About Hamilton
Hamilton, one of the prominent cities in Canada, boasts a dynamic landscape both in terms of its physical geography and the character of its population. Located in the province of Ontario, the city offers an intriguing blend of urban and natural spaces.
The population of Hamilton is an amalgamation of cultures, with people from all walks of life calling it home. While the city is diverse in its populace, it maintains a sense of community and unity. The people here are known for their warm hospitality, openness to innovation, and an unyielding spirit of resilience.
A significant aspect that fuels the vibrancy of Hamilton is its economy. Traditionally, the city was known for its steel industry, earning it the title of “Steel City”. Over the decades, however, Hamilton has witnessed an economic transformation. While the steel industry continues to play a pivotal role, other sectors have burgeoned, diversifying the city’s economic portfolio. Education, healthcare, technology, and arts are just a few of the sectors that have seen substantial growth.
Hamilton’s urban core offers a blend of historical architecture and modern developments. The city’s downtown is buzzing with activity – from art galleries and museums to chic cafes and unique boutiques. Yet, it doesn’t take long for one to find themselves amidst nature. The city’s location along the Niagara Escarpment offers outdoor enthusiasts an array of activities to engage in, from hiking and cycling to bird watching.
Hamilton’s strategic location makes it a hub for trade and transportation. Its proximity to the U.S. border, major highways, and ports bolsters its position as a vital city in the economic fabric of Canada.
To say that Hamilton is just another city in Ontario would be an understatement. It’s a city that epitomizes growth, diversity, and innovation. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, the pulse of Hamilton’s streets, the warmth of its communities, and the opportunities it presents ensure that there’s always something new to discover.
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Hamilton has a population of around 569,353 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Hamilton has increased by 6.04%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 536,917 | 569,353 | +6.04% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.18% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Hamilton's population is projected to reach approximately 603,749 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 539.88 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 569,353 | 603,749 | 539.88 |
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 Hamilton is around 279,640 while the female population is around 289,715.
Of the 569,353 total population in Hamilton, the largest gender is female with around 289,715 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 279,640 | 289,715 | +3.48% |
Is Hamilton a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Hamilton 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 Hamilton
- Burlington (9.8 km)
- Brantford (34.1 km)
- Haldimand County (34.7 km)
- Cambridge (37.4 km)
- Mississauga (41.3 km)
- Guelph (44.3 km)
- Brant (48.3 km)
- Brampton (48.6 km)
- St. Catharines (52.1 km)
- Kitchener (54.6 km)
- Thorold (56.4 km)
- Waterloo (57.4 km)
- Welland (58.6 km)
- Toronto (59.2 km)
- Port Colborne (65.1 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Hamilton has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 30 to 34 years old, accounting for 7.30% of the total population. The city median age is 40.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 to 34 years | 20,550 7.30% | 20,780 7.20% | 1.11% | 41,330 7.30% |
| 55 to 59 years | 20,155 7.20% | 20,775 7.20% | 2.98% | 40,930 7.20% |
| 25 to 29 years | 20,485 7.30% | 20,040 6.90% | 2.17% | 40,525 7.10% |
| 35 to 39 years | 19,225 6.90% | 19,720 6.80% | 2.51% | 38,940 6.80% |
| 60 to 64 years | 18,540 6.60% | 19,505 6.70% | 4.95% | 38,045 6.70% |
| 50 to 54 years | 17,900 6.40% | 18,770 6.50% | 4.64% | 36,665 6.40% |
| 20 to 24 years | 18,895 6.80% | 17,510 6.00% | 7.33% | 36,405 6.40% |
| 40 to 44 years | 17,125 6.10% | 17,900 6.20% | 4.33% | 35,025 6.20% |
