Ottawa, the capital of Canada and the fourth largest city in the country, boasts a vibrant and diverse population.
As of 2024, the estimated population of Ottawa is 1,070,889, reflecting steady growth from 1,017,449 in the 2021 Canadian Census and 934,243 in 2016โan annual growth rate of 1.72%.
Located along the Ottawa River in the eastern region of Southern Ontario, Ottawa serves as a political and cultural hub within the province.
The city proper covers a sprawling area of 2,778.13 square kilometers (1,072.9 square miles) and has a population density of 317 people per square kilometer (820/sq mi).
In 2001, the Province of Ontario merged the former City of Ottawa with 11 neighboring municipalities to form the current city structure. Including its larger census metropolitan area (CMA), Ottawa has a population of approximately 1.25 million, making it the fourth largest metro area in Canada.
Ottawa’s neighboring cities include Gatineau, just across the river in Quebec, forming part of the National Capital Region, as well as Toronto and Montreal, two of Canadaโs largest cities.
Key Takeaways
Population Growth
Ottawa’s planned “pause” on population growth, if successful, could help Canada make up a lot of ground in the housing supply gap, the PBO says.
READ MORE: https://t.co/qZmtvx13t9https://t.co/qZmtvx13t9
โ Globalnews.ca (@globalnews) November 15, 2024
Since the 1980s, approximately three-quarters of Ottawa’s population growth has resulted from migration from other cities and international immigration.
For over seven years, the Ottawa metropolitan area has consistently exceeded the national average growth rate.
Between 2006 and 2011, the city experienced a population increase of over 9%, surpassing the national average of 5.9%.
Ottawa is also preparing for a significant population expansion beyond the Greenbelt, with projections estimating growth from the current 291,000 residents to 432,000 by 2031.
Age Distribution
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Ottawa population distribution by age, 2016
The 35-49 and 50-64 age groups each represent 21% of the total population, making them the largest segments. This highlights a substantial proportion of Ottawaโs population being in their prime working years according to Ottawainisghts.
The 65-84 age group accounts for 20%, reflecting an aging population and the potential for increased healthcare and retirement services demand.
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The younger population (0-4 years) is the smallest group at only 2%, indicating a relatively low birth rate or young child population.
The 5-19 age group makes up 13%, reflecting the portion of the population in school-going years.
The 20-34 age group comprises 18%, showcasing a significant number of young adults, possibly due to Ottawaโs educational institutions and early-career opportunities.
The 85+ age group, at 5%, indicates a smaller but notable segment of very elderly residents.
Ethnic and Racial Composition
World Population Review notes that The majority of Ottawa’s population is white, accounting for 74.2% of residents. The white population includes diverse ethnic backgrounds such as Canadian (28.4%), English (24.3%), Irish (22.5%), and French (21.5%).
Approximately 23.7% of the population are visible minorities. Among these groups, Black (5.7%), Chinese (4.0%), and South Asian (3.9%) represent the largest minority communities.
Aboriginal peoples make up 2.1% of the population, with First Nations (1.2%) as the largest subgroup. Mรฉtis and Inuit populations are smaller, but they contribute to Ottawa’s diversity.
Ottawa also includes smaller communities such as Arabs (3.7%), Southeast Asians (1.6%), and Filipinos (1.2%), reflecting a growing multicultural fabric.
With 24% of residents being foreign-born, Ottawa showcases its role as a destination for immigrants, enhancing its ethnic and cultural diversity.
Ottawa has evolved from an Irish and French Christian settlement into a multicultural urban hub, with a significant presence of both long-established European-descended residents and a growing number of visible minorities.
Educational Attainment of Ottawa Residents (Aged 25 to 64)
A significant majority (75%) of Ottawa residents aged 25 to 64 have postsecondary qualifications, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Only 6% lack formal educational credentials, which suggests strong access to education in the city based on data from Ottawa Public Health.
This high rate of postsecondary attainment is indicative of Ottawaโs skilled labor market and likely linked to its prominence in professional, government, and high-tech sectors.
Ottawa Labor Force Statistics
Year
Total Labor Force (Age 15+)
Unemployment Rate (%)
Youth Unemployment Rate (%) (15-24)
2016
513,655
7.2%
N/A
2017
N/A
6%
13%
The overall unemployment rate dropped from 7.2% in 2016 to 6% in 2017, reflecting improvement in labor market conditions.
However, youth unemployment remains significantly higher (13% in 2017), suggesting challenges for young people entering the workforce despite Ottawaโs robust job market.
With over 500,000 individuals in the labor force, Ottawa demonstrates a strong employment base, but targeted initiatives may be needed for youth employment.
