Rainy River, Ontario — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Rainy River census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 752
- −6.8% since 2016
- Density
- 241.4
- people per km²
- Land area
- 3.12
- km²
- Median age
- 54.0
- years
- Median household income
- $69,000
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 14.9%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Rainy River. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 3.12 km2. The town has a population density of 241.40 people per km2.
We highlight the Rainy River town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Rainy River on the Map
- Points of interest (54)
- Places to visit (27)
- Green spaces (23)
Rainy River location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Rainy River has a population of around 752 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Rainy River has decreased by ▼ -6.82%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 807 | 752 | --6.82% |
2026 Population Projection
Rainy River's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 752 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Rainy River Population Trend & Context
Rainy River is the 312th-largest town in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 752 — a decline of 55 (▼ 6.82%) people from the 807 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Ontario towns. The town's median age of 54 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Rainy River compare to other Ontario towns?
- 310th Val Rita-Harty 757
- 311th Billings 753
- 312th Rainy River This town 752
- 313th Johnson 749
- 314th Larder Lake 745
Population By Genders
The male population of Rainy River is around 375 while the female population is around 375.
Of the 752 total population in Rainy River, the largest gender is female with around 375 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 375 | 375 | -0.00% |
Is Rainy River a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Rainy River 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.
Rainy River Population Compared to Ontario
Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how Rainy River compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Rainy River | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $69,000 | $91,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 14.9% | 12.2% |
| Median age | 54 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.6% | 33.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 10.1% | 30.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Rainy River has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 65 to 69 years old, accounting for 9.30% of the total population. The town median age is 54.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|
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 53.30% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 32.70% and 14.70%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Rainy River are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 52.00% | 54.70% | 53.30% |
| 65 years and over | 30.70% | 32.00% | 32.70% |
| 0 to 14 years | 17.30% | 12.00% | 14.70% |
Explore Rainy River Through Videos
Population of Rainy River by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Rainy River is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Rainy River 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 Rainy River are English, which accounts for 29.56% of the total population, followed by Irish (28.30%), Scottish (24.53%), French (22.01%), and German (14.47%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Rainy River include First Nations (North American Indian), Canadian, Norwegian, Swiss, and Swedish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 27.71% | 33.33% | 29.56% |
| Irish | 25.30% | 32.00% | 28.30% |
| Scottish | 22.89% | 26.67% | 24.53% |
| French | 24.10% | 21.33% | 22.01% |
| German | 19.28% | 10.67% | 14.47% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 13.25% | 8.00% | 10.69% |
| Canadian | 9.64% | 5.33% | 7.55% |
| Norwegian | 6.02% | 8.00% | 7.55% |
| Swiss | 8.43% | 8.00% | 7.55% |
| Swedish | 4.82% | 8.00% | 6.92% |
Indigenous Identity in Rainy River
About 25.16% of Rainy River's population (200 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 74.84% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 95 people (11.90% 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 Rainy River's population profile.
About 10.1% of Rainy River's population are immigrants (80 people).
The top countries of origin for Rainy River's immigrant population are United States of America (65), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United States of America | 65 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
| Guyana | 0 |
97.5% of Rainy River's residents (770 people) are Canadian citizens, and 3.2% are not.
By generation status, 12.6% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 21.4% are second generation, and 65.4% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 305 of Rainy River's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 21.25% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 17.10% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.50%, 2.75%, and 2.75%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 155 | 21.25% |
| 2 persons | 125 | 17.10% |
| 3 persons | 40 | 5.50% |
| 4 persons | 20 | 2.75% |
| 5 or more persons | 20 | 2.75% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 365 occupied private dwellings in Rainy River, 74.0% are owner-occupied (270) and 26.0% are rented (95). The median value of owned dwellings is $130,000 (average $162,000).
Period of Construction
46.6% of Rainy River's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 2.7% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Rainy River
Of census families in Rainy River, 82.9% are couple families and 17.1% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.7 people.
42.5% of households in Rainy River are one-person households, 43.8% are couple-family households, 9.6% are one-parent-family households, and 1.4% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 155 | 42.5% |
| Couple-family households | 160 | 43.8% |
| One-parent-family households | 35 | 9.6% |
| Multigenerational households | 5 | 1.4% |
Income in Rainy River
Analyzing income distribution in Rainy River can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Rainy River is $39,600.
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 Rainy River population or around 75 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 65 and 55 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Rainy River's median household income is $69,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Rainy River's median household income is 15,000 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 Rainy River
This data sheds light on the distribution of Rainy River 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.
