Kirkland Lake, Ontario — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Kirkland Lake census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 7,750
- −2.9% since 2016
- Density
- 29.7
- people per km²
- Land area
- 261
- km²
- Median age
- 45.2
- years
- Median household income
- $62,400
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 10.7%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Kirkland Lake. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 261.29 km2. The town has a population density of 29.70 people per km2.
We highlight the Kirkland Lake town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Kirkland Lake on the Map
- Points of interest (5)
- Places to visit (2)
- Green spaces (3)
Kirkland Lake location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Kirkland Lake has a population of around 7,750 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Kirkland Lake has decreased by ▼ -2.89%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 7,981 | 7,750 | --2.89% |
2026 Population Projection
Kirkland Lake's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 7,750 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Kirkland Lake Population Trend & Context
Kirkland Lake is the 156th-largest town in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 7,750 — a decline of 231 (▼ 2.89%) people from the 7,981 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has seen a slight decline over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Ontario towns. The town's median age of 45.2 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Kirkland Lake compare to other Ontario towns?
- 154th East Zorra-Tavistock 7,841
- 155th Stone Mills 7,826
- 156th Kirkland Lake This town 7,750
- 157th Huron-Kinloss 7,723
- 158th Aylmer 7,699
Population By Genders
The male population of Kirkland Lake is around 3,805 while the female population is around 3,945.
Of the 7,750 total population in Kirkland Lake, the largest gender is female with around 3,945 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,805 | 3,945 | -3.55% |
Is Kirkland Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Kirkland Lake 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.
Kirkland Lake Population Compared to Ontario
Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how Kirkland Lake compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Kirkland Lake | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $62,400 | $91,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.7% | 12.2% |
| Median age | 45.2 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.1% | 33.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 4.5% | 30.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Kirkland Lake has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 8.30% of the total population. The town median age is 45.20.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 315 8.30% | 325 8.20% | 3.08% | 640 8.30% |
| 55 to 59 years | 310 8.10% | 315 8.00% | 1.59% | 620 8.00% |
| 65 to 69 years | 275 7.20% | 280 7.10% | 1.79% | 550 7.10% |
| 30 to 34 years | 250 6.60% | 255 6.50% | 1.96% | 510 6.60% |
| 25 to 29 years | 265 7.00% | 220 5.60% | 16.98% | 475 6.10% |
| 35 to 39 years | 225 5.90% | 240 6.10% | 6.25% | 460 5.90% |
| 20 to 24 years | 210 5.50% | 240 6.10% | 12.50% | 450 5.80% |
| 70 to 74 years | 220 5.80% | 235 6.00% | 6.38% | 450 5.80% |
| 50 to 54 years | 220 5.80% | 215 5.40% | 2.27% | 435 5.60% |
| 5 to 9 years | 225 5.90% | 205 5.20% | 8.89% | 425 5.50% |
| 40 to 44 years | 215 5.70% | 200 5.10% | 6.98% | 415 5.40% |
| 45 to 49 years | 205 5.40% | 190 4.80% | 7.32% | 395 5.10% |
| 0 to 4 years | 175 4.60% | 200 5.10% | 12.50% | 380 4.90% |
| 10 to 14 years | 200 5.30% | 180 4.60% | 10.00% | 380 4.90% |
| 15 to 19 years | 175 4.60% | 190 4.80% | 7.89% | 365 4.70% |
| 75 to 79 years | 125 3.30% | 150 3.80% | 16.67% | 275 3.50% |
| 85 years and over | 105 2.80% | 175 4.40% | 40.00% | 275 3.50% |
| 80 to 84 years | 95 2.50% | 150 3.80% | 36.67% | 245 3.20% |
| 85 to 89 years | 70 1.80% | 110 2.80% | 36.36% | 180 2.30% |
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 23.20% and 15.30%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Kirkland Lake are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 62.80% | 60.20% | 61.50% |
| 65 years and over | 21.40% | 25.00% | 23.20% |
| 0 to 14 years | 15.60% | 15.00% | 15.30% |
Explore Kirkland Lake Through Videos
Population of Kirkland Lake by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Kirkland Lake is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Kirkland Lake 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 Kirkland Lake are French, which accounts for 25.20% of the total population, followed by Irish (22.94%), English (19.83%), Scottish (18.04%), and Canadian (15.78%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Kirkland Lake include German, Polish, French Canadian, Italian, and Caucasian (White).