Employment by Occupation (2016)
Sales and service roles employ the largest share of Ottawaโs workforce (21%), showcasing the importance of retail, hospitality, and related industries.
High representation in business and finance (18%) reflects Ottawaโs economic diversity and strength in professional services as noted in the MDB Insights Report.
Education, law, and government services (16%) highlight Ottawaโs status as Canadaโs capital, with a significant proportion of public-sector employment.
Median After-Tax Income
The median individual after-tax income rose significantly from $28,945 in 2005 to $37,136 in 2015, reflecting income growth over the decade.
Households with children enjoy the highest median incomes ($115,637), whereas lone parents and single-person households face lower income levels.
The disparity between household types underscores the economic challenges faced by single individuals and lone parents.
Low-Income Thresholds and Prevalence (2015)
A household of four is considered low income with an after-tax income below $44,266, while the threshold for a single person is $22,133.
In 2015, 13% of Ottawa residents lived in low-income households, with children under 18 experiencing the highest prevalence of low income (16%) as noted in Statistique Canada.
Seniors aged 65 and over have the lowest prevalence (9%), which could reflect stable income sources such as pensions or government support.
Ottawa Average Salary and Salary Ranges
Accoding to the ZipRecruiter the average annual salary in Ottawa is $64,995, equating to approximately $31.25 per hour. This figure is indicative of the city’s robust economic environment and a wide range of job opportunities.
Salaries in Ottawa vary widely, with most falling between $48,250 (25th percentile) and $80,000 (75th percentile) annually. This range highlights the disparity between entry-level and mid-to-senior level positions.
The average weekly salary is $1,249, translating to a monthly income of approximately $5,416, providing residents with a clear idea of earnings distribution on a more granular level.
Salaries in Ottawa depend on factors such as occupation, experience, industry, and education. Professional roles in government, technology, or finance typically command higher salaries, while entry-level or part-time roles may fall closer to the 25th percentile.
Crime and Safety Statistics
Crime Indicator
Level
Level of Crime
30.10 (Low)
Crime Increasing in the Past 5 Years
62.11 (High)
Worries Home Broken Into and Things Stolen
26.04 (Low)
Worries Being Mugged or Robbed
23.37 (Low)
Worries Car Stolen
22.15 (Low)
Worries Things Stolen from Car
34.22 (Low)
Worries Being Attacked
26.37 (Low)
Worries Being Insulted
31.21 (Low)
Worries Physical Attack Due to Skin Color, Ethnic Origin, Gender, or Religion
18.86 (Very Low)
Problem: People Using or Dealing Drugs
47.16 (Moderate)
Problem: Property Crimes (Vandalism and Theft)
38.47 (Low)
Problem: Violent Crimes (Assault and Armed Robbery)
29.42 (Low)
Problem: Corruption and Bribery
27.06 (Low)
Ottawa demonstrates relatively low crime levels overall, with a low level of violent and property crimes such as assault, armed robbery, and vandalism.
While general crime rates are low, drug-related activities show moderate concern, with a level of 47.16 according to Numbeo.
Worries about being physically attacked or insulted due to factors like ethnicity, gender, or religion are very low, highlighting a safe and inclusive social environment.
Despite low crime levels, perceptions of crime increasing in the past five years are high at 62.11, reflecting growing public concern about certain types of crime.
Safety Levels in Ottawa
Ottawa is considered very safe for walking alone during daylight, with a high safety index of 83.42.
Walking alone at night is also deemed safe, with a high level of 61.67, though slightly lower than during daylight hours.
These safety ratings highlight Ottawa’s reputation as a secure and comfortable city for its residents and visitors.
Methodology
- Data was gathered from reliable sources such as Statistics Canada, Numbeo, and local government reports.
- Population statistics were derived from recent census data and growth projections.
- Crime and safety levels were analyzed using Numbeo’s crime indices for Ottawa.
- Labor force and education data were extracted from Ottawa Public Health and MDB Insights reports.
- Income levels were sourced from official after-tax income records and salary benchmarks like ZipRecruiter.
- The article was structured to present key demographic, economic, and safety insights in an accessible format.
References
- Statistics Canada – 2021 Canadian Census
- Ottawa Insights – General Demographics
- World Population Review – Ottawa Population
- Ottawa Public Health – Sociodemographics: Education, Employment, and Income
- MDB Insights Report – Rural Economic Strategy
- Statistique Canada – 2016 Census Analytical Report
- ZipRecruiter – Ottawa Salaries
- Numbeo – Crime in Ottawa
