Shelburne, Ontario — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Shelburne census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 8,994
- +10.7% since 2016
- Density
- 1,370.8
- people per km²
- Land area
- 6.56
- km²
- Median age
- 36.8
- years
- Median household income
- $99,000
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 10.0%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Shelburne. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 6.56 km2. The town has a population density of 1370.80 people per km2.
We highlight the Shelburne town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Shelburne on the Map
- Points of interest (7)
Shelburne location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Shelburne has a population of around 8,994 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Shelburne has increased by ▲ 10.68%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 8,126 | 8,994 | +10.68% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.05% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Shelburne's population is projected to reach approximately 9,955 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 1,517.53 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 8,994 | 9,955 | 1,517.53 |
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.
Shelburne Population Trend & Context
Shelburne is the 143rd-largest town in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 8,994 — an increase of 868 (▲ 10.68%) people from the 8,126 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Ontario towns. The town's median age of 36.8 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
How does Shelburne compare to other Ontario towns?
Population By Genders
The male population of Shelburne is around 4,350 while the female population is around 4,650.
Of the 8,994 total population in Shelburne, the largest gender is female with around 4,650 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 4,350 | 4,650 | +6.45% |
Is Shelburne a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Shelburne 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.
Shelburne Population Compared to Ontario
Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how Shelburne compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Shelburne | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $99,000 | $91,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.0% | 12.2% |
| Median age | 36.8 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.2% | 33.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 19.5% | 30.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Shelburne has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 30 to 34 years old, accounting for 7.80% of the total population. The town median age is 36.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 to 34 years | 325 7.50% | 380 8.20% | 14.47% | 705 7.80% |
| 10 to 14 years | 350 8.00% | 335 7.20% | 4.29% | 690 7.70% |
| 35 to 39 years | 340 7.80% | 335 7.20% | 1.47% | 675 7.50% |
| 40 to 44 years | 320 7.40% | 340 7.30% | 5.88% | 665 7.40% |
| 5 to 9 years | 345 7.90% | 315 6.80% | 8.70% | 660 7.30% |
| 0 to 4 years | 330 7.60% | 300 6.50% | 9.09% | 620 6.90% |
| 15 to 19 years | 255 5.90% | 310 6.70% | 17.74% | 565 6.30% |
| 45 to 49 years | 280 6.40% | 280 6.00% | 0.00% | 565 6.30% |
| 55 to 59 years | 275 6.30% | 285 6.10% | 3.51% | 560 6.20% |
| 25 to 29 years | 275 6.30% | 280 6.00% | 1.79% | 555 6.20% |
| 50 to 54 years | 230 5.30% | 280 6.00% | 17.86% | 510 5.70% |
| 20 to 24 years | 265 6.10% | 205 4.40% | 22.64% | 470 5.20% |
| 60 to 64 years | 220 5.10% | 235 5.10% | 6.38% | 455 5.10% |
| 70 to 74 years | 165 3.80% | 195 4.20% | 15.38% | 360 4.00% |
| 65 to 69 years | 165 3.80% | 175 3.80% | 5.71% | 345 3.80% |
| 75 to 79 years | 75 1.70% | 150 3.20% | 50.00% | 225 2.50% |
| 85 years and over | 60 1.40% | 135 2.90% | 55.56% | 200 2.20% |
| 80 to 84 years | 60 1.40% | 105 2.30% | 42.86% | 165 1.80% |
| 85 to 89 years | 40 0.90% | 70 1.50% | 42.86% | 110 1.20% |
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 63.70% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 22.00% and 14.50%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Shelburne are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 64.10% | 63.00% | 63.70% |
| 0 to 14 years | 23.60% | 20.40% | 22.00% |
| 65 years and over | 12.30% | 16.60% | 14.50% |
Explore Shelburne Through Videos
Population of Shelburne by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Shelburne is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Shelburne 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 Shelburne are English, which accounts for 20.43% of the total population, followed by Scottish (19.86%), Irish (19.35%), Canadian (18.67%), and Jamaican (8.00%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Shelburne include French, German, Indian (India), Italian, and British Isles.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 21.47% | 19.45% | 20.43% |
| Scottish | 20.42% | 19.45% | 19.86% |
| Irish | 19.37% | 19.45% | 19.35% |
| Canadian | 17.97% | 19.23% | 18.67% |
| Jamaican | 7.82% | 8.18% | 8.00% |
| French | 5.48% | 6.52% | 5.96% |
| German | 4.55% | 6.63% | 5.68% |
| Indian (India) | 5.83% | 4.97% | 5.39% |
| Italian | 4.32% | 4.31% | 4.31% |
| British Isles | 3.85% | 3.65% | 3.75% |
Indigenous Identity in Shelburne
About 2.50% of Shelburne's population (220 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 97.50% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 50 people (0.60% 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 Shelburne's population profile.
