Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Whitby has a population of around 138,501 people. The town's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Whitby has increased by 7.89%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 128,377 | 138,501 | +7.89% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.53% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Whitby's population is projected to reach approximately 149,423 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 1,018.63 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 138,501 | 149,423 | 1,018.63 |
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 Whitby is around 67,400 while the female population is around 71,100.
Of the 138,501 total population in Whitby, the largest gender is female with around 71,100 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 67,400 | 71,100 | +5.20% |
Is Whitby a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Whitby 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 Whitby
- Ajax (7.1 km)
- Scugog (26.3 km)
- Whitchurch-Stouffville (26.4 km)
- Uxbridge (29.3 km)
- O’Connor (34.5 km)
- Laird (38.6 km)
- Richmond Hill (39.8 km)
- St. Clair (42.1 km)
- Wellesley (42.7 km)
- James (43.0 km)
- Aurora (44.1 km)
- Newmarket (46.0 km)
- East Gwillimbury (50.0 km)
- Cavan Monaghan (51.2 km)
- Baldwin (53.4 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Whitby has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 45 to 49 years old, accounting for 7.60% of the total population. The town median age is 40.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 to 49 years | 5,100 7.60% | 5,400 7.60% | 5.56% | 10,500 7.60% |
| 10 to 14 years | 5,205 7.70% | 4,905 6.90% | 5.76% | 10,110 7.30% |
| 55 to 59 years | 4,940 7.30% | 5,150 7.20% | 4.08% | 10,085 7.30% |
| 50 to 54 years | 4,830 7.20% | 5,190 7.30% | 6.94% | 10,010 7.20% |
| 40 to 44 years | 4,550 6.80% | 5,295 7.40% | 14.07% | 9,850 7.10% |
| 35 to 39 years | 4,705 7.00% | 5,105 7.20% | 7.84% | 9,810 7.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 5,000 7.40% | 4,620 6.50% | 7.60% | 9,620 6.90% |
| 5 to 9 years | 4,565 6.80% | 4,395 6.20% | 3.72% | 8,965 6.50% |
| 30 to 34 years | 4,000 5.90% | 4,320 6.10% | 7.41% | 8,320 6.00% |
| 20 to 24 years | 4,230 6.30% | 3,925 5.50% | 7.21% | 8,155 5.90% |
| 60 to 64 years | 3,915 5.80% | 4,195 5.90% | 6.67% | 8,110 5.90% |
| 0 to 4 years | 3,695 5.50% | 3,650 5.10% | 1.22% | 7,345 5.30% |
| 25 to 29 years | 3,605 5.30% | 3,560 5.00% | 1.25% | 7,165 5.20% |
| 65 to 69 years | 2,975 4.40% | 3,400 4.80% | 12.50% | 6,370 4.60% |
| 70 to 74 years | 2,385 3.50% | 2,945 4.10% | 19.02% | 5,330 3.80% |
| 75 to 79 years | 1,645 2.40% | 1,910 2.70% | 13.87% | 3,555 2.60% |
| 85 years and over | 1,060 1.60% | 1,765 2.50% | 39.94% | 2,825 2.00% |
| 80 to 84 years | 995 1.50% | 1,355 1.90% | 26.57% | 2,345 1.70% |
| 85 to 89 years | 675 1.00% | 1,005 1.40% | 32.84% | 1,685 1.20% |
| 90 to 94 years | 310 0.50% | 605 0.90% | 48.76% | 915 0.70% |
| 95 to 99 years | 70 0.10% | 125 0.20% | 44.00% | 200 0.10% |
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 66.20% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 19.10% and 14.80%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Whitby are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age of the population | 38.40% | 41.20% | 40.00% |
| Average age of the population | 38.50% | 40.40% | 39.50% |
| 0 to 14 years | 20.00% | 18.20% | 19.10% |
| 65 years and over | 13.40% | 16.00% | 14.80% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Whitby
Explore Whitby Through Videos
Population of Whitby by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Whitby is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Whitby 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 English, which accounts for 19.92% of the total population, followed by Irish (17.07%), Scottish (16.68%), Canadian (13.68%), and Italian (6.43%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include German, Indian (India), French, British Isles, and Chinese.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 19.97% | 19.88% | 19.92% |
| Irish | 16.96% | 17.18% | 17.07% |
| Scottish | 16.67% | 16.70% | 16.68% |
| Canadian | 14.00% | 13.38% | 13.68% |
| Italian | 6.81% | 6.08% | 6.43% |
| German | 6.09% | 6.20% | 6.15% |
| Indian (India) | 6.35% | 5.63% | 5.98% |
| French | 5.17% | 5.63% | 5.40% |
| British Isles | 4.63% | 5.02% | 4.83% |
| Chinese | 4.37% | 4.25% | 4.31% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Whitby's population profile.
About 27.8% of Whitby's population are immigrants (37,985 people).
The top countries of origin for Whitby's immigrant population are India (4,890), United Kingdom (3,645), Jamaica (2,770), China (2,180), Philippines (2,110).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| India | 4,890 |
| United Kingdom | 3,645 |
| Jamaica | 2,770 |
| China | 2,180 |
| Philippines | 2,110 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 32,295 of Whitby's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 13.75% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 4 persons households ranked second, accounting for 11.35% of the population. 3 persons, 1 person, and 5 or more persons households account for 9.70%, 8.65%, and 6.60%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 12,775 | 13.75% |
| 4 persons | 10,525 | 11.35% |
| 3 persons | 8,995 | 9.70% |
| 1 person | 8,015 | 8.65% |
| 5 or more persons | 6,155 | 6.60% |
Income in Whitby
Analyzing income distribution in Whitby can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Whitby is $48,000.
