Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Stratford has a population of around 33,232 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Stratford has increased by ▲ 5.60%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 31,470 | 33,232 | +5.60% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.10% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Stratford's population is projected to reach approximately 35,093 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 1,168.99 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 33,232 | 35,093 | 1,168.99 |
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.
Stratford Population Trend & Context
Stratford is the 56th-largest city in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 33,232 — an increase of 1,762 (▲ 5.60%) people from the 31,470 recorded in 2016.
The city's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Ontario cities. The city's median age of 46 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Stratford compare to other Ontario cities?
- East Gwillimbury: 34,637 (2021)
- Orillia: 33,411 (2021)
- Stratford: 33,232 (2021) ← 56th largest
- Fort Erie: 32,901 (2021)
- LaSalle: 32,721 (2021)
Population By Genders
The male population of Stratford is around 16,060 while the female population is around 17,175.
Of the 33,232 total population in Stratford, the largest gender is female with around 17,175 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 16,060 | 17,175 | +6.49% |
Is Stratford a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Stratford 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.
Stratford Population Compared to Ontario
Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how Stratford compares to the city's key indicators:
| Indicator | Stratford | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $77,000 | $91,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.8% | 12.2% |
| Median age | 46 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.7% | 33.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 10.9% | 30.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Stratford has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 7.90% of the total population. The city median age is 46.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 1,255 7.80% | 1,370 8.00% | 8.39% | 2,625 7.90% |
| 55 to 59 years | 1,195 7.40% | 1,335 7.80% | 10.49% | 2,530 7.60% |
| 65 to 69 years | 1,090 6.80% | 1,335 7.80% | 18.35% | 2,430 7.30% |
| 35 to 39 years | 1,010 6.30% | 1,090 6.30% | 7.34% | 2,100 6.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 1,060 6.60% | 980 5.70% | 7.55% | 2,040 6.10% |
| 70 to 74 years | 900 5.60% | 1,115 6.50% | 19.28% | 2,015 6.10% |
| 50 to 54 years | 945 5.90% | 1,050 6.10% | 10.00% | 1,995 6.00% |
| 25 to 29 years | 1,025 6.40% | 940 5.50% | 8.29% | 1,965 5.90% |
| 45 to 49 years | 960 6.00% | 995 5.80% | 3.52% | 1,955 5.90% |
| 40 to 44 years | 925 5.80% | 975 5.70% | 5.13% | 1,900 5.70% |
| 15 to 19 years | 880 5.50% | 825 4.80% | 6.25% | 1,705 5.10% |
| 10 to 14 years | 935 5.80% | 760 4.40% | 18.72% | 1,695 5.10% |
| 20 to 24 years | 870 5.40% | 810 4.70% | 6.90% | 1,680 5.10% |
| 5 to 9 years | 810 5.00% | 770 4.50% | 4.94% | 1,580 4.80% |
| 0 to 4 years | 755 4.70% | 775 4.50% | 2.58% | 1,530 4.60% |
| 75 to 79 years | 630 3.90% | 770 4.50% | 18.18% | 1,400 4.20% |
| 85 years and over | 380 2.40% | 715 4.20% | 46.85% | 1,095 3.30% |
| 80 to 84 years | 430 2.70% | 570 3.30% | 24.56% | 1,000 3.00% |
| 85 to 89 years | 240 1.50% | 390 2.30% | 38.46% | 625 1.90% |
| 90 to 94 years | 115 0.70% | 230 1.30% | 50.00% | 345 1.00% |
| 95 to 99 years | 25 0.20% | 85 0.50% | 70.59% | 110 0.30% |
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 61.70% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 23.90% and 14.40%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Stratford are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age of the population | 43.60% | 48.40% | 46.00% |
| Average age of the population | 43.20% | 46.40% | 44.80% |
| 65 years and over | 21.40% | 26.20% | 23.90% |
| 0 to 14 years | 15.50% | 13.40% | 14.40% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Stratford
Population of Stratford by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Stratford is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Stratford is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the city appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Stratford are English, which accounts for 31.55% of the total population, followed by Scottish (26.07%), German (24.30%), Irish (24.26%), and Canadian (14.90%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Stratford include French, Dutch, British Isles, Italian, and Welsh.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 31.19% | 31.92% | 31.55% |
| Scottish | 26.26% | 25.90% | 26.07% |
| German | 23.44% | 25.12% | 24.30% |
| Irish | 23.19% | 25.21% | 24.26% |
| Canadian | 15.72% | 14.12% | 14.90% |
| French | 7.15% | 8.33% | 7.76% |
| Dutch | 6.58% | 7.25% | 6.93% |
| British Isles | 5.00% | 5.34% | 5.17% |
| Italian | 3.99% | 3.57% | 3.74% |
| Welsh | 2.31% | 2.73% | 2.56% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Stratford's population profile.