About 19.5% of Shelburne's population are immigrants (1,715 people).
The top countries of origin for Shelburne's immigrant population are Jamaica (415), India (275), United Kingdom (210), Trinidad and Tobago (90), Philippines (75).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Jamaica | 415 |
| India | 275 |
| United Kingdom | 210 |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 90 |
| Philippines | 75 |
95.4% of Shelburne's residents (8,405 people) are Canadian citizens, and 4.6% are not.
By generation status, 20.5% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 24.1% are second generation, and 55.3% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 2,205 of Shelburne's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 13.95% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 10.00% of the population. 4 persons, 3 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 9.25%, 9.00%, and 7.60%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 845 | 13.95% |
| 1 person | 605 | 10.00% |
| 4 persons | 560 | 9.25% |
| 3 persons | 545 | 9.00% |
| 5 or more persons | 460 | 7.60% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 3,025 occupied private dwellings in Shelburne, 80.2% are owner-occupied (2,425) and 19.8% are rented (600). The median value of owned dwellings is $670,000 (average $690,000).
Period of Construction
15.5% of Shelburne's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 11.6% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Shelburne
Of census families in Shelburne, 80.9% are couple families and 19.1% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.1 people.
20.2% of households in Shelburne are one-person households, 54.0% are couple-family households, 10.2% are one-parent-family households, and 6.8% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 610 | 20.2% |
| Couple-family households | 1,635 | 54.0% |
| One-parent-family households | 310 | 10.2% |
| Multigenerational households | 205 | 6.8% |
Income in Shelburne
Analyzing income distribution in Shelburne can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Shelburne is $43,200.
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 Shelburne population or around 1,215 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 1,055 and 995 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Shelburne's median household income is $99,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Shelburne's median household income is 15,000 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 Shelburne
This data sheds light on the distribution of Shelburne 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.
