About Guelph
Guelph, located in Ontario, is a vibrant city known for its friendly communities and dynamic urban energy. A place filled with life and lots of activity, it stands as a witness to Canada’s economic and cultural vitality.
With a diversified economy, Guelph balances traditional manufacturing with a robust service sector, making it a hub for innovation and economic growth. The city is recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability, which harmoniously blends with its economic ambitions, striving for a balance that benefits both its residents and the wider world.
The population of Guelph boasts a mix of ages and backgrounds, contributing to the rich cultural fabric of the city. The residents, known for their community spirit and civic pride, play an integral role in shaping the city’s identity, participating actively in local events and initiatives, fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness. This diversity and camaraderie make Guelph a welcoming place for newcomers, ensuring a harmonious blend of traditions and values.
Educational institutions in Guelph are renowned, providing high-quality learning opportunities and fostering research and development. The presence of these institutions has spurred growth and development in the area, creating a ripple effect that has positively impacted various sectors within the city. Knowledge is shared, innovations are born, and the community as a whole reaps the benefits of a well-educated populace.
Guelph’s architecture is a reflection of its rich history and a symbol of its progressive future. The buildings, each telling a story of a different era, are well-preserved, allowing generations to explore the city’s past and learn about its journey through time. The blend of historic and modern structures creates a unique skyline, representing Guelph’s respect for its heritage and its readiness to embrace the future.
In addition to its urban offerings, Guelph is surrounded by natural beauty. Green spaces are abundant, providing residents and visitors with opportunities to explore and connect with nature. These open spaces are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of recreational activities that promote well-being and quality of life. They are a constant reminder of the city’s commitment to preserving its natural environment.
Guelph’s transport network is efficiently structured, enabling easy mobility within the city. Well-maintained roads and public transit options ensure that residents and visitors can navigate the city with ease, accessing the diverse amenities and services that Guelph has to offer.
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Guelph has a population of around 143,740 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Guelph has increased by 9.06%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 131,794 | 143,740 | +9.06% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.75% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Guelph's population is projected to reach approximately 156,769 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 1,793.08 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 143,740 | 156,769 | 1,793.08 |
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.
Population By Genders
The male population of Guelph is around 70,065 while the female population is around 73,675.
Of the 143,740 total population in Guelph, the largest gender is female with around 73,675 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 70,065 | 73,675 | +4.90% |
Is Guelph a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Guelph 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.
Other Cities Near Guelph
- Cambridge (21.3 km)
- Kitchener (22.3 km)
- Waterloo (23.8 km)
- Brampton (42.4 km)
- Burlington (44.1 km)
- Hamilton (44.3 km)
- Brantford (45.1 km)
- Mississauga (49.0 km)
- Brant (51.6 km)
- Woodstock (61.8 km)
- Stratford (62.3 km)
- Vaughan (64.3 km)
- Toronto (70.7 km)
- Haldimand County (74.7 km)
- Markham (81.0 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Guelph has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 25 to 29 years old, accounting for 7.70% of the total population. The city median age is 38.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 to 29 years | 5,605 8.00% | 5,485 7.40% | 2.14% | 11,095 7.70% |
| 30 to 34 years | 5,470 7.80% | 5,510 7.50% | 0.73% | 10,980 7.60% |
| 20 to 24 years | 5,300 7.60% | 5,230 7.10% | 1.32% | 10,525 7.30% |
| 35 to 39 years | 5,170 7.40% | 5,165 7.00% | 0.10% | 10,335 7.20% |
| 55 to 59 years | 4,660 6.70% | 4,810 6.50% | 3.12% | 9,470 6.60% |
| 40 to 44 years | 4,475 6.40% | 4,735 6.40% | 5.49% | 9,210 6.40% |
| 45 to 49 years | 4,410 6.30% | 4,775 6.50% | 7.64% | 9,190 6.40% |
| 50 to 54 years | 4,445 6.30% | 4,640 6.30% | 4.20% | 9,085 6.30% |
| 15 to 19 years | 4,270 6.10% | 4,145 5.60% | 2.93% | 8,415 5.90% |
| 60 to 64 years | 4,010 5.70% | 4,380 5.90% | 8.45% | 8,390 5.80% |
| 5 to 9 years | 4,205 6.00% | 3,860 5.20% | 8.20% | 8,070 5.60% |
| 10 to 14 years | 4,130 5.90% | 3,880 5.30% | 6.05% | 8,010 5.60% |
| 0 to 4 years | 3,780 5.40% | 3,645 4.90% | 3.57% | 7,425 5.20% |
| 65 to 69 years | 3,220 4.60% | 3,720 5.00% | 13.44% | 6,940 4.80% |
| 70 to 74 years | 2,660 3.80% | 3,265 4.40% | 18.53% | 5,920 4.10% |
| 75 to 79 years | 1,855 2.60% | 2,310 3.10% | 19.70% | 4,165 2.90% |
| 85 years and over | 1,170 1.70% | 2,350 3.20% | 50.21% | 3,520 2.40% |
| 80 to 84 years | 1,220 1.70% | 1,780 2.40% | 31.46% | 3,000 2.10% |
| 85 to 89 years | 745 1.10% | 1,155 1.60% | 35.50% | 1,900 1.30% |
| 90 to 94 years | 345 0.50% | 910 1.20% | 62.09% | 1,255 0.90% |
| 95 to 99 years | 60 0.10% | 260 0.40% | 76.92% | 320 0.20% |
Broader Age Groups
If the city'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 67.30% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 16.40% and 16.40%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Guelph are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average age of the population | 38.80% | 41.40% | 40.10% |
| Median age of the population | 37.20% | 40.00% | 38.40% |
| 0 to 14 years | 17.30% | 15.50% | 16.40% |
| 65 years and over | 14.50% | 18.20% | 16.40% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Guelph
Explore Guelph Through Videos
Population of Guelph by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Guelph is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Guelph is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the province appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Guelph's population profile.
