontario
Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how Cobourg compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Cobourg | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $77,000 | $91,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 12.4% | 12.2% |
| Median age | 54.8 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.7% | 33.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 12.9% | 30.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Cobourg has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 70 to 74 years old, accounting for 8.80% of the total population. The town median age is 54.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 to 74 years | 780 8.20% | 1,025 9.30% | 23.90% | 1,810 8.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 780 8.20% | 950 8.60% | 17.89% | 1,735 8.50% |
| 60 to 64 years | 760 8.00% | 925 8.40% | 17.84% | 1,685 8.20% |
| 55 to 59 years | 670 7.00% | 840 7.60% | 20.24% | 1,505 7.30% |
| 75 to 79 years | 565 5.90% | 730 6.60% | 22.60% | 1,295 6.30% |
| 85 years and over | 440 4.60% | 700 6.40% | 37.14% | 1,140 5.60% |
| 35 to 39 years | 505 5.30% | 580 5.30% | 12.93% | 1,085 5.30% |
| 50 to 54 years | 500 5.30% | 550 5.00% | 9.09% | 1,055 5.10% |
| 30 to 34 years | 485 5.10% | 525 4.80% | 7.62% | 1,015 4.90% |
| 80 to 84 years | 400 4.20% | 610 5.50% | 34.43% | 1,010 4.90% |
| 45 to 49 years | 480 5.00% | 505 4.60% | 4.95% | 990 4.80% |
| 15 to 19 years | 500 5.30% | 465 4.20% | 7.00% | 965 4.70% |
| 40 to 44 years | 445 4.70% | 520 4.70% | 14.42% | 960 4.70% |
| 10 to 14 years | 480 5.00% | 455 4.10% | 5.21% | 930 4.50% |
| 25 to 29 years | 430 4.50% | 470 4.30% | 8.51% | 900 4.40% |
| 5 to 9 years | 450 4.70% | 395 3.60% | 12.22% | 845 4.10% |
| 20 to 24 years | 460 4.80% | 380 3.50% | 17.39% | 840 4.10% |
| 0 to 4 years | 385 4.00% | 375 3.40% | 2.60% | 765 3.70% |
| 85 to 89 years | 290 3.00% | 395 3.60% | 26.58% | 690 3.40% |
| 90 to 94 years | 115 1.20% | 210 1.90% | 45.24% | 320 1.60% |
| 95 to 99 years | 40 0.40% | 80 0.70% | 50.00% | 125 0.60% |
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 53.60% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 34.00% and 12.40%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Cobourg are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 55.00% | 52.40% | 53.60% |
| 65 years and over | 31.20% | 36.50% | 34.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 13.80% | 11.10% | 12.40% |
Explore Cobourg Through Videos
Population of Cobourg by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Cobourg is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Cobourg 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 Cobourg are English, which accounts for 33.19% of the total population, followed by Scottish (27.48%), Irish (26.29%), Canadian (16.76%), and German (8.59%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Cobourg include French, British Isles, Dutch, Italian, and Polish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 32.40% | 33.87% | 33.19% |
| Scottish | 27.96% | 27.09% | 27.48% |
| Irish | 25.31% | 27.04% | 26.29% |
| Canadian | 16.60% | 16.94% | 16.76% |
| German | 8.11% | 9.01% | 8.59% |
| French | 6.87% | 8.87% | 7.94% |
| British Isles | 7.52% | 6.59% | 7.03% |
| Dutch | 5.57% | 4.55% | 5.01% |
| Italian | 3.73% | 3.27% | 3.49% |
| Polish | 3.19% | 2.75% | 2.96% |
Indigenous Identity in Cobourg
About 2.65% of Cobourg's population (525 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 97.35% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 150 people (0.80% 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 Cobourg's population profile.
About 12.9% of Cobourg's population are immigrants (2,550 people).
The top countries of origin for Cobourg's immigrant population are United Kingdom (1,030), United States of America (145), Germany (135), Netherlands (125), Philippines (115).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 1,030 |
| United States of America | 145 |
| Germany | 135 |
| Netherlands | 125 |
| Philippines | 115 |
97.5% of Cobourg's residents (19,295 people) are Canadian citizens, and 2.5% are not.
By generation status, 14.2% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 16.7% are second generation, and 69.1% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 5,255 of Cobourg's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 20.25% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 16.15% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.25%, 4.80%, and 2.55%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 3,700 | 20.25% |
| 1 person | 2,955 | 16.15% |
| 3 persons | 1,140 | 6.25% |
| 4 persons | 875 | 4.80% |
| 5 or more persons | 465 | 2.55% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 9,135 occupied private dwellings in Cobourg, 68.7% are owner-occupied (6,275) and 31.3% are rented (2,860). The median value of owned dwellings is $600,000 (average $616,500).
Period of Construction
28.0% of Cobourg's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 5.2% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Cobourg
Of census families in Cobourg, 82.2% are couple families and 17.8% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
32.4% of households in Cobourg are one-person households, 50.4% are couple-family households, 9.4% are one-parent-family households, and 2.0% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 2,955 | 32.4% |
| Couple-family households | 4,605 | 50.4% |
| One-parent-family households | 860 | 9.4% |
| Multigenerational households | 185 | 2.0% |
Income in Cobourg
Analyzing income distribution in Cobourg can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Cobourg is $40,800.
