About Summerside
Summerside isn’t just another dot on the map of Canada. This intriguing city on Prince Edward Island possesses a unique blend of culture, history, and nature, which appeals to both residents and visitors alike. It is this special blend that has continuously positioned Summerside as an iconic location in Canada’s easternmost province.
When you think about the East Coast, images of rugged coastlines, sprawling vistas, and quaint towns may come to mind. But, nestled within this iconic landscape is a city that beats with a rhythm all its own. Summerside stands out, not just because of its distinctive charm, but also due to its strategic position on the island, making it a hub for cultural and economic activities.
With a population of over 16,000 people, Summerside might not boast big city numbers, but what it lacks in size, it compensates with an unparalleled spirit. The people here have a passion for community, a love for their city, and a deep-rooted sense of belonging. It’s a place where everybody knows your name, and community ties are cherished and nurtured.
While many towns in Prince Edward Island have succumbed to the pressures of modernization, Summerside has managed to strike a balance. Here, old-world charm meets contemporary conveniences. Red-bricked streets echo stories of yesteryears while innovative businesses push forward, eyeing the future.
It’s more than just a city. Summerside embodies the spirit of Prince Edward Island – a testament to resilience, a celebration of culture, and a beacon of progress. Those who have had the privilege to stroll its streets, engage with its people, or experience its festivities will agree: Summerside isn’t just a place to live, it’s a place to belong.
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Summerside has a population of around 16,001 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Summerside has increased by 7.83%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 14,839 | 16,001 | +7.83% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.52% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Summerside's population is projected to reach approximately 17,254 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 611.63 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 16,001 | 17,254 | 611.63 |
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 Summerside is around 7,590 while the female population is around 8,415.
Of the 16,001 total population in Summerside, the largest gender is female with around 8,415 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 7,590 | 8,415 | +9.80% |
Is Summerside a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Summerside compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Prince Edward Island, 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 Cities Near Summerside
- Charlottetown (53.9 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Summerside has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 7.70% of the total population. The city median age is 46.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 575 7.60% | 670 8.00% | 14.18% | 1,240 7.70% |
| 60 to 64 years | 515 6.80% | 680 8.10% | 24.26% | 1,200 7.50% |
| 65 to 69 years | 500 6.60% | 595 7.10% | 15.97% | 1,100 6.90% |
| 20 to 24 years | 590 7.80% | 500 5.90% | 15.25% | 1,090 6.80% |
| 70 to 74 years | 465 6.10% | 560 6.70% | 16.96% | 1,025 6.40% |
| 45 to 49 years | 485 6.40% | 525 6.20% | 7.62% | 1,005 6.30% |
| 50 to 54 years | 455 6.00% | 530 6.30% | 14.15% | 985 6.20% |
| 35 to 39 years | 405 5.30% | 475 5.60% | 14.74% | 880 5.50% |
| 40 to 44 years | 405 5.30% | 470 5.60% | 13.83% | 880 5.50% |
| 10 to 14 years | 440 5.80% | 415 4.90% | 5.68% | 855 5.30% |
| 15 to 19 years | 430 5.70% | 425 5.10% | 1.16% | 855 5.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 420 5.50% | 430 5.10% | 2.33% | 850 5.30% |
| 25 to 29 years | 425 5.60% | 390 4.60% | 8.24% | 820 5.10% |
| 5 to 9 years | 435 5.70% | 380 4.50% | 12.64% | 815 5.10% |
| 75 to 79 years | 285 3.80% | 425 5.10% | 32.94% | 710 4.40% |
| 0 to 4 years | 335 4.40% | 295 3.50% | 11.94% | 635 4.00% |
| 80 to 84 years | 215 2.80% | 320 3.80% | 32.81% | 535 3.30% |
| 85 years and over | 200 2.60% | 330 3.90% | 39.39% | 530 3.30% |
| 85 to 89 years | 135 1.80% | 220 2.60% | 38.64% | 355 2.20% |
| 90 to 94 years | 40 0.50% | 80 1.00% | 50.00% | 120 0.70% |
| Median age of the population | 44 44.00% | 49 49.20% | 10.16% | 47 46.80% |
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 61.20% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 24.30% and 14.40%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Summerside are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average age of the population | 43.00% | 46.70% | 44.90% |
| 65 years and over | 22.00% | 26.40% | 24.30% |
| 0 to 14 years | 16.00% | 13.00% | 14.40% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Summerside
Explore Summerside Through Videos
Population of Summerside by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Summerside is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Summerside 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 Scottish, which accounts for 28.05% of the total population, followed by English (23.80%), Irish (23.61%), French (18.08%), and Canadian (16.92%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Acadian, German, Caucasian (White), Filipino, and Indian (India).
