Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Rideau Lakes has a population of around 10,883 people. The town's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Rideau Lakes has increased by 5.39%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 10,326 | 10,883 | +5.39% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.06% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Rideau Lakes's population is projected to reach approximately 11,470 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 16.11 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 10,883 | 11,470 | 16.11 |
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 Rideau Lakes is around 5,375 while the female population is around 5,505.
Of the 10,883 total population in Rideau Lakes, the largest gender is female with around 5,505 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 5,375 | 5,505 | +2.36% |
Is Rideau Lakes a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Rideau Lakes 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 Towns Near Rideau Lakes
- Tay Valley (21.1 km)
- South Frontenac (24.8 km)
- Athens (25.3 km)
- Drummond/North Elmsley (29.3 km)
- Smiths Falls (29.5 km)
- Leeds and the Thousand Islands (30.1 km)
- Elizabethtown-Kitley (35.5 km)
- Montague (38.2 km)
- Front of Yonge (38.6 km)
- Gananoque (41.4 km)
- Beckwith (45.7 km)
- Lanark Highlands (47.1 km)
- Central Frontenac (47.9 km)
- Augusta (49.4 km)
- Carleton Place (50.2 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Rideau Lakes has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 65 to 69 years old, accounting for 11.20% of the total population. The town median age is 55.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 to 69 years | 605 11.30% | 610 11.10% | 0.82% | 1,215 11.20% |
| 60 to 64 years | 535 10.00% | 625 11.40% | 14.40% | 1,160 10.70% |
| 70 to 74 years | 510 9.50% | 470 8.50% | 7.84% | 980 9.00% |
| 55 to 59 years | 480 8.90% | 495 9.00% | 3.03% | 975 9.00% |
| 50 to 54 years | 315 5.90% | 395 7.20% | 20.25% | 710 6.50% |
| 75 to 79 years | 295 5.50% | 295 5.40% | 0.00% | 585 5.40% |
| 45 to 49 years | 275 5.10% | 280 5.10% | 1.79% | 555 5.10% |
| 40 to 44 years | 240 4.50% | 240 4.40% | 0.00% | 480 4.40% |
| 15 to 19 years | 245 4.60% | 230 4.20% | 6.12% | 475 4.40% |
| 35 to 39 years | 245 4.60% | 230 4.20% | 6.12% | 475 4.40% |
| 10 to 14 years | 225 4.20% | 240 4.40% | 6.25% | 465 4.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 235 4.40% | 230 4.20% | 2.13% | 465 4.30% |
| 25 to 29 years | 240 4.50% | 215 3.90% | 10.42% | 455 4.20% |
| 20 to 24 years | 220 4.10% | 215 3.90% | 2.27% | 435 4.00% |
| 0 to 4 years | 220 4.10% | 215 3.90% | 2.27% | 430 4.00% |
| 5 to 9 years | 225 4.20% | 195 3.50% | 13.33% | 425 3.90% |
| 80 to 84 years | 160 3.00% | 170 3.10% | 5.88% | 325 3.00% |
| 85 years and over | 115 2.10% | 155 2.80% | 25.81% | 270 2.50% |
| 85 to 89 years | 80 1.50% | 105 1.90% | 23.81% | 185 1.70% |
| 90 to 94 years | 30 0.60% | 35 0.60% | 14.29% | 65 0.60% |
| Median age of the population | 55 55.20% | 56 55.60% | 0.00% | 56 55.60% |
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 56.80% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 31.00% and 12.10%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Rideau Lakes are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average age of the population | 48.70% | 49.60% | 49.20% |
| 65 years and over | 31.30% | 30.70% | 31.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 12.50% | 11.90% | 12.10% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Rideau Lakes
Explore Rideau Lakes Through Videos
Population of Rideau Lakes by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Rideau Lakes is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Rideau Lakes 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 Irish, which accounts for 34.20% of the total population, followed by English (29.01%), Scottish (25.72%), Canadian (19.28%), and French (10.66%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include German, Dutch, British Isles, Caucasian (White), and Welsh.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | 34.06% | 34.43% | 34.20% |
| English | 29.25% | 28.78% | 29.01% |
| Scottish | 25.00% | 26.50% | 25.72% |
| Canadian | 20.00% | 18.49% | 19.28% |
| French | 10.47% | 10.84% | 10.66% |
| German | 9.53% | 9.65% | 9.64% |
| Dutch | 5.28% | 5.83% | 5.51% |
| British Isles | 4.62% | 5.10% | 4.87% |
| Caucasian (White) | 4.06% | 3.92% | 3.99% |
| Welsh | 2.36% | 2.09% | 2.32% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Rideau Lakes's population profile.
