Hamilton’s population in 2024 is estimated to be 786,843, up from 263,177 in 1950 according to the World Population Review.
Over the past year, the population grew by 5,796, reflecting an annual growth rate of 0.74%.
These figures are based on the most recent update from the UN World Urbanization Prospects and include the broader urban agglomeration, encompassing both Hamilton and nearby suburban areas.
Key Takeaways
Population Density of Hamilton
Hamilton proper has a population density of 465 people per square mile (1,205 per square kilometer).
The urban area houses approximately 569,353 residents as noted by Canadian Census, while the broader metropolitan area has a population of almost 787,000, making it the 9th largest in Canada according to the Macrotrends.
The city spans a total area of 1,138.11 square kilometers (439.43 square miles).
Population by Age Groups
The largest portion of the population falls within the working-age group (15 to 64 years), accounting for 373,820 people according to the Canadian Census Report.
The senior population (65 years and over) makes up a significant portion, highlighting an aging trend in Hamilton.
The youth population (0 to 14 years) accounts for 91,240 individuals, indicating a modest number of younger residents.
Distribution of Population by Broad Age Groups
The majority of the population (65.7%) is within the working age (15 to 64 years).
Seniors (65 years and over) represent 18.3%, with 2.6% of the population aged 85 and older.
The youth population (0 to 14 years) makes up 16%, suggesting a balanced distribution across generations.
Average and Median Age
The average age of 41.5 and median age of 40.8 indicate that Hamilton’s population is relatively mature, with a slight leaning towards an aging demographic. This is consistent with the substantial proportion of residents aged 65 and over.
Hamilton Employment Trends
Metric
Value
Unemployment Rate (November 2024)
6.8%
Monthly Change in Unemployment Rate
+0.6%
Change from June 2020 Peak
-6.4%
Relation to Long-Run Average
Above Average
The unemployment rate in November 2024 rose to 6.8%, marking a 0.6% increase from the previous month.
While it remains 6.4% lower than the peak in June 2020, it is still above the long-run average as noted by CREA STATS.
Employment Changes (November 2024)
November 2024 saw a reduction in employment, with 2,500 fewer full-time jobs and a loss of 600 part-time positions. This contributed to a total job loss of 3,100 in one month.
Full-time employment remains 2,500 jobs below its recent peak in October 2024.
Seasonal adjustment ensures these figures account for normal fluctuations, reflecting true underlying trends. The rise in unemployment and job losses highlights potential economic pressures in the region.
Language Spoken in Hamilton
The dominant language in Hamilton is English, spoken by 92.29% of the population.
A smaller proportion (5.79%) are bilingual in English and French.
French alone accounts for a negligible 0.07%, while 1.85% of the population speaks languages other than English or French, highlighting a low level of linguistic diversity.
Household Income Distribution in Hamilton
Income Bracket
Population
Percentage
< 10k
36,650
8.13%
> 100k
45,215
10.03%
10k to 19k
55,620
12.34%
20k to 29k
71,615
15.89%
30k to 39k
58,470
12.97%
40k to 49k
50,680
11.25%
50k to 59k
40,980
9.09%
60k to 69k
32,600
7.23%
70k to 79k
25,035
5.56%
80k to 89k
18,820
4.18%
90k to 99k
14,970
3.32%
Hamilton’s income distribution shows that the largest proportion of households (15.89%) earn between $20,000 and $29,999 annually.
Households earning above $100,000 make up 10.03%, while 8.13% earn less than $10,000 as per World Population Reviews.
The distribution indicates a modest middle-class population with a smaller proportion of high-income households.
Average and Median Household Income
The average household income in Hamilton is $108,700, while the median is $86,000.
The gap between the average and median suggests a skewed distribution where a small number of high-income households raise the average.
This indicates some level of income inequality within the city.
Well-being Indicators
Indicator
Hamilton (%)
Ontario (%)
National (%)
Comparison
Perceived health, very good or excellent
63.8
60.7
60.8
Similar
Perceived mental health, very good or excellent
71.9
69.1
69.4
Similar
Perceived life stress, quite a bit or extremely stressful
23.3
21.6
21.4
Similar
Hamilton residents reported similar levels of perceived health, mental health, and stress compared to Ontario and the national averages.