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish | 27.57% | 28.47% | 28.05% |
| English | 23.47% | 24.09% | 23.80% |
| Irish | 21.45% | 25.57% | 23.61% |
| French | 17.82% | 18.36% | 18.08% |
| Canadian | 16.14% | 17.56% | 16.92% |
| Acadian | 7.46% | 8.19% | 7.85% |
| German | 4.24% | 4.62% | 4.44% |
| Caucasian (White) | 4.57% | 3.64% | 4.05% |
| Filipino | 2.35% | 2.28% | 2.35% |
| Indian (India) | 2.56% | 1.66% | 2.06% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Summerside's population profile.
About 6.2% of Summerside's population are immigrants (960 people).
The top countries of origin for Summerside's immigrant population are Philippines (255), United Kingdom (120), United States of America (90), India (70), China (45).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 255 |
| United Kingdom | 120 |
| United States of America | 90 |
| India | 70 |
| China | 45 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 3,485 of Summerside's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.80% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 16.80% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.75%, 4.95%, and 2.70%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 2,665 | 18.80% |
| 1 person | 2,385 | 16.80% |
| 3 persons | 955 | 6.75% |
| 4 persons | 705 | 4.95% |
| 5 or more persons | 385 | 2.70% |
Income in Summerside
Analyzing income distribution in Summerside can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Summerside is $36,400.
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 Summerside population or around 2,355 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 2,125 and 1,645 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Summerside's median household income is $63,200, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Summerside's median household income is 20,800 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 Summerside
This data sheds light on the distribution of Summerside 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.
53.75% or most of the Summerside population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 31.95% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 18.70% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 14.30% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 4,995 | 6,025 | 11,015 | 53.75% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 3,125 | 3,580 | 6,705 | 31.95% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 1,705 | 2,075 | 3,775 | 18.70% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 1,720 | 1,520 | 3,230 | 14.30% |
Below national average 18.7% of Summerside's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Summerside
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Summerside. 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 6.30% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 54.90% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.30% |
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 Summerside's population (around 69.50%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 380 men and 265 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 650.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 380 | 265 | 650 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Summerside industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Summerside is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Summerside has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (13%) works in the retail trade sector. The Manufacturing sector comes second at 13%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 13%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | 465 | 605 | 13% |
| Manufacturing | 695 | 330 | 13% |
| Health care and social assistance | 200 | 820 | 13% |
| Public administration | 365 | 580 | 12% |
| Accommodation and food services | 300 | 475 | 10% |
| Construction | 490 | 35 | 7% |
| Educational services | 190 | 315 | 6% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 180 | 185 | 5% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 150 | 155 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 125 | 175 | 4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 190 | 65 | 3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 200 | 50 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 120 | 45 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 115 | 0 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 45 | 70 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 75 | 25 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 30 | 35 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 25 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Summerside residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Summerside: -45 Retail trade (13%), -33 Manufacturing (13%), Health care and social assistance (13%)
Top occupation categories in Summerside: Sales and service occupations (31%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (16%), Business, finance and administration occupations (16%)
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 | 2,585 | 2,885 | 5,470 | 75.10% |
