Cochrane, Ontario — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Cochrane census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 5,390
- +1.3% since 2016
- Density
- 10.0
- people per km²
- Land area
- 538
- km²
- Median age
- 43.6
- years
- Median household income
- $75,500
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 7.9%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Cochrane. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 537.90 km2. The town has a population density of 10.00 people per km2.
We highlight the Cochrane town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Cochrane on the Map
- Points of interest (29)
- Green spaces (25)
Cochrane location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Cochrane has a population of around 5,390 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Cochrane has increased by ▲ 1.30%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 5,321 | 5,390 | +1.30% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.26% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Cochrane's population is projected to reach approximately 5,460 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 10.15 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 5,390 | 5,460 | 10.15 |
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.
Cochrane Population Trend & Context
Cochrane is the 184th-largest town in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 5,390 — an increase of 69 (▲ 1.30%) people from the 5,321 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has grown slightly over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Ontario towns. The town's median age of 43.6 years closely mirrors the national median of 41.9, suggesting a demographic profile in line with the Canadian average.
How does Cochrane compare to other Ontario towns?
- 182nd Lanark Highlands 5,737
- 183rd Lucan Biddulph 5,680
- 184th Cochrane This town 5,390
- 185th Gananoque 5,383
- 186th Seguin 5,280
Population By Genders
The male population of Cochrane is around 2,695 while the female population is around 2,700.
Of the 5,390 total population in Cochrane, the largest gender is female with around 2,700 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 2,695 | 2,700 | +0.19% |
Is Cochrane a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Cochrane 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.
Cochrane Population Compared to Ontario
Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how Cochrane compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Cochrane | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $75,500 | $91,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 12.2% |
| Median age | 43.6 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.2% | 33.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 1.7% | 30.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Cochrane has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 8.00% of the total population. The town median age is 43.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 220 8.20% | 205 7.60% | 6.82% | 430 8.00% |
| 60 to 64 years | 225 8.30% | 190 7.00% | 15.56% | 415 7.70% |
| 5 to 9 years | 180 6.70% | 190 7.00% | 5.26% | 370 6.90% |
| 65 to 69 years | 195 7.20% | 180 6.70% | 7.69% | 370 6.90% |
| 50 to 54 years | 165 6.10% | 170 6.30% | 2.94% | 340 6.30% |
| 15 to 19 years | 165 6.10% | 160 5.90% | 3.03% | 325 6.00% |
| 10 to 14 years | 170 6.30% | 150 5.60% | 11.76% | 320 5.90% |
| 35 to 39 years | 160 5.90% | 160 5.90% | 0.00% | 320 5.90% |
| 45 to 49 years | 170 6.30% | 145 5.40% | 14.71% | 315 5.80% |
| 30 to 34 years | 135 5.00% | 170 6.30% | 20.59% | 310 5.80% |
| 40 to 44 years | 140 5.20% | 160 5.90% | 12.50% | 300 5.60% |
| 70 to 74 years | 135 5.00% | 165 6.10% | 18.18% | 295 5.50% |
| 25 to 29 years | 155 5.80% | 135 5.00% | 12.90% | 290 5.40% |
| 0 to 4 years | 145 5.40% | 130 4.80% | 10.34% | 275 5.10% |
| 20 to 24 years | 145 5.40% | 135 5.00% | 6.90% | 275 5.10% |
| 75 to 79 years | 90 3.30% | 115 4.30% | 21.74% | 205 3.80% |
| 80 to 84 years | 60 2.20% | 70 2.60% | 14.29% | 135 2.50% |
| 85 years and over | 45 1.70% | 65 2.40% | 30.77% | 105 1.90% |
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 Cochrane are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 62.20% | 60.70% | 61.50% |
| 65 years and over | 19.30% | 21.90% | 20.60% |
| 0 to 14 years | 18.20% | 17.40% | 17.90% |
Population of Cochrane by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Cochrane is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Cochrane 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 Cochrane are French, which accounts for 27.40% of the total population, followed by Canadian (24.29%), English (12.15%), Scottish (11.11%), and Irish (9.89%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Cochrane include French Canadian, First Nations (North American Indian), Cree, German, and North American Indigenous.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| French | 27.68% | 27.31% | 27.40% |
| Canadian | 23.92% | 24.67% | 24.29% |
| English | 12.62% | 11.68% | 12.15% |
| Scottish | 10.73% | 11.49% | 11.11% |
| Irish | 10.36% | 9.42% | 9.89% |
| French Canadian | 8.29% | 8.66% | 8.38% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 6.78% | 8.10% | 7.44% |
| Cree | 4.14% | 5.46% | 4.90% |
| German | 5.46% | 3.58% | 4.43% |
| North American Indigenous | 4.52% | 3.95% | 4.33% |
Indigenous Identity in Cochrane
About 23.99% of Cochrane's population (1,275 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 76.01% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 735 people (13.80% 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 Cochrane's population profile.