About 6.7% of Rideau Lakes's population are immigrants (720 people).
The top countries of origin for Rideau Lakes's immigrant population are United Kingdom (235), United States of America (100), Germany (75), Philippines (50), Netherlands (35).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 235 |
| United States of America | 100 |
| Germany | 75 |
| Philippines | 50 |
| Netherlands | 35 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 4,315 of Rideau Lakes's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 23.00% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 12.50% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.55%, 4.90%, and 3.10%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 2,160 | 23.00% |
| 1 person | 1,175 | 12.50% |
| 3 persons | 615 | 6.55% |
| 4 persons | 460 | 4.90% |
| 5 or more persons | 290 | 3.10% |
Income in Rideau Lakes
Analyzing income distribution in Rideau Lakes can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Rideau Lakes is $41,600.
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 Rideau Lakes population or around 1,260 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 1,135 and 1,105 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Rideau Lakes's median household income is $84,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Rideau Lakes's median household income is 0 dollars above 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 Rideau Lakes
This data sheds light on the distribution of Rideau Lakes 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.
61.55% or most of the Rideau Lakes population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 28.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 18.75% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.50% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 4,120 | 4,770 | 8,890 | 61.55% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 2,095 | 2,055 | 4,155 | 28.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 1,100 | 1,640 | 2,735 | 18.75% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 955 | 690 | 1,645 | 10.50% |
Below national average 18.8% of Rideau Lakes's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Rideau Lakes
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Rideau Lakes. 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 4.77% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 47.93% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.77% |
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 Rideau Lakes's population (around 64.30%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 535 men and 390 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 920.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 535 | 390 | 920 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Rideau Lakes industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Rideau Lakes is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Rideau Lakes has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (13%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Construction sector comes second at 13%, followed by Retail trade at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 120 | 530 | 13% |
| Construction | 565 | 65 | 13% |
| Retail trade | 310 | 285 | 12% |
| Educational services | 80 | 275 | 7% |
| Public administration | 165 | 190 | 7% |
| Manufacturing | 225 | 120 | 7% |
| Accommodation and food services | 100 | 165 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 150 | 100 | 5% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 115 | 135 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 105 | 100 | 4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 135 | 55 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 105 | 80 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 50 | 85 | 3% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 60 | 60 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 65 | 40 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 75 | 25 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 30 | 40 | 1% |
| Utilities | 20 | 0 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 10 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Rideau Lakes residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Rideau Lakes: Health care and social assistance (13%), Construction (13%), -45 Retail trade (12%)
Top occupation categories in Rideau Lakes: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (23%), Sales and service occupations (22%), Business, finance and administration occupations (15%)
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 | 1,445 | 1,485 | 2,935 | 64.90% |
| Worked at home | 320 | 535 | 855 | 18.90% |
| No fixed workplace address | 565 | 160 | 725 | 16.00% |
| Worked outside Canada | 10 | 0 | 15 | 0.30% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Rideau Lakes 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 Rideau Lakes residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Rideau Lakes 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 | 28.30% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 27.60% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 18.40% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 14.10% |