These findings suggest no statistically significant differences in well-being indicators as noted by Government sources.
Health Conditions
The prevalence of health conditions in Hamilton, such as obesity, asthma, and mood disorders, is comparable to Ontario and national averages, with no statistically significant differences.
Health Behaviors
Hamilton’s health behaviors are largely similar to Ontario and national averages, reflecting consistent trends in physical activity, smoking, and heavy drinking.
Health System Indicators
Hamilton residents are more likely to have a regular healthcare provider compared to the national average, though influenza immunization rates are similar across all regions.
Personal Resources
Hamilton residents report high levels of life satisfaction and a strong sense of belonging, comparable to Ontario and national figures.
Population Growth and Forecasts
Indicator
Value
Projected population by 2051
Over 800,000
Population increase from 2021 to 2051
40%
Growth comparison to other regions
Slower than Halton and Waterloo, but higher than Niagara
Hamilton’s population is projected to grow significantly, reaching over 800,000 by 2051, representing a 40% increase from 2021. This growth rate is slower compared to other regions such as Halton and Waterloo, but higher than Niagara.
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General Immigrant Demographics
Immigrants make up a substantial portion of Hamilton’s population (26%), with nearly a quarter of them arriving in the past decade (2011-2021).
The majority of recent immigrants are economic immigrants (39%) or refugees (35%).
Additionally, two-step migration is common, with 34% of recent immigrants having arrived as temporary foreign workers, international students, or asylum seekers.
Racialized Status
Racialized populations in Hamilton have grown, now making up 25.1% of the total population in 2021, up from 19% in 2016 according to Hamilton Immigration.
Among recent immigrants, nearly 85% belong to a racialized group, with South Asian, Arab, and Black populations being the largest.
Place of Origin and Ethnicity
Indicator
Value
Top place of birth for all immigrants
United Kingdom
Top place of birth for recent immigrants
India
Other common places of birth for recent immigrants
Syria, Philippines, Nigeria, Iraq
Top ethnic origins of recent immigrants
Indian, Syrian, Filipino, Arab
The majority of Hamilton’s immigrants were born in the United Kingdom, but India has become the top place of birth for recent immigrants.
Other notable places of origin include Syria, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Iraq, with Indian, Syrian, Filipino, and Arab ethnic groups representing the largest proportions among recent immigrants.
Employment, Income, and Education
Indicator
Recent Immigrants
All Immigrants
Total Population
Labor market participation rate
Higher
N/A
N/A
Unemployment rate
Slightly higher
N/A
N/A
Average employment earnings
$36,800
$44,720
$50,020
Low-income situation (recent immigrants)
19.3%
N/A
9.3%
Women in low-income situations (both groups)
More likely
N/A
N/A
University education (25-64 years old)
53%
35.9%
31%
Recent immigrants in Hamilton have a higher labor market participation rate but also a slightly higher unemployment rate.
From The Hamilton Project’s assessment of the labor market:
➡️ The labor market has slowed but remains tight
➡️ White men continue to lag in labor force participation
➡️ Involuntary part-time work and transitions from unemployment into self-employment have increased since 2023 pic.twitter.com/rVUGovM9ZA— The Hamilton Project (@hamiltonproj) October 31, 2024
They earn less on average ($36,800) compared to both all immigrants ($44,720) and the total population ($50,020), and are more likely to live in low-income situations.
Notably, recent immigrant women are more likely to live in poverty than men. However, a higher percentage of recent immigrants (53%) have university degrees compared to both all immigrants (35.9%) and the total population (31%).
Methodology
The article was crafted by gathering and analyzing multiple data points from reputable sources, including the World Population Review, Canadian Census, and UN World Urbanization Prospects.
Key statistics on Hamilton’s population, demographics, employment trends, and other factors were presented to provide a comprehensive overview. We compared Hamilton’s data with that of Ontario and Canada to highlight differences and similarities.
The article includes detailed breakdowns of population distribution, income, age, language, and immigrant demographics.
Statistical comparisons were made using relevant datasets to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Finally, we summarized key trends and provided analysis to offer insight into Hamilton’s current situation and projections.