56.00% or most of the Shelburne population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 32.70% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 11.30% 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 | 1,085 | 1,535 | 2,625 | 56.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 920 | 605 | 1,530 | 32.70% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 275 | 255 | 530 | 11.30% |
Below national average 16.4% of Shelburne's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Shelburne
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Shelburne. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Shelburne is at 10.02% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 63.06% |
| Unemployment rate | 10.02% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Shelburne, 38.1% worked full year full time in the reference year, 29.5% worked part year and/or part time, and 32.4% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 2,605 | 38.1% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 2,015 | 29.5% |
| Did not work | 2,215 | 32.4% |
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 Shelburne's population (around 77.70%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 325 men and 230 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 550.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 325 | 230 | 550 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Shelburne industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Shelburne is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Shelburne has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (15%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 13%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 510 | 200 | 15% |
| Retail trade | 300 | 310 | 13% |
| Health care and social assistance | 70 | 520 | 12% |
| Construction | 415 | 45 | 10% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 245 | 95 | 7% |
| Educational services | 70 | 215 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 70 | 195 | 6% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 95 | 130 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 95 | 120 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 90 | 120 | 5% |
| Public administration | 105 | 60 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 125 | 30 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 60 | 90 | 3% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 40 | 20 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 35 | 25 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 40 | 10 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 25 | 25 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 15 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 10 | 0 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Shelburne residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Shelburne: Manufacturing (15%), Retail trade (13%), Health care and social assistance (12%)
Top occupation categories in Shelburne: Sales and service occupations (25%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (24%), 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 | 1,615 | 1,485 | 3,100 | 71.90% |
| Worked at home | 235 | 380 | 610 | 14.20% |
| No fixed workplace address | 440 | 155 | 595 | 13.80% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0.20% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Shelburne 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 Shelburne residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Shelburne 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 |
|---|---|
| 60 minutes and over | 28.00% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 24.30% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 21.50% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 14.20% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 11.80% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Shelburne 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 Shelburne'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 Shelburne. About 8,680 people living in the town speak English, 70 people speak French, 50 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 15 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 8,680 |
| French | 70 |
| Neither English nor French | 50 |
| English and French | 15 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 4.1% of Shelburne's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 95.3% know English only, 0.1% know French only, and 0.6% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 8,405 | 95.3% |
| French only | 5 | 0.1% |
| English and French | 360 | 4.1% |
| Neither English nor French | 50 | 0.6% |
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 | 86.8% | 93.0% |
| Non-official languages | 10.0% | 4.4% |
| French | 0.9% | 0.3% |
Religion
Shelburne is predominantly Christian. About 4,470 of its population is Christian (1,995 males and 2,470 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Sikh with 3.6% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Muslim and Hindu, both represent 1.9% and 1.7% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.5% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 50.7% |
| Sikh | 3.6% |
| Islam | 1.9% |
| Hindu | 1.7% |
| Buddhist | 0.5% |
| Jewish | 0.2% |
Points of Interest in Shelburne
Schools
- Hyland Heights Elementary School
- Centre Dufferin District High School
- Centennial Hylands Elementary School
- Glenbrook Elementary School
Libraries
Community Centres
Nearest Towns to Shelburne
- Melancthon 10.1 km away · 3,132 people
- Amaranth 11.2 km away · 4,327 people
- Mulmur 14.8 km away · 3,571 people
- Mono 16.7 km away · 9,421 people
- Orangeville 19.6 km away · 30,167 people
- Grand Valley 21.9 km away · 3,851 people
- Adjala-Tosorontio 21.9 km away · 10,989 people
- East Garafraxa 27.3 km away · 2,794 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 Shelburne
What is the population of Shelburne?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Shelburne has a population of 8,994 people, making it the 143rd town in Ontario. The population increased significantly from 8,126 in 2016, an increase of 868 people or 10.68%. The town has a population density of 1,370.8 people per km² across a land area of 6.56 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Shelburne growing?
Shelburne's population grew by 10.68% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 8,126 to 8,994 people, a gain of 868 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Ontario towns during this period. The median age of 36.80 years suggests a relatively balanced demographic profile. 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 Shelburne?
Shelburne has a population density of approximately 1,370.80 people per square kilometre.
How large is Shelburne?
Shelburne covers a land area of approximately 6.56 km².
What is the median age in Shelburne?
The median age of the population in Shelburne is 36.80 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Shelburne?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Shelburne is English.
What is the median household income in Shelburne?
The median household income in Shelburne is $99,000, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Shelburne?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Shelburne.
What is the main religion in Shelburne?
Christian is the predominant religion in Shelburne.
What percentage of Shelburne's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 2.5% of Shelburne's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Shelburne residents are Canadian citizens?
95.4% of Shelburne's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Shelburne are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 19.1% of census families in Shelburne, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Shelburne?
Multigenerational households make up 6.8% of all households in Shelburne, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Shelburne's population is bilingual in English and French?
4.1% of Shelburne's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Shelburne's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Shelburne, 38.1% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Shelburne 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.