| 60 minutes and over | 11.50% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Rideau Lakesshed 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 Rideau Lakes'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 Rideau Lakes. About 10,610 people living in the province speak English, 240 people speak French, 15 people speak English and French language, and 15 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 10,610 |
| French | 240 |
| English and French | 15 |
| Neither English nor French | 15 |
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 | 94.1% | 98.4% |
| Non-official languages | 2.9% | 0.8% |
| French | 2.3% | 0.5% |
Religion
Rideau Lakes is predominantly Christian. About 6,990 of its population is Christian (3,300 males and 3,300 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Buddhist with 0.2% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Jewish and Hindu, both represent 0.1% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 64.8% |
| Buddhist | 0.2% |
| Jewish | 0.1% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Rideau Lakes
Schools
- Rideau Vista Public School
- Glen Tay Public School
- St. Edward Catholic School
- Rideau District High School
- North Elmsley Public School
- St. John Catholic High School
- The Queen Elizabeth School
- St. John Elementary School
- St. Luke Catholic High School
- Duncan J Schoular Public School
- Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute
- St. Francis de Sales Catholic School
- Chimo Elementary School
- TR Leger School - Smiths Falls
- Lombardy Public School
- St. Joseph Catholic School
- Sweet's Corners Public School
- South Crosby Public School
Parks
- John Miller Park
- Portland Bay Conservation Area
- Bellamy Park
- Lockwood Memorial Park
- Victoria Park
- Lower Reach Park
- Last Duel Park
- Poonamalie Lock
- Murphy Park
- Murphy Park
- Russell Park
- Furnace Falls Park
- Rideau Ferry Conservation Area
- Motts Mills Conservation Area
Libraries
- Elizabethtown Kitley Public Library - Toledo Branch
- Rideau Lakes Public Library - Portland Branch
- Rideau Lakes Public Library - Elgin Branch
- Rideau Lakes Public Library - South Elmsley Branch
- Leeds and the Thousand Island Public Library - Lyndhurst Branch
- Westport Public Library
- Rideau Lakes Public Library - Newboro Branch
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Rideau Lakes
Attractions
- Mammoth cheese
- Silver Queen Mine
- Site of First Catholic Church North Crosby
- Blitzen Estate Christmas Tree Farm
- Narrows Lock Blockhouse
- Newboro Lockstation
- Royal Sappers & Miners Cemetery
- Newboro Lockstation
- Newboro Lock
- Summit of the Rideau Canal
- Summit of the Rideau Canal
- Lockmaster's House Museum
- Rideau Canal, Lock 38 - Davis
- Davis Lock Weir
- Defensible Lockmaster's House
- Jones Falls Blacksmith Shop
- Jones lock Weir
Historic Sites
- McMartin House
- Last Fatal Duel
- Combined Lock
- The Harvard
- Old Stone Mill
- Lansdowne Iron Works
- Smiths Falls Bascule Bridge
- Rideau Regional Plaque
- Alexander Morris
- Smth Falls Cenotaph
- Abel Stevens Plaque
- Perth Military Settlement
- Flag Garden
- Tay Canal Lockstation placards
- Maintenance Building
- World War 1 Soldiers
- The Rideau Waterway
- Site of First Catholic Church North Crosby
- Summit House
- McMartin House
- St. John the Baptist, Perth, 1823
- William Morris
- Memorial Wall and Cemetary
- The Haggarts
- The Crab Lake Mine
- Perth Town Hall
- John A. Stewart Park
Theatres
Green Spaces in Rideau Lakes
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| John Miller Park | Parks | — |
| Portland Bay Conservation Area | Parks | 1.1 ha |
| Bellamy Park | Parks | 5.0 ha |
| Lockwood Memorial Park | Parks | 1.5 ha |
| Victoria Park | Parks | 1.7 ha |
| Lower Reach Park | Parks | 17.3 ha |
| Last Duel Park | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Poonamalie Lock | Parks | 3.9 ha |
| Murphy Park | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Murphy Park | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Russell Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Portland Bay Conservation Area | Nature Reserves | — |
| Foley Mountain Conservation Area | Nature Reserves | 257.1 ha |
| Perth Wildlife Reserve | Nature Reserves | 97.5 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rideau Lakes
According to the 2021 census, Rideau Lakes has a population of approximately 10,883 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Rideau Lakes increased by 5.39%.
Rideau Lakes has a population density of approximately 15.30 people per square kilometre.
Rideau Lakes covers a land area of approximately 711.81 km².
The median age of the population in Rideau Lakes is 55.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Rideau Lakes is Irish.
The median household income in Rideau Lakes is $84,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Rideau Lakes.
Christian is the predominant religion in Rideau Lakes.
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.