Community Dashboard: Population
Rationale and analysis
Why this measurement is important
Population data is essential for planning purposes. All municipalities and Provinces need to know the size and composition of its population (such as age and gender, among other factors) to plan and deliver essential services.
How we measure this data
The annual population figure is an estimate, which is calculated by Statistics Canada, using census data along with birth rates, age cohorts, migration figures, et cetera.
The 2021 estimate was derived in January using the 2016 census data and includes an 'undercount' estimate in its calculation. 'Undercount' of the population usually accounts for three to four per cent of the baseline population figure.
Progress and advancements
Niagara Region Planning and Development Services has outlined a population growth target of 1.39 per cent per year from 2015 to 2050 in order to reach the intended population target of 694,000 by 2051.
While 2018 and 2019 were above target growth, 2020 saw a reduction in population growth, which was below the 1.39 per cent target, at 0.5 per cent. 2021 population was also below the 1.39 growth target, at 0.6 per cent.
Niagara Region's estimated population increased from 453,817 in 2016 to 484,840 in 2021, indicating a 6.8 per cent increase, which is greater than Ontario's population change of 5.8 per cent over this period. The City of Thorold is reported by Statistics Canada as being one of the ten fastest growing suburban municipalities in Canada, growing by 26.7 per cent.
About this indicator
Municipal population for Niagara, which includes all twelve municipalities: Fort Erie, Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Pelham, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Thorold, Wainfleet, Welland and West Lincoln.
More information
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