| 45 to 49 years | 16,560 5.90% | 17,595 6.10% | 5.88% | 34,155 6.00% |
| 15 to 19 years | 16,530 5.90% | 15,265 5.30% | 7.65% | 31,795 5.60% |
| 65 to 69 years | 14,935 5.30% | 16,700 5.80% | 10.57% | 31,630 5.60% |
| 10 to 14 years | 16,190 5.80% | 15,260 5.30% | 5.74% | 31,450 5.50% |
| 5 to 9 years | 15,840 5.70% | 14,855 5.10% | 6.22% | 30,695 5.40% |
| 0 to 4 years | 14,920 5.30% | 14,180 4.90% | 4.96% | 29,100 5.10% |
| 70 to 74 years | 12,390 4.40% | 14,305 4.90% | 13.39% | 26,700 4.70% |
| 75 to 79 years | 8,390 3.00% | 9,895 3.40% | 15.21% | 18,290 3.20% |
| 85 years and over | 5,310 1.90% | 9,370 3.20% | 43.33% | 14,685 2.60% |
| 80 to 84 years | 5,705 2.00% | 7,280 2.50% | 21.63% | 12,990 2.30% |
| 85 to 89 years | 3,420 1.20% | 5,330 1.80% | 35.83% | 8,750 1.50% |
| 90 to 94 years | 1,490 0.50% | 2,945 1.00% | 49.41% | 4,435 0.80% |
| 95 to 99 years | 380 0.10% | 960 0.30% | 60.42% | 1,340 0.20% |
| 100 years and over | 25 0.00% | 135 0.00% | 81.48% | 155 0.00% |
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 65.70% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 18.30% and 16.00%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Hamilton are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 66.50% | 64.80% | 65.70% |
| Average age of the population | 40.40% | 42.60% | 41.50% |
| Median age of the population | 39.20% | 42.00% | 40.80% |
| 65 years and over | 16.70% | 19.90% | 18.30% |
| 0 to 14 years | 16.80% | 15.30% | 16.00% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Hamilton
Explore Hamilton Through Videos
Population of Hamilton by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Hamilton is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Hamilton is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the province appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in the province are English, which accounts for 19.84% of the total population, followed by Scottish (16.15%), Irish (15.04%), Canadian (12.50%), and Italian (10.91%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include German, French, Polish, Dutch, and British Isles.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 19.65% | 20.03% | 19.84% |
| Scottish | 15.61% | 16.66% | 16.15% |
| Irish | 14.46% | 15.61% | 15.04% |
| Canadian | 12.72% | 12.28% | 12.50% |
| Italian | 11.15% | 10.67% | 10.91% |
| German | 7.94% | 7.80% | 7.87% |
| French | 5.40% | 5.78% | 5.59% |
| Polish | 4.66% | 5.00% | 4.83% |
| Dutch | 4.46% | 4.48% | 4.47% |
| British Isles | 3.88% | 4.04% | 3.96% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Hamilton's population profile.
About 25.9% of Hamilton's population are immigrants (145,550 people).
The top countries of origin for Hamilton's immigrant population are United Kingdom (12,200), India (10,930), Italy (8,900), Philippines (8,255), Iraq (5,715).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 12,200 |
| India | 10,930 |
| Italy | 8,900 |
| Philippines | 8,255 |
| Iraq | 5,715 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 125,130 of Hamilton's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 16.05% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 13.95% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.95%, 7.35%, and 4.75%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 71,460 | 16.05% |
| 1 person | 62,110 | 13.95% |
| 3 persons | 35,325 | 7.95% |
| 4 persons | 32,690 | 7.35% |
| 5 or more persons | 21,220 | 4.75% |
Income in Hamilton
Analyzing income distribution in Hamilton can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Hamilton is $40,400.
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 Hamilton population or around 65,965 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $50,000 to $79,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 64,835 and 55,870 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Hamilton's median household income is $86,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Hamilton's median household income is 2,000 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 Hamilton
This data sheds light on the distribution of Hamilton 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.