About 10.9% of Stratford's population are immigrants (3,555 people).
The top countries of origin for Stratford's immigrant population are United Kingdom (835), India (300), United States of America (280), Philippines (170), Germany (165).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 835 |
| India | 300 |
| United States of America | 280 |
| Philippines | 170 |
| Germany | 165 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 7,800 of Stratford's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.55% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 16.70% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.65%, 5.45%, and 2.70%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 5,465 | 18.55% |
| 1 person | 4,920 | 16.70% |
| 3 persons | 1,960 | 6.65% |
| 4 persons | 1,605 | 5.45% |
| 5 or more persons | 795 | 2.70% |
Income in Stratford
Analyzing income distribution in Stratford can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Stratford is $42,400.
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 Stratford population or around 4,060 people falls in the $30,000 to $49,999 group. The next largest groups are the $50,000 to $79,999, and $10,000 to $29,999 with around 4,050 and 4,035 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Stratford's median household income is $77,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Stratford's median household income is 7,000 dollars below 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 Stratford
This data sheds light on the distribution of Stratford 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.
55.85% or most of the Stratford population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 31.05% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 23.65% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.10% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 11,165 | 13,365 | 24,525 | 55.85% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 7,055 | 6,915 | 13,970 | 31.05% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 4,365 | 6,025 | 10,390 | 23.65% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 3,395 | 2,825 | 6,225 | 13.10% |
Below national average 23.7% of Stratford's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Stratford
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Stratford. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Stratford is at 6.75% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 55.79% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.75% |
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 Stratford's population (around 74.50%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 1,200 men and 1,100 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 2,300.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 1,200 | 1,100 | 2,300 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Stratford industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Stratford is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Stratford has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (21%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 13%, followed by Retail trade at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 2,435 | 1,135 | 21% |
| Health care and social assistance | 475 | 1,805 | 13% |
| Retail trade | 915 | 1,095 | 12% |
| Construction | 1,130 | 120 | 7% |
| Educational services | 320 | 825 | 7% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 540 | 480 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 405 | 575 | 6% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 310 | 375 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 220 | 430 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 285 | 325 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 400 | 170 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 380 | 150 | 3% |
| Public administration | 275 | 225 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 280 | 180 | 3% |
| Information and cultural industries | 140 | 180 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 145 | 70 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 90 | 95 | 1% |
| Utilities | 45 | 0 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 20 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 20 | 10 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Stratford residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Stratford: -33 Manufacturing (21%), Health care and social assistance (13%), -45 Retail trade (12%)
Top occupation categories in Stratford: Sales and service occupations (23%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (17%), Business, finance and administration occupations (15%)
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 | 5,675 | 5,240 | 10,915 | 70.60% |
| Worked at home | 1,245 | 1,780 | 3,020 | 19.50% |
| No fixed workplace address | 1,095 | 410 | 1,505 | 9.70% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 15 | 20 | 0.10% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Stratford 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 Stratford residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Stratford 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 |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 62.60% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 18.20% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 9.00% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 5.80% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.30% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Stratfordshed 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 Stratford'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 Stratford. About 32,370 people living in the province speak English, 235 people speak French, 105 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 35 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 32,370 |