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| French | 25.80% | 24.57% | 25.20% |
| Irish | 22.59% | 23.39% | 22.94% |
| English | 18.98% | 20.76% | 19.83% |
| Scottish | 16.71% | 19.32% | 18.04% |
| Canadian | 15.24% | 16.29% | 15.78% |
| German | 9.36% | 8.94% | 9.15% |
| Polish | 6.02% | 5.52% | 5.77% |
| French Canadian | 3.61% | 5.26% | 4.44% |
| Italian | 3.88% | 4.20% | 4.11% |
| Caucasian (White) | 4.01% | 4.07% | 4.11% |
Indigenous Identity in Kirkland Lake
About 11.54% of Kirkland Lake's population (870 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 88.46% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 350 people (4.60% 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 Kirkland Lake's population profile.
About 4.5% of Kirkland Lake's population are immigrants (340 people).
The top countries of origin for Kirkland Lake's immigrant population are Philippines (45), India (35), United Kingdom (30), United States of America (25), Italy (25).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 45 |
| India | 35 |
| United Kingdom | 30 |
| United States of America | 25 |
| Italy | 25 |
97.2% of Kirkland Lake's residents (7,330 people) are Canadian citizens, and 2.8% are not.
By generation status, 5.7% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 10.7% are second generation, and 83.6% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 2,375 of Kirkland Lake's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 21.60% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 16.15% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.90%, 4.15%, and 2.10%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 1,630 | 21.60% |
| 2 persons | 1,220 | 16.15% |
| 3 persons | 445 | 5.90% |
| 4 persons | 315 | 4.15% |
| 5 or more persons | 160 | 2.10% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 3,770 occupied private dwellings in Kirkland Lake, 62.3% are owner-occupied (2,350) and 37.7% are rented (1,420). The median value of owned dwellings is $150,000 (average $170,400).
Period of Construction
67.0% of Kirkland Lake's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 0.7% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Kirkland Lake
Of census families in Kirkland Lake, 79.3% are couple families and 20.7% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.7 people.
43.2% of households in Kirkland Lake are one-person households, 40.5% are couple-family households, 9.5% are one-parent-family households, and 1.1% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 1,630 | 43.2% |
| Couple-family households | 1,530 | 40.5% |
| One-parent-family households | 360 | 9.5% |
| Multigenerational households | 40 | 1.1% |
Income in Kirkland Lake
Analyzing income distribution in Kirkland Lake can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Kirkland Lake is $38,400.
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 town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Kirkland Lake population or around 780 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 770 and 680 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Kirkland Lake's median household income is $62,400, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Kirkland Lake's median household income is 21,600 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 Kirkland Lake
This data sheds light on the distribution of Kirkland Lake 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.