About 1.7% of Cochrane's population are immigrants (90 people).
The top countries of origin for Cochrane's immigrant population are United States of America (20), United Kingdom (20), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United States of America | 20 |
| United Kingdom | 20 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
99.2% of Cochrane's residents (5,265 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.8% are not.
By generation status, 2.8% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 4.4% are second generation, and 92.7% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,540 of Cochrane's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.55% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 15.55% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.60%, 5.70%, and 3.45%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 860 | 18.55% |
| 1 person | 720 | 15.55% |
| 3 persons | 305 | 6.60% |
| 4 persons | 265 | 5.70% |
| 5 or more persons | 160 | 3.45% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 2,315 occupied private dwellings in Cochrane, 71.3% are owner-occupied (1,650) and 28.7% are rented (665). The median value of owned dwellings is $200,000 (average $217,000).
Period of Construction
30.7% of Cochrane's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 2.4% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Cochrane
Of census families in Cochrane, 81.0% are couple families and 19.0% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.8 people.
31.1% of households in Cochrane are one-person households, 52.3% are couple-family households, 10.2% are one-parent-family households, and 2.2% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 720 | 31.1% |
| Couple-family households | 1,210 | 52.3% |
| One-parent-family households | 235 | 10.2% |
| Multigenerational households | 50 | 2.2% |
Income in Cochrane
Analyzing income distribution in Cochrane can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Cochrane 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 Cochrane population or around 640 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 600 and 520 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Cochrane's median household income is $75,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Cochrane's median household income is 8,500 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 Cochrane
This data sheds light on the distribution of Cochrane 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.
51.30% or most of the Cochrane population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 32.70% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 16.20% 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 | 645 | 720 | 1,365 | 51.30% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 395 | 475 | 870 | 32.70% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 250 | 185 | 430 | 16.20% |
Below national average 13.3% of Cochrane's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Cochrane
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Cochrane. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Cochrane is at 7.96% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 51.84% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.96% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Cochrane, 30.3% worked full year full time in the reference year, 28.2% worked part year and/or part time, and 41.3% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 1,320 | 30.3% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,230 | 28.2% |
| Did not work | 1,800 | 41.3% |
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 Cochrane's population (around 73.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 115 men and 120 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 235.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 115 | 120 | 235 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Cochrane industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Cochrane is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Cochrane has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (15%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 11%, followed by Transportation and warehousing at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 40 | 325 | 15% |
| Retail trade | 120 | 165 | 11% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 165 | 60 | 9% |
| Public administration | 85 | 120 | 8% |
| Manufacturing | 175 | 25 | 8% |
| Construction | 155 | 30 | 8% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 150 | 20 | 7% |
| Educational services | 45 | 100 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 40 | 90 | 6% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 80 | 15 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 35 | 60 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 35 | 55 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 20 | 35 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 25 | 10 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 25 | 0 | 1% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 30 | 1% |
| Utilities | 15 | 0 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 10 | 10 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Cochrane residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Cochrane: Health care and social assistance (15%), Retail trade (11%), Transportation and warehousing (9%)