59.95% or most of the Hamilton population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 28.10% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, 26.30% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 13.80% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 213,225 | 241,845 | 455,070 | 59.95% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 94,190 | 118,240 | 212,430 | 28.10% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 107,170 | 98,650 | 205,825 | 26.30% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 57,355 | 54,945 | 112,300 | 13.80% |
Below national average 28.1% of Hamilton's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Hamilton
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Hamilton. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Newfoundland and Labrador is at 7.64% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 54.29% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.64% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the city who work as an employee. The majority of Hamilton's population (around 71.80%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 23,300 men and 13,695 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 36,990.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 23,300 | 13,695 | 36,990 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Hamilton industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Hamilton is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Hamilton has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (14%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 11%, followed by Manufacturing at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 7,745 | 33,770 | 14% |
| Retail trade | 15,435 | 17,310 | 11% |
| Manufacturing | 23,240 | 8,045 | 11% |
| Educational services | 8,435 | 16,415 | 9% |
| Construction | 19,120 | 2,640 | 8% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 11,270 | 8,880 | 7% |
| Accommodation and food services | 6,795 | 9,075 | 6% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 10,645 | 3,265 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 8,060 | 5,675 | 5% |
| Public administration | 6,235 | 6,010 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 5,825 | 6,090 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 4,965 | 6,310 | 4% |
| Wholesale trade | 7,190 | 3,015 | 4% |
| Information and cultural industries | 3,300 | 2,225 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 2,860 | 2,435 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 2,665 | 2,400 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 1,570 | 1,310 | 1% |
| Utilities | 1,245 | 375 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 285 | 375 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 335 | 80 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Hamilton residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Hamilton: Health care and social assistance (14%), -45 Retail trade (11%), -33 Manufacturing (11%)
Top occupation categories in Hamilton: Sales and service occupations (25%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (17%), Business, finance and administration occupations (16%)
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.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 80,600 | 78,830 | 159,435 | 62.50% |
| Worked at home | 29,360 | 34,770 | 64,135 | 25.10% |
| No fixed workplace address | 23,070 | 7,775 | 30,845 | 12.10% |
| Worked outside Canada | 480 | 185 | 670 | 0.30% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Hamilton 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 Hamilton residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Hamilton 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.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 40.10% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 25.20% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 18.40% |
| 60 minutes and over | 8.50% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 7.90% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Hamiltonshed 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 Hamilton'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 Hamilton. About 545,085 people living in the province speak English, 10,130 people speak Neither English nor French, 6,410 people speak French language, and 2,195 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 545,085 |
| Neither English nor French | 10,130 |
| French | 6,410 |
| English and French | 2,195 |
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 | 71.4% | 83.2% |
| Non-official languages | 23.6% | 12.5% |
| French | 1.1% | 0.4% |
Religion