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 town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Cobourg population or around 2,130 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 1,780 and 1,750 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Cobourg's median household income is $77,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Cobourg's median household income is 7,000 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 Cobourg
This data sheds light on the distribution of Cobourg 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.
61.80% or most of the Cobourg population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 29.50% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 8.70% 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 | 2,450 | 3,215 | 5,660 | 61.80% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 1,345 | 1,355 | 2,705 | 29.50% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 460 | 335 | 795 | 8.70% |
Below national average 23.1% of Cobourg's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Cobourg
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Cobourg. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Cobourg is at 12.43% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 44.53% |
| Unemployment rate | 12.43% |
Working as an Employee
Employment Industry Sectors
Labour Market Snapshot
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.
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Cobourg 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 Cobourg residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Cobourg 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.
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Cobourg 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 Cobourg'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 Cobourg. About 19,750 people living in the town speak English, 265 people speak French, 40 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 10 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 19,750 |
| French | 265 |
| Neither English nor French | 40 |
| English and French | 10 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 7.3% of Cobourg's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 92.4% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 18,545 | 92.4% |
| French only | 5 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 1,470 | 7.3% |
| Neither English nor French | 45 | 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 | 91.2% | 97.0% |
| Non-official languages | 6.2% | 1.9% |
| French | 1.5% | 0.2% |
Religion
Cobourg is predominantly Christian. About 10,940 of its population is Christian (4,825 males and 6,120 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.4% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Hindu, both represent 0.3% and 0.3% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.1% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 55.3% |
| Islam | 0.4% |
| Buddhist | 0.3% |
| Hindu | 0.3% |
| Jewish | 0.1% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Cobourg
Hospitals
Schools
- St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School
- Merwin Greer School
- Burnham Public School
- Terry Fox Public School
- St. Michael Catholic Elementary School
- C.R. Gummow Public School
- Cobourg Collegiate Institute
- St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
- Northumberland Centre for Individual Studies
- Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School
- William Academy
Parks
- Victoria Park
- Peter Delanty Park
- Donegan Park
- Sinclair Park
- Peace Park
- Buttersfield Park
- Jubilee Park
- Westwood Park
- New Amherst Parkette
- Milestone Park
- James J. Tracey Park
- Fitzhugh Park
- Tut Gutteridge Park
- Pine Tree Park
- Chris Garrett Park
- Rotary Waterfront Park
- Lion’s Park
- James Cockburn Park
- New Amherst Park
- Burnham Manor Park
- Morley Cane Park
- Lucas Point Park
- Ashland and Ivey Park
- Coronation Park
- Lookout Point Park
- Westpark Village Park
- Optimist Park
- Bennett Ave Park
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Cobourg
Museums
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Cobourg
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria Park | Parks | 10.6 ha |
| Peter Delanty Park | Parks | 2.7 ha |
| Donegan Park | Parks | 6.8 ha |
| Sinclair Park | Parks | 3.2 ha |
| Peace Park | Parks | 1.8 ha |
| Buttersfield Park | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Jubilee Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Westwood Park | Parks | 3.0 ha |
| New Amherst Parkette | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Milestone Park | Parks | 1.4 ha |
| James J. Tracey Park | Parks | 1.9 ha |
| Fitzhugh Park | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Tut Gutteridge Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Pine Tree Park | Parks | 2.6 ha |
| Chris Garrett Park | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Rotary Waterfront Park | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Lion’s Park | Parks | 7.4 ha |
| James Cockburn Park | Parks | 3.3 ha |
| New Amherst Park | Parks | 0.7 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Cobourg
- Alnwick/Haldimand 18.1 km away · 7,473 people
- Cramahe 26.7 km away · 6,509 people
- Otonabee-South Monaghan 31.8 km away · 7,087 people
- Cavan Monaghan 35.2 km away · 10,016 people
- Asphodel-Norwood 43.8 km away · 4,658 people
- Selwyn 54.3 km away · 18,653 people
- Douro-Dummer 54.8 km away · 7,632 people
- Scugog 61.5 km away · 21,581 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 Cobourg
What is the population of Cobourg?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Cobourg has a population of 20,519 people, making it the 83rd town in Ontario. The population increased significantly from 19,440 in 2016, an increase of 1,079 people or 5.55%. The town has a population density of 915.7 people per km² across a land area of 22.41 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Cobourg growing?
Cobourg's population grew by 5.55% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 19,440 to 20,519 people, a gain of 1,079 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Ontario towns during this period. The median age of 54.80 years suggests an aging population. 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 Cobourg?
Cobourg has a population density of approximately 915.70 people per square kilometre.
How large is Cobourg?
Cobourg covers a land area of approximately 22.41 km².
What is the median age in Cobourg?
The median age of the population in Cobourg is 54.80 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Cobourg?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Cobourg is English.
What is the median household income in Cobourg?
The median household income in Cobourg is $77,000, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Cobourg?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Cobourg.
What is the main religion in Cobourg?
Christian is the predominant religion in Cobourg.
What percentage of Cobourg's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 2.7% of Cobourg's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Cobourg residents are Canadian citizens?
97.5% of Cobourg's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Cobourg are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 17.8% of census families in Cobourg, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Cobourg?
Multigenerational households make up 2.0% of all households in Cobourg, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Cobourg's population is bilingual in English and French?
7.3% of Cobourg's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Cobourg 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.