56.20% or most of the Kirkland Lake population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 26.50% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 17.40% 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 | 1,065 | 1,180 | 2,245 | 56.20% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 575 | 480 | 1,060 | 26.50% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 380 | 320 | 695 | 17.40% |
Below national average 16.4% of Kirkland Lake's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Kirkland Lake
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Kirkland Lake. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Kirkland Lake is at 10.69% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 48.55% |
| Unemployment rate | 10.69% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Kirkland Lake, 28.7% worked full year full time in the reference year, 25.5% worked part year and/or part time, and 45.9% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 1,825 | 28.7% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,620 | 25.5% |
| Did not work | 2,920 | 45.9% |
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 Kirkland Lake's population (around 79.30%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 130 men and 90 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 220.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 130 | 90 | 220 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Kirkland Lake industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Kirkland Lake is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Kirkland Lake has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (21%) works in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 19%, followed by Retail trade at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 630 | 85 | 21% |
| Health care and social assistance | 90 | 560 | 19% |
| Retail trade | 180 | 170 | 10% |
| Public administration | 120 | 180 | 9% |
| Educational services | 65 | 150 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 65 | 100 | 5% |
| Manufacturing | 120 | 30 | 4% |
| Construction | 120 | 20 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 60 | 60 | 3% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 45 | 65 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 50 | 45 | 3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 50 | 30 | 2% |
| Utilities | 65 | 0 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 40 | 10 | 1% |
| Finance and insurance | 10 | 35 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 30 | 10 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 30 | 0 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 15 | 15 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 15 | 0 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Kirkland Lake residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Kirkland Lake: Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (21%), Health care and social assistance (19%), Retail trade (10%)
Top occupation categories in Kirkland Lake: Sales and service occupations (21%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (16%), Business, finance and administration occupations (13%)
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 | 1,265 | 1,100 | 2,370 | 76.70% |
| Worked at home | 125 | 255 | 380 | 12.30% |
| No fixed workplace address | 250 | 80 | 335 | 10.80% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Kirkland Lake 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 Kirkland Lake residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Kirkland Lake 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 | 71.10% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 12.40% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 6.90% |
| 60 minutes and over | 5.00% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 4.60% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Kirkland Lake 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 Kirkland Lake'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 Kirkland Lake. About 6,600 people living in the town speak English, 905 people speak French, 35 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 6,600 |
| French | 905 |
| English and French | 35 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 27.3% of Kirkland Lake's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 72.1% know English only, 0.5% know French only, and 0.1% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 5,435 | 72.1% |
| French only | 40 | 0.5% |
| English and French | 2,060 | 27.3% |
| 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 | 79.9% | 92.8% |
| French | 12.3% | 4.0% |
| Non-official languages | 4.1% | 1.3% |
Religion
Kirkland Lake is predominantly Christian. About 4,110 of its population is Christian (1,900 males and 2,210 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Hindu with 1.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Muslim and Sikh, both represent 0.3% and 0.3% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.1% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 54.5% |
| Hindu | 1.0% |
| Islam | 0.3% |
| Sikh | 0.3% |
| Buddhist | 0.1% |
| Jewish | 0.1% |
Points of Interest in Kirkland Lake
Parks
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Kirkland Lake
Museums
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Kirkland Lake
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Elizabeth | Parks | 1.6 ha |
| Oasis Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Century Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Kirkland Lake
- Gauthier 15.4 km away · 151 people
- Larder Lake 29.8 km away · 745 people
- Chamberlain 30.1 km away · 311 people
- McGarry 33.2 km away · 579 people
- Englehart 38.4 km away · 1,442 people
- Matachewan 51.6 km away · 268 people
- Black River-Matheson 53.1 km away · 2,572 people
- Hilliard 54.5 km away · 215 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 Kirkland Lake
What is the population of Kirkland Lake?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Kirkland Lake has a population of 7,750 people, making it the 156th town in Ontario. The population declined moderately from 7,981 in 2016, a decrease of 231 people or 2.89%. The town has a population density of 29.7 people per km² across a land area of 261.29 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Kirkland Lake growing?
Kirkland Lake's population declined by 2.89% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 7,981 to 7,750 people, a loss of 231 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Ontario towns during this period. The median age of 45.20 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (43.2%) 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 Kirkland Lake?
Kirkland Lake has a population density of approximately 29.70 people per square kilometre.
How large is Kirkland Lake?
Kirkland Lake covers a land area of approximately 261.29 km².
What is the median age in Kirkland Lake?
The median age of the population in Kirkland Lake is 45.20 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Kirkland Lake?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Kirkland Lake is French.
What is the median household income in Kirkland Lake?
The median household income in Kirkland Lake is $62,400, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Kirkland Lake?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Kirkland Lake.
What is the main religion in Kirkland Lake?
Christian is the predominant religion in Kirkland Lake.
What percentage of Kirkland Lake's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 11.5% of Kirkland Lake's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Kirkland Lake residents are Canadian citizens?
97.2% of Kirkland Lake's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Kirkland Lake are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 20.7% of census families in Kirkland Lake, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Kirkland Lake?
Multigenerational households make up 1.1% of all households in Kirkland Lake, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Kirkland Lake's population is bilingual in English and French?
27.3% of Kirkland Lake's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Kirkland Lake's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Kirkland Lake, 28.7% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Kirkland Lake 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.