Top occupation categories in Cochrane: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (24%), Sales and service occupations (22%), Business, finance and administration occupations (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 | 910 | 855 | 1,765 | 78.30% |
| No fixed workplace address | 200 | 75 | 280 | 12.40% |
| Worked at home | 60 | 160 | 210 | 9.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Cochrane 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 Cochrane residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Cochrane 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 | 72.50% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 12.00% |
| 60 minutes and over | 9.60% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 4.20% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 1.50% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Cochrane 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 Cochrane'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 Cochrane. About 3,505 people living in the town speak English, 1,775 people speak French, 55 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 3,505 |
| French | 1,775 |
| English and French | 55 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 49.4% of Cochrane's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 48.3% know English only, 2.2% know French only, and 0.1% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 2,575 | 48.3% |
| French only | 120 | 2.2% |
| English and French | 2,635 | 49.4% |
| Neither English nor French | 5 | 0.1% |
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 | 59.3% | 74.2% |
| French | 32.9% | 21.6% |
| Non-official languages | 2.6% | 0.8% |
Religion
Cochrane is predominantly Christian. About 3,465 of its population is Christian (1,680 males and 1,785 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.6% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Sikh and Hindu, both represent 0.3% and 0.2% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 65.2% |
| Islam | 0.6% |
| Sikh | 0.3% |
| Hindu | 0.2% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Cochrane
Schools
- Netamisakomik Centre for Education
- École secondaire catholique de Hearst
- École catholique Pavillon Notre-Dame
- Golden Avenue Public School
- Roland Michener Secondary School
- Cochrane High School
Parks
- Seaborne Park
- Drury Park
- McPherson Park
- Mini Park
- Dyer's Baseball Park
- Leo DelVillano Park
- Mountjoy Historical Participark
- Chatal Park
- Flinstone Park
- Denise Park
- Longlac Lions Park
- Murdock Slidding Hill
- Circle Street Park
- Riverside Park
Libraries
- Smooth Rock Falls Public Library
- C.M. Shields Centennial Public Library
- C.M. Shields Centennial Seed Library
- Marathon Public Library
- Bibliothèque Municipale de Fauquier-Strickland
- Cochrane Public Library
- Timmins Public Library
- Iroquois Falls Public Library
Community Centres
Green Spaces in Cochrane
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Cochrane
- Moosonee 129.1 km away · 1,512 people
- Val Rita-Harty 131.0 km away · 757 people
- Opasatika 131.7 km away · 200 people
- Kapuskasing 136.1 km away · 8,057 people
- Mattice-Val Cote 136.5 km away · 542 people
- Moonbeam 143.1 km away · 1,157 people
- Hearst 148.2 km away · 4,794 people
- Fauquier-Strickland 152.3 km away · 467 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 Cochrane
What is the population of Cochrane?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Cochrane has a population of 5,390 people, making it the 184th town in Ontario. The population increased moderately from 5,321 in 2016, an increase of 69 people or 1.30%. The town has a population density of 10.0 people per km² across a land area of 537.90 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Cochrane growing?
Cochrane's population grew by 1.30% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 5,321 to 5,390 people, a gain of 69 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other Ontario towns during this period. The median age of 43.60 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 Cochrane?
Cochrane has a population density of approximately 10.00 people per square kilometre.
How large is Cochrane?
Cochrane covers a land area of approximately 537.90 km².
What is the median age in Cochrane?
The median age of the population in Cochrane is 43.60 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Cochrane?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Cochrane is French.
What is the median household income in Cochrane?
The median household income in Cochrane is $75,500, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Cochrane?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Cochrane.
What is the main religion in Cochrane?
Christian is the predominant religion in Cochrane.
What percentage of Cochrane's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 24.0% of Cochrane's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Cochrane residents are Canadian citizens?
99.2% of Cochrane's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Cochrane are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 18.9% of census families in Cochrane, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Cochrane?
Multigenerational households make up 2.2% of all households in Cochrane, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Cochrane's population is bilingual in English and French?
49.4% of Cochrane's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Cochrane's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Cochrane, 30.3% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Cochrane 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.