Goderich, Ontario — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Goderich census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 7,881
- +3.3% since 2016
- Density
- 923.1
- people per km²
- Land area
- 8.54
- km²
- Median age
- 52.8
- years
- Median household income
- $69,500
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 9.3%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Goderich. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 8.54 km2. The town has a population density of 923.10 people per km2.
We highlight the Goderich town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Goderich on the Map
- Points of interest (9)
- Places to visit (7)
- Green spaces (4)
Goderich location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Goderich has a population of around 7,881 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Goderich has increased by ▲ 3.32%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 7,628 | 7,881 | +3.32% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.65% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Goderich's population is projected to reach approximately 8,142 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 953.40 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 7,881 | 8,142 | 953.40 |
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.
Goderich Population Trend & Context
Goderich is the 153rd-largest town in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 7,881 — an increase of 253 (▲ 3.32%) people from the 7,628 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 52.8 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Goderich compare to other Ontario towns?
- 151st Hanover 7,967
- 152nd Puslinch 7,944
- 153rd Goderich This town 7,881
- 154th East Zorra-Tavistock 7,841
- 155th Stone Mills 7,826
Population By Genders
The male population of Goderich is around 3,720 while the female population is around 4,160.
Of the 7,881 total population in Goderich, the largest gender is female with around 4,160 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,720 | 4,160 | +10.58% |
Is Goderich a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Goderich 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.
Goderich Population Compared to Ontario
Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how Goderich compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Goderich | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $69,500 | $91,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.3% | 12.2% |
| Median age | 52.8 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.6% | 33.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 7.5% | 30.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Goderich 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 52.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 to 74 years | 310 8.30% | 380 9.10% | 18.42% | 695 8.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 320 8.60% | 365 8.80% | 12.33% | 685 8.70% |
| 60 to 64 years | 290 7.80% | 365 8.80% | 20.55% | 655 8.30% |
| 55 to 59 years | 250 6.70% | 305 7.30% | 18.03% | 555 7.00% |
| 50 to 54 years | 230 6.20% | 215 5.20% | 6.52% | 445 5.60% |
| 75 to 79 years | 205 5.50% | 230 5.50% | 10.87% | 440 5.60% |
| 35 to 39 years | 190 5.10% | 230 5.50% | 17.39% | 420 5.30% |
| 45 to 49 years | 185 5.00% | 205 4.90% | 9.76% | 395 5.00% |
| 85 years and over | 145 3.90% | 235 5.60% | 38.30% | 385 4.90% |
| 40 to 44 years | 185 5.00% | 200 4.80% | 7.50% | 380 4.80% |
| 30 to 34 years | 180 4.80% | 195 4.70% | 7.69% | 375 4.80% |
| 5 to 9 years | 190 5.10% | 175 4.20% | 7.89% | 370 4.70% |
| 15 to 19 years | 200 5.40% | 165 4.00% | 17.50% | 370 4.70% |
| 25 to 29 years | 185 5.00% | 190 4.60% | 2.63% | 370 4.70% |
| 20 to 24 years | 205 5.50% | 165 4.00% | 19.51% | 365 4.60% |
| 10 to 14 years | 155 4.20% | 185 4.40% | 16.22% | 340 4.30% |
| 80 to 84 years | 145 3.90% | 185 4.40% | 21.62% | 330 4.20% |
| 0 to 4 years | 145 3.90% | 165 4.00% | 12.12% | 310 3.90% |
| 85 to 89 years | 105 2.80% | 120 2.90% | 12.50% | 220 2.80% |
| 90 to 94 years | 30 0.80% | 105 2.50% | 71.43% | 135 1.70% |
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 55.10% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 32.00% and 13.00%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Goderich are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 56.50% | 53.70% | 55.10% |
| 65 years and over | 30.20% | 33.50% | 32.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 13.20% | 12.70% | 13.00% |
Population of Goderich by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Goderich is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Goderich 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 Goderich are English, which accounts for 34.20% of the total population, followed by Scottish (33.22%), Irish (31.73%), German (17.59%), and Canadian (16.16%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Goderich include Dutch, French, British Isles, Welsh, and Polish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 34.39% | 34.00% | 34.20% |
| Scottish | 32.32% | 34.12% | 33.22% |
| Irish | 31.91% | 31.76% | 31.73% |
| German | 16.64% | 18.49% | 17.59% |
| Canadian | 16.09% | 16.38% | 16.16% |
| Dutch | 8.80% | 10.05% | 9.45% |
| French | 9.08% | 9.06% | 9.12% |
| British Isles | 4.26% | 4.34% | 4.43% |
| Welsh | 1.93% | 3.35% | 2.67% |
| Polish | 1.65% | 2.36% | 2.08% |
Indigenous Identity in Goderich
About 1.96% of Goderich's population (150 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 98.04% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 30 people (0.40% 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 Goderich's population profile.
About 7.5% of Goderich's population are immigrants (575 people).
The top countries of origin for Goderich's immigrant population are United Kingdom (205), Netherlands (60), Germany (30), United States of America (25), Egypt (25).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 205 |
| Netherlands | 60 |
| Germany | 30 |
| United States of America | 25 |
| Egypt | 25 |
98.0% of Goderich's residents (7,525 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.9% are not.
By generation status, 8.7% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 11.9% are second generation, and 79.3% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 2,405 of Goderich's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 19.30% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 17.85% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.20%, 4.45%, and 2.20%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 1,415 | 19.30% |
| 1 person | 1,310 | 17.85% |
| 3 persons | 455 | 6.20% |
| 4 persons | 325 | 4.45% |
| 5 or more persons | 160 | 2.20% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 3,670 occupied private dwellings in Goderich, 65.1% are owner-occupied (2,390) and 34.6% are rented (1,270). The median value of owned dwellings is $424,000 (average $468,000).