44.00% or most of the Rainy River population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 40.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 16.00% 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 | 65 | 95 | 165 | 44.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 85 | 65 | 150 | 40.00% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 45 | 15 | 60 | 16.00% |
Below national average 10.7% of Rainy River's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Rainy River
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Rainy River. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Rainy River is at 14.71% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 44.96% |
| Unemployment rate | 14.71% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Rainy River, 22.5% worked full year full time in the reference year, 24.8% worked part year and/or part time, and 53.5% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 145 | 22.5% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 160 | 24.8% |
| Did not work | 345 | 53.5% |
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 Rainy River's population (around 62.70%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 15 men and 25 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 35.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 15 | 25 | 35 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Rainy River industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Rainy River is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Rainy River has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (19%) works in the educational services sector. The Manufacturing sector comes second at 9%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational services | 20 | 40 | 19% |
| Manufacturing | 20 | 10 | 9% |
| Health care and social assistance | 0 | 30 | 9% |
| Public administration | 20 | 10 | 9% |
| Construction | 25 | 0 | 8% |
| Retail trade | 10 | 15 | 8% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 15 | 0 | 6% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 15 | 10 | 6% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 0 | 20 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 10 | 0 | 6% |
| Information and cultural industries | 10 | 0 | 3% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 0 | 0 | 3% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 0 | 0 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Rainy River residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Rainy River: Educational services (19%), Manufacturing (9%), Health care and social assistance (9%)
Top occupation categories in Rainy River: Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (24%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (22%), Sales and service occupations (21%)
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 | 115 | 105 | 215 | 74.10% |
| No fixed workplace address | 30 | 30 | 65 | 22.40% |
| Worked at home | 0 | 10 | 10 | 3.40% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Rainy River 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 Rainy River residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Rainy River 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 | 50.90% |
| 60 minutes and over | 20.00% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 16.40% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 9.10% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 7.30% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Rainy River 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 Rainy River'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 Rainy River. About 725 people living in the town speak English, 10 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 725 |
| French | 10 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 4.8% of Rainy River's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 94.6% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 695 | 94.6% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 35 | 4.8% |
| Neither English nor French | 0 | 0.0% |
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 | 96.6% | 98.6% |
| Non-official languages | 1.4% | 0.0% |
| French | 0.7% | 0.0% |
Religion
Rainy River is predominantly Christian. About 430 of its population is Christian (190 males and 235 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Buddhist with 1.3% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Jewish, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 54.1% |
| Buddhist | 1.3% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Rainy River
Hospitals
Schools
- Nett Lake Elementary School
- Falls High School
- Falls Elementary School
- St. Patrick's School
- Northern Lakes K-12 School
- Zhingwaako Zaaga'Iganing Public School
- Mine Centre Public School
- J.W. Walker School
- Robert Moore Public School
- Nestor Falls Public School
- McCrosson-Tovell Public School
- Rainy River High School
- Riverview Elementary School
- Our Lady of the Way
- Sturgeon Creek School
- Donald Young Public School
- Crossroads Elementary Public School
- St. Mary School
Parks
- Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center
- James Oberstar Riverfront Complex
- Ogard Point
- Springer Point
- Mukooda Lake Campground ...rc
- Legion Park
- Point Park
- Franz Jevne State Park
- Birchdale Softball Park
- Nelson Park
- Lions Club Park
- Morley Park
- Emo Fairgrounds
- Emo Sportsfield
- Lousie Reymond Memorial Park
- Mickey Elverum Memorial Bog Walk
- Orr Community Center
- Lofgren Memorial Park
- Peace Park
- Timber Mill Park
- Loman City Park
- Big Bog State Recreation Area
- Morris Point
- Clementson Wayside Park
- Big Falls Horse Camp
- Big Falls City Park
- Shorewood Park
- Riverview Park
- Tony Rizzo Field
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Rainy River
Museums
- Harry Oveson Fish Camp
- Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Visitor Centre
- Lake of the Woods County Museum
- Bronko Nagurski Monument;Koochiching County Historical Museum
- Chapple Museum
Attractions
Historic Sites
- Monument 1 (TP 766)
- Monument 3 (TP 768)
- Monument 2 (TP 767)
- Grand Mound
- Hegman Lake Pictographs
- Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung (Rainy River Mounds)
- Fort Saint Pierre
- Mound 2
- Mound 5
- Mound 4
- Mound 3
- Bois Forte Veteran's Memorial
- War Memorial
- Welcome to Town of Fort Frances sign
- Picture Rock
- My Tipi
- Basshenge
- Welcome to Town of Fort Frances sign
Green Spaces in Rainy River
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Rainy River
- Fort Frances 56.2 km away · 7,466 people
- La Vallee 71.8 km away · 788 people
- Atikokan 79.0 km away · 2,642 people
- Emo 85.8 km away · 1,204 people
- Chapple 94.3 km away · 763 people
- Ignace 100.6 km away · 1,206 people
- Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls 120.8 km away · 727 people
- Hudson 146.3 km away · 530 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 Rainy River
What is the population of Rainy River?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Rainy River has a population of 752 people, making it the 312th town in Ontario. The population declined significantly from 807 in 2016, a decrease of 55 people or 6.82%. The town has a population density of 241.4 people per km² across a land area of 3.12 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Rainy River growing?
Rainy River's population declined by 6.82% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 807 to 752 people, a loss of 55 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Ontario towns during this period. The median age of 54.00 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (42.5%) 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 Rainy River?
Rainy River has a population density of approximately 241.40 people per square kilometre.
How large is Rainy River?
Rainy River covers a land area of approximately 3.12 km².
What is the median age in Rainy River?
The median age of the population in Rainy River is 54.00 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Rainy River?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Rainy River is English.
What is the median household income in Rainy River?
The median household income in Rainy River is $69,000, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Rainy River?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Rainy River.
What is the main religion in Rainy River?
Christian is the predominant religion in Rainy River.
What percentage of Rainy River's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 25.2% of Rainy River's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Rainy River residents are Canadian citizens?
97.5% of Rainy River's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Rainy River are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 16.7% of census families in Rainy River, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Rainy River?
Multigenerational households make up 1.4% of all households in Rainy River, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Rainy River's population is bilingual in English and French?
4.8% of Rainy River's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Rainy River's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Rainy River, 22.5% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Rainy River 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.