| Worked at home | 390 | 605 | 990 | 13.60% |
| No fixed workplace address | 640 | 165 | 805 | 11.10% |
| Worked outside Canada | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0.10% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Summerside 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 Summerside residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Summerside 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 | 70.10% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 17.80% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 5.30% |
| 60 minutes and over | 3.60% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.20% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Summersideshed 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 Summerside'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 Summerside. About 15,150 people living in the province speak English, 560 people speak French, 35 people speak English and French language, and 30 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 15,150 |
| French | 560 |
| English and French | 35 |
| Neither English nor French | 30 |
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 | 86.5% | 92.0% |
| Non-official languages | 7.3% | 5.1% |
| French | 3.9% | 1.3% |
Religion
Summerside is predominantly Christian. About 10,250 of its population is Christian (4,650 males and 4,650 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Sikh with 2.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Muslim and Hindu, both represent 1.0% and 0.7% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.1% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 65.9% |
| Sikh | 2.0% |
| Islam | 1.0% |
| Hindu | 0.7% |
| Buddhist | 0.1% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Summerside
Hospitals
Schools
- Athena Consolidated School
- L'école-sur-Mer
- Three Oaks Senior High School
- Summerside Intermediate School
- Parkside Elementary School
- Elm Street Elementary School
- Greenfield Elementary School
- Athena Consolidated School
- École-Sur-Mer
Parks
- Billy Bridges Park
- Heather Moyse Heritage Park
- Memorial Park
- Leger Park
- Schurman Park
- Queen Elizabeth Park
- Harvard Street Park
- Centennial Park
- Jennifer Street Park
- Rotary Friendship Park
- LeFurgey Park
- Crescent Drive
- Errol Thompson Park
- Blue Bell Park
- Meadow Heights Park
- Air Force Heritage Park
- Woodridge Place Park
- Maplewood Park
- Hillcrest Park
- Wilmot Park
- Hilson Point Park
Libraries
Community Centres
- St.Eleanors Community Centre
- Wyatt Centre
- 200 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association
- Generation XX
- St.Mary's Hall
- Wilmot Community Centre
- Linkletter Community Centre
- Sherbrooke Community Centre
Places to Visit in Summerside
Museums
- Bishop's Machine Shop
- The Lefurgey Cultural Centre
- McNaught History Centre & Archives
- Wyatt House Museum
- Summerside Interpretive Centre and PEI Fox Museum
Historic Sites
- Prince County Memorial
- Grumman CP-121 Tracker
- Canadair CP-107 Argus
- McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo
- de Havilland Canada CC-115 Buffalo
- Summerside Wind Farm
Theatres
Green Spaces in Summerside
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Billy Bridges Park | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Heather Moyse Heritage Park | Parks | 6.9 ha |
| Memorial Park | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Leger Park | Parks | 1.8 ha |
| Schurman Park | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Queen Elizabeth Park | Parks | 3.6 ha |
| Harvard Street Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Centennial Park | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Jennifer Street Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Rotary Friendship Park | Parks | 27.3 ha |
| LeFurgey Park | Parks | 1.5 ha |
| Crescent Drive | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Errol Thompson Park | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Blue Bell Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Meadow Heights Park | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Air Force Heritage Park | Parks | 1.1 ha |
| Woodridge Place Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Maplewood Park | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Hillcrest Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Wilmot Park | Parks | 1.8 ha |
| Hilson Point Park | Parks | 0.5 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Summerside
According to the 2021 census, Summerside has a population of approximately 16,001 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Summerside increased by 7.83%.
Summerside has a population density of approximately 567.20 people per square kilometre.
Summerside covers a land area of approximately 28.21 km².
The median age of the population in Summerside is 46.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Summerside is Scottish.
The median household income in Summerside is $63,200, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Summerside.
Christian is the predominant religion in Summerside.
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.