Period of Construction
45.2% of Goderich's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 2.9% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Goderich
Of census families in Goderich, 81.7% are couple families and 18.3% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
35.7% of households in Goderich are one-person households, 48.8% are couple-family households, 9.9% are one-parent-family households, and 1.1% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 1,310 | 35.7% |
| Couple-family households | 1,790 | 48.8% |
| One-parent-family households | 365 | 9.9% |
| Multigenerational households | 40 | 1.1% |
Income in Goderich
Analyzing income distribution in Goderich can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Goderich is $39,200.
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 Goderich population or around 890 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 790 and 695 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Goderich's median household income is $69,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Goderich's median household income is 14,500 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 Goderich
This data sheds light on the distribution of Goderich 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.
57.90% or most of the Goderich population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 32.90% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 9.40% 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 | 900 | 1,200 | 2,100 | 57.90% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 570 | 620 | 1,195 | 32.90% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 180 | 160 | 340 | 9.40% |
Below national average 21.1% of Goderich's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Goderich
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Goderich. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Goderich is at 9.31% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 47.59% |
| Unemployment rate | 9.31% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Goderich, 27.7% worked full year full time in the reference year, 26.5% worked part year and/or part time, and 45.7% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 1,845 | 27.7% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,765 | 26.5% |
| Did not work | 3,040 | 45.7% |
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 Goderich's population (around 75.40%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 265 men and 135 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 405.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 265 | 135 | 405 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Goderich industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Goderich is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Goderich has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (16%) works in the retail trade sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 15%, followed by Accommodation and food services at 8%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | 250 | 315 | 16% |
| Health care and social assistance | 105 | 425 | 15% |
| Accommodation and food services | 130 | 150 | 8% |
| Construction | 240 | 15 | 7% |
| Educational services | 90 | 165 | 7% |
| Public administration | 85 | 105 | 5% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 155 | 0 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 90 | 75 | 5% |
| Manufacturing | 125 | 30 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 100 | 45 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 85 | 50 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 85 | 35 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 30 | 85 | 3% |
| Utilities | 75 | 25 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 70 | 15 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 25 | 15 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 20 | 15 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 25 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 25 | 10 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Goderich residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Goderich: Retail trade (16%), Health care and social assistance (15%), Accommodation and food services (8%)
Top occupation categories in Goderich: Sales and service occupations (29%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (18%), 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 | 1,305 | 1,165 | 2,475 | 78.20% |
| Worked at home | 170 | 250 | 420 | 13.30% |
| No fixed workplace address | 205 | 60 | 265 | 8.40% |
| Worked outside Canada | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0.30% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Goderich 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 Goderich residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Goderich 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 | 65.90% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 17.20% |
| 60 minutes and over | 5.80% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 5.70% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 5.30% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Goderich 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 Goderich'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 Goderich. About 7,735 people living in the town speak English, 45 people speak French, 10 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 5 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 7,735 |
| French | 45 |
| Neither English nor French | 10 |
| English and French | 5 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 4.2% of Goderich's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 95.6% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.1% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 7,450 | 95.6% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 330 | 4.2% |
| Neither English nor French | 10 | 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 | 94.4% | 98.2% |
| Non-official languages | 4.2% | 1.1% |
| French | 0.6% | 0.1% |
Religion
Goderich is predominantly Christian. About 4,555 of its population is Christian (1,955 males and 2,600 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.8% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Sikh and Hindu, both represent 0.3% and 0.1% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.1% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 59.4% |
| Islam | 0.8% |
| Sikh | 0.3% |
| Hindu | 0.1% |
| Jewish | 0.1% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Goderich
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
Libraries
Places to Visit in Goderich
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
Theatres
Green Spaces in Goderich
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Judith Gooderham Park | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Lions Harbour Park | Parks | 1.9 ha |
| Courthouse Park | Parks | 1.6 ha |
| Christopher's Beach | Parks | 0.4 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Goderich
- Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh 15.7 km away · 5,884 people
- North Huron 24.6 km away · 5,052 people
- Huron-Kinloss 35.0 km away · 7,723 people
- St. Joseph 36.7 km away · 1,426 people
- Howick 54.2 km away · 4,045 people
- Perth 62.4 km away · 6,469 people
- Lucan Biddulph 64.7 km away · 5,680 people
- Perth East 65.5 km away · 12,595 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 Goderich
What is the population of Goderich?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Goderich has a population of 7,881 people, making it the 153rd town in Ontario. The population increased moderately from 7,628 in 2016, an increase of 253 people or 3.32%. The town has a population density of 923.1 people per km² across a land area of 8.54 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Goderich growing?
Goderich's population grew by 3.32% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 7,628 to 7,881 people, a gain of 253 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other Ontario towns during this period. The median age of 52.80 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (35.7%) 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 Goderich?
Goderich has a population density of approximately 923.10 people per square kilometre.
How large is Goderich?
Goderich covers a land area of approximately 8.54 km².
What is the median age in Goderich?
The median age of the population in Goderich is 52.80 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Goderich?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Goderich is English.
What is the median household income in Goderich?
The median household income in Goderich is $69,500, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Goderich?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Goderich.
What is the main religion in Goderich?
Christian is the predominant religion in Goderich.
What percentage of Goderich's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 2.0% of Goderich's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Goderich residents are Canadian citizens?
98.0% of Goderich's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Goderich are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 18.3% of census families in Goderich, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Goderich?
Multigenerational households make up 1.1% of all households in Goderich, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Goderich's population is bilingual in English and French?
4.2% of Goderich's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Goderich's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Goderich, 27.7% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Goderich 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.