| French | 235 |
| Neither English nor French | 105 |
| English and French | 35 |
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 | 90.5% | 95.7% |
| Non-official languages | 7.5% | 3.2% |
| French | 0.7% | 0.1% |
Religion
Stratford is predominantly Christian. About 17,785 of its population is Christian (8,050 males and 8,050 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Hindu with 1.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Muslim, both represent 0.6% and 0.4% of the population, while Sikh represent 0.4% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 54.8% |
| Hindu | 1.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.6% |
| Islam | 0.4% |
| Sikh | 0.4% |
| Jewish | 0.3% |
Points of Interest in Stratford
Hospitals
Schools
- Shakespeare Public School
- Hamlet Public School
- Jeanne Sauvé Catholic School
- Romeo Public School
- St. Ambrose Separate School
- Stratford Secondary School
- Stratford & District Christian School
- St. Michael Catholic Secondary School
- Avon Public School
- St. Joseph Separate School
- Bedford Public School
- St. Aloysius School
- Stratford Intermediate School
- Anne Hathaway Public School
Parks
- Milton Street Playground
- McManus Park
- Optomist Recreational Park
- Optimist Playground
- Monteith Avenue Playground
- Tom Patterson Island
- Marsh Pond Park
- Dufferin Park
- Maple Avenue Playground
- Portia Playground
- Inverness Playground
- Anne Hathaway Park
- Redford
- Packham Road Sports Complex
- Stratford Rotary Complex
- Willow Street Playground
- Stratford Education and Recreation Centre
- Matilda Street Playground
- Oxford Street Playground
- Memorial Baptist Church Park
Libraries
Places to Visit in Stratford
Museums
Historic Sites
Theatres
Green Spaces in Stratford
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Milton Street Playground | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| McManus Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Optomist Recreational Park | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Optimist Playground | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Monteith Avenue Playground | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Tom Patterson Island | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Marsh Pond Park | Parks | 3.0 ha |
| Dufferin Park | Parks | 6.0 ha |
| Maple Avenue Playground | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Portia Playground | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Inverness Playground | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Anne Hathaway Park | Parks | 2.9 ha |
| Redford | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Packham Road Sports Complex | Parks | 13.9 ha |
| Stratford Rotary Complex | Parks | 8.9 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Other Cities in Ontario
- Toronto 2,794,356
- Ottawa 1,017,449
- Mississauga 717,961
- Brampton 656,480
- Hamilton 569,353
- London 422,324
- Markham 338,503
- Vaughan 323,103
- Kitchener 256,885
- Windsor 229,660
- Burlington 186,948
- Oshawa 175,383
- Greater Sudbury / Grand Sudbury 166,004
- Barrie 147,829
- Guelph 143,740
- Cambridge 138,479
- St. Catharines 136,803
- Kingston 132,485
- Waterloo 121,436
- Thunder Bay 108,843
- Brantford 104,688
- Pickering 99,186
- Niagara Falls 94,415
- Peterborough 83,651
- Kawartha Lakes 79,247
- Sault Ste. Marie 72,051
- Sarnia 72,047
- Norfolk County 67,490
- Welland 55,750
- Belleville 55,071
- North Bay 52,662
- Haldimand County 49,216
- Cornwall 47,845
- Woodstock 46,705
- Quinte West 46,560
- St. Thomas 42,840
- Timmins 41,145
- Brant 39,474
- Orillia 33,411
- Clarence-Rockland 26,505
- Prince Edward County 25,704
- Thorold 23,816
- Brockville 22,116
- Owen Sound 21,612
- Port Colborne 20,033
- Kenora 14,967
- Pembroke 14,364
- Elliot Lake 11,372
- Temiskaming Shores 9,634
- Dryden 7,388
Frequently Asked Questions about Stratford
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Stratford has a population of 33,232 people, making it the 56th city in Ontario. The population increased significantly from 31,470 in 2016, an increase of 1,762 people or 5.60%. The city has a population density of 1,107.0 people per km² across a land area of 30.02 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Stratford's population grew by 5.60% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 31,470 to 33,232 people, a gain of 1,762 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Ontario cities during this period. The median age of 46.00 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (33.4%) 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.
Stratford has a population density of approximately 1,107.00 people per square kilometre.
Stratford covers a land area of approximately 30.02 km².
The median age of the population in Stratford is 46.00 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Stratford is English.
The median household income in Stratford is $77,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Stratford.
Christian is the predominant religion in Stratford.
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.