About 23.8% of Guelph's population are immigrants (33,775 people).
The top countries of origin for Guelph's immigrant population are United States of America (1,080), Colombia (325), Jamaica (320), Mexico (290), Trinidad and Tobago (265).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United States of America | 1,080 |
| Colombia | 325 |
| Jamaica | 320 |
| Mexico | 290 |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 265 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 27,445 of Guelph's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 16.35% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 13.45% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.95%, 7.80%, and 4.40%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 18,480 | 16.35% |
| 1 person | 15,210 | 13.45% |
| 3 persons | 8,995 | 7.95% |
| 4 persons | 8,830 | 7.80% |
| 5 or more persons | 4,965 | 4.40% |
Income in Guelph
Analyzing income distribution in Guelph can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Guelph is $44,400.
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 city's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Guelph population or around 18,880 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 16,730 and 15,675 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Guelph's median household income is $93,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Guelph's median household income is 9,000 dollars above the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the city'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 city's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Guelph
Employment in Guelph
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 city. 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 Guelph 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 Guelph residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Guelph spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the city's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the city.
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Guelphshed 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 city's social fabric. We can gain insights into Guelph's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights city'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 Guelph. About 138,495 people living in the province speak English, 2,030 people speak Neither English nor French, 1,565 people speak French language, and 535 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 138,495 |
| Neither English nor French | 2,030 |
| French | 1,565 |
| English and French | 535 |
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 | 74.5% | 84.6% |
| Non-official languages | 20.8% | 11.6% |
| French | 1.1% | 0.3% |
Religion
Points of Interest in Guelph
Schools
- Holy Trinity Catholic School
- St. Michael Catholic School
- Sir Isaac Brock Public School
- Gateway Drive Public School
- Wellington Centre for Continuing Education
- St. Paul Catholic School
Universities
Parks
- Exhibition Park
- Starview Crescent Park
- Sculpture Park
- Conservatory Gardens
- Lee Street Park
- Grange Road Park
- Steffler Park
- Woodland Glen Park
- Franchetto Park
- St. George's Park
- Rickson Park
- Oak Street Park
- Yewholme Park
- Colonial Drive Park
- Clair Park
- Springdale Park
- Deerpath Park
- Centennial Park
- Dovercliffe Park
- Howitt Park
- Joseph Wolfond Park East
- Drew Park
- Margaret Greene Park
- Dunhill Place Park
- Sunny Acres
- Dakota Park
- Waverley Drive Park
- Golfview Park
- Skov Park
- Brant Park
- Ferndale Park
- Pine Ridge Park
- John Gamble Park
Libraries
- Wellington Law Library
- Guelph Public Library - Scottsdale Branch
- Guelph Public Library - West End Branch
- Guelph Public Library - Bullfrog Mall Branch
- Guelph Public Library - Westminister Square Branch
- Guelph Public Library - Main Branch
- McLaughlin Library
Community Centres
- West End Community Centre
- DIYode Workshop
- Guelph Black Heritage Society
- Out on the Shelf
- Italian Canadian Club
Places to Visit in Guelph
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
- McCrae
- Roll of Honour
- The Portico
- Susan Bard
- Marianne Goulden Memorial
- Ghost Bike
- Joseph Wolfond
- Dominion Public Building
- McQuillan's Bridge
- Drill Hall
- Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Church
- Ontario Court of Justice
- Goldie Mill
- Allan's Mill
Stadiums
Theatres
Green Spaces in Guelph
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibition Park | Parks | 12.9 ha |
| Starview Crescent Park | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Sculpture Park | Parks | 1.5 ha |
| Conservatory Gardens | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Lee Street Park | Parks | 1.7 ha |
| Grange Road Park | Parks | 2.0 ha |
| Steffler Park | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Woodland Glen Park | Parks | 2.3 ha |
| Franchetto Park | Parks | 3.5 ha |
| St. George's Park | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Rickson Park | Parks | 2.3 ha |
| Oak Street Park | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Yewholme Park | Parks | 1.4 ha |
| Colonial Drive Park | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Clair Park | Parks | 3.7 ha |
| Springdale Park | Parks | 2.7 ha |
| Deerpath Park | Parks | 3.8 ha |
| Centennial Park | Parks | 16.9 ha |
| Dovercliffe Park | Parks | 3.7 ha |
| Howitt Park | Parks | 2.9 ha |
| Joseph Wolfond Park East | Parks | 1.2 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guelph
According to the 2021 census, Guelph has a population of approximately 143,740 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Guelph increased by 9.06%.
Guelph has a population density of approximately 1,644.10 people per square kilometre.
Guelph covers a land area of approximately 87.43 km².
The median age of the population in Guelph is 38.40 years.
The median household income in Guelph is $93,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Guelph.
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.