Hamilton is predominantly Christian. About 309,780 of its population is Christian (144,770 males and 144,770 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 6.8% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Sikh, both represent 1.8% and 1.3% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.8% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 55.2% |
| Islam | 6.8% |
| Hindu | 1.8% |
| Sikh | 1.3% |
| Buddhist | 0.8% |
| Jewish | 0.5% |
Points of Interest in Hamilton
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
- Hillmer Park
- Bill Hill Promenade
- Fishermen's Wharf
- Arboretum
- Christie Conservation Area
- Spring Garden Park
- Shipyard Park
- Tannery Park
- Confederation Park
- Valens Lake Conservation Area
- McCraney Valley Park
- Christie Conservation Area
- Greenhill Park
- Rushdale Park
- Shaver Estates Park
- Pearson Park
- Holyrood Park
- Mohawk Sports Park
- Peachwood Park
- Tapleytown Park
Libraries
- Hamilton Public Library - Ancaster Branch
- Hamilton Public Library - Terryberry Branch
- Burlington Public Library - Tansley Woods Branch
- Burlington Public Library - New Appleby Branch
- Oakville Public Library - Glen Abbey Branch
- Hamilton Public Library - Central Branch
- Hamilton Public Library - Kenilworth Branch
- Hamilton Public Library - Turner Park Branch
- Burlington Public Library - Brant Hills Branch
- Hamilton Public Library - Saltfleet Branch
- Hamilton Public Library - Valley Park Branch
- Hamilton Public Library - Stoney Creek Branch
- Hamilton Public Library - Barton Branch
- Burlington Public Library - Aldershot Branch
- Haldimand County Public Library - Caledonia Branch
- Oakville Public Library - Sixteen Mile Branch
- Burlington Public Library - Alton Branch
- Burlington Public Library - Kilbride Branch
- Hamilton Public Library - Mount Hope Branch
- Hamilton Public Library - Lynden Branch
- Hamilton Public Library - Freelton Branch
Community Centres
- YMCA
- Brant Hills Community Centre
- Mountsberg Community Hall
- Langford Schoolhouse
- Hamilton Regional Indian Centre
- Dalewood Recreation Centre
- Chabad Jewish Student Centre
- Sir Wilfrid Laurier Recreation Centre
- Next Door Social Space
Places to Visit in Hamilton
Museums
- Hamilton Military Museum
- Joseph Brant Museum
- Dundurn Castle
- Art Gallery
- Workers Arts and Heritage Centre
- Sculpture Park
- Historic Plaque
- Hamilton Steam & Technology Museum
- Canadian Football Hall of Fame & Museum
Attractions
- Pottruff Spring
- Pottruff Cave
- Pheonix Creek Sink
- Stewart Creek Sink
- Pottruff Homestead
- Pauline Johnson House
- Smith's Knoll Cemetery
- Gage Memorial Fountain
- Sherman Falls
- Thomas House
- Skydive Swoop
Historic Sites
- Cenotaph
- Queen Victoria
- Bronte Fishermen's Memorial
- Veteran's Place
- T-33 Jet Trainer
- Sir John A. MacDonald
- Dieppe Veterans Memorial Park
- The Hermitage
- Cross at Devil’s Punchbowl
- Battlefield Monument
- Royal Canadian Naval Ships Memorial
- Great War Memorial
- Robert G Perkins
- The United Empire Loyalists
- Battle of Stoney Creek
- War of 1812 - Battle of Stoney Creek
Theatres
Green Spaces in Hamilton
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Hillmer Park | Parks | — |
| Bill Hill Promenade | Parks | — |
| Fishermen's Wharf | Parks | — |
| Arboretum | Parks | — |
| Christie Conservation Area | Parks | — |
| Spring Garden Park | Parks | — |
| Shipyard Park | Parks | — |
| Tannery Park | Parks | — |
| Confederation Park | Parks | — |
| Valens Lake Conservation Area | Parks | — |
| McCraney Valley Park | Parks | — |
| Christie Conservation Area | Parks | — |
| Greenhill Park | Parks | — |
| Rushdale Park | Parks | — |
| Shaver Estates Park | Parks | — |
| Pearson Park | Parks | — |
| Holyrood Park | Parks | — |
| Mohawk Sports Park | Parks | — |
| Peachwood Park | Parks | — |
| Tapleytown Park | Parks | — |
| Dundas Valley Conservation Area | Nature Reserves | — |
| Governor's Road Conservation Area | Nature Reserves | — |
| Spring Creek Conservation Area | Nature Reserves | — |
| Binbrook Conservation Area | Nature Reserves | — |
| Cartwright Nature Sanctuary | Nature Reserves | — |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hamilton
According to the 2021 census, Hamilton has a population of approximately 569,353 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Hamilton increased by 6.04%.
Hamilton has a population density of approximately 509.10 people per square kilometre.
Hamilton covers a land area of approximately 1,118.31 km².
The median age of the population in Hamilton is 40.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Hamilton is English.
The median household income in Hamilton is $86,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Hamilton.
Christian is the predominant religion in Hamilton.
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.