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 Whitby population or around 14,855 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $100,000 to $149,999 with around 13,490 and 12,600 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Whitby's median household income is $123,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Whitby's median household income is 39,000 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 Whitby
This data sheds light on the distribution of Whitby 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.
66.10% or most of the Whitby population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 33.90% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, 24.75% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 9.10% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 55,380 | 63,985 | 119,370 | 66.10% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26,425 | 34,450 | 60,870 | 33.90% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 24,015 | 22,350 | 46,370 | 24.75% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 9,225 | 8,790 | 18,010 | 9.10% |
Above national average 33.9% of Whitby's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Whitby
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Whitby. 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 8.23% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 58.80% |
| Unemployment rate | 8.23% |
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 Whitby's population (around 72.70%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 5,500 men and 3,710 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 9,210.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 5,500 | 3,710 | 9,210 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Whitby industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Whitby is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Whitby has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (11%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 11%, followed by Professional, scientific and technical services at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 1,455 | 6,730 | 11% |
| Retail trade | 4,245 | 3,870 | 11% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 3,405 | 3,160 | 9% |
| Educational services | 1,715 | 4,275 | 8% |
| Finance and insurance | 2,855 | 3,055 | 8% |
| Construction | 4,380 | 740 | 7% |
| Manufacturing | 3,250 | 1,300 | 6% |
| Public administration | 2,270 | 2,085 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 1,525 | 2,035 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 1,895 | 1,365 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 2,335 | 715 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 1,285 | 1,445 | 4% |
| Wholesale trade | 1,615 | 915 | 3% |
| Information and cultural industries | 1,280 | 790 | 3% |
| Utilities | 1,205 | 405 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 725 | 820 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 765 | 720 | 2% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 220 | 250 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 210 | 200 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 105 | 30 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Whitby residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Whitby: Health care and social assistance (11%), -45 Retail trade (11%), Professional, scientific and technical services (9%)
Top occupation categories in Whitby: Sales and service occupations (24%), Business, finance and administration occupations (20%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (14%)
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 | 17,845 | 17,365 | 35,210 | 54.30% |
| Worked at home | 10,300 | 12,140 | 22,440 | 34.60% |
| No fixed workplace address | 5,215 | 1,810 | 7,025 | 10.80% |
| Worked outside Canada | 110 | 60 | 165 | 0.30% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Whitby 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 Whitby residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Whitby 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 |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 28.10% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 24.70% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 19.50% |
| 60 minutes and over | 14.70% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 13.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Whitbyshed 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 Whitby'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 Whitby. About 133,040 people living in the province speak English, 1,865 people speak French, 1,575 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 650 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 133,040 |
| French | 1,865 |
| Neither English nor French | 1,575 |
| English and French | 650 |
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 | 75.5% | 85.6% |
| Non-official languages | 19.0% | 9.7% |
| French | 1.3% | 0.5% |
Religion
Whitby is predominantly Christian. About 74,270 of its population is Christian (34,385 males and 34,385 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 6.7% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Buddhist, both represent 5.4% and 0.7% of the population, while Sikh represent 0.5% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 54.3% |
| Islam | 6.7% |
| Hindu | 5.4% |
| Buddhist | 0.7% |
| Sikh | 0.5% |
| Jewish | 0.3% |
Points of Interest in Whitby
Schools
- Fairport Montessori Academy
- St. Paul Catholic School
- École élémentaire Antonine Maillet
- Woodcrest Public School
- St. Christopher Catholic School
- Sir William Stephenson Public School
Parks
- Nichol Park
- Longwood Park
- Chipperfield Park
- Ennisclare Park
- Whitby Optimist Park
- Glenayr Park
- Homestead Park
- Rimosa Park
- Ash Park
- Wyndfield Park
- Fallingbrook Open Space
- Kinsman Park
- Lakeside Park
- Exeter Park
- St. Andrews Park
- Lord Elgin Park
- Prince of Wales Park
- Glen Stewart Park
- Radio Park
- Warne Park
Libraries
- Whitby Public Library - Central Branch
- Ajax Public Library - McLean Branch
- Whitby Public Library - Rossland Branch
- Whitby Public Library - Brooklin Branch
- Ajax Public Library - Main Branch
- Ajax Public Library - Audley Branch
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Whitby
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
- Whitby Cenotaph
- Wounded Warriors Park of Reflection
- Polytechnique Massacre Memorial Stone
- Ajax Legacy Obelisk
- Wounded Warriors Park of Reflection
- Golden Light Pond
Theatres
Green Spaces in Whitby
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Nichol Park | Parks | — |
| Longwood Park | Parks | — |
| Chipperfield Park | Parks | — |
| Ennisclare Park | Parks | — |
| Whitby Optimist Park | Parks | — |
| Glenayr Park | Parks | — |
| Homestead Park | Parks | — |
| Rimosa Park | Parks | — |
| Ash Park | Parks | 2.2 ha |
| Wyndfield Park | Parks | 6.4 ha |
| Fallingbrook Open Space | Parks | 11.4 ha |
| Ajax Waterfront Conservation Area | Nature Reserves | — |
| Heber Down Conservation Area | Nature Reserves | — |
| Lynde Shores Conservation Area | Nature Reserves | — |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitby
According to the 2021 census, Whitby has a population of approximately 138,501 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Whitby increased by 7.89%.
Whitby has a population density of approximately 944.10 people per square kilometre.
Whitby covers a land area of approximately 146.69 km².
The median age of the population in Whitby is 40.00 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Whitby is English.
The median household income in Whitby is $123,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Whitby.
Christian is the predominant religion in Whitby.
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.