Ontario Population Overview (2026)
Ontario is a province in Central Canada and the country’s most populous province. It is bordered by Manitoba to the west, Hudson Bay and James Bay to the north, Quebec to the east and northeast, and the U.S. states of Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York to the south.
Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and the fourth-largest province by land area. According to the 2021 Canadian Census, Ontario had a population of 14,223,942. Statistics Canada’s quarterly population estimates show that Ontario’s population reached 16,103,890 in Q2 2026.
Ontario continues to experience significant population growth, supported by immigration, international migration and its strong economy. Based on recent population trends, Ontario’s population could reach approximately 16.2 million by 2027.
Ontario Population Snapshot – Q2 2026
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Population of Ontario | 16,103,890 |
| Population in 2021 Census | 14,223,942 |
| Population in Q4 2025 | 16,191,372 |
| Projected Population in 2027 | ~16.2 million |
| Rank by Population in Canada | 1st |
Read more about the population of Ontario, including population trends, cities and the latest demographic estimates.
Read more about: Religion in Ontario
Ontario Population Growth (2021–2026)
Ontario has experienced strong population growth in recent years, driven largely by immigration, international migration and urban expansion. According to Statistics Canada’s latest quarterly estimate, Ontario’s population stood at 16,103,890 in Q2 2026.
- Population growth rate (2021–Q2 2026): 13.22%
- Population increase since 2021: 1,879,948 people
Ontario remains firmly ranked as Canada’s largest province by population. While population growth has moderated from some of the exceptionally high growth seen in recent years, Ontario continues to be a major destination for immigrants and remains the country’s largest population centre.
Ontario Population Q2 2026 Snapshot
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 16,103,890 |
| Population Increase since 2021 | 1,879,948 |
| Percentage Change since 2021 | 13.22% |
| Population Rank in Canada | 1st |
| Total Land Area | 344,562 sq mi (892,412 sq km) |
| Area Rank | 4th |
| Population Density | ~18.0 per km² |
| Capital City | Toronto |
| Largest City | Toronto |
| Reference Period | Q2 2026 |
| Source | Statistics Canada |
Ontario Population Projection (2020–2100)
Ontario’s population is projected to continue growing steadily through the rest of the century, driven primarily by immigration, urbanization, and economic opportunities. Based on Statistics Canada trends and long-term demographic projections, Ontario’s population is expected to cross 16.2 million by 2026 and could reach over 22 million by 2100.
Ontario Population Projection Table (2020–2100)
| Year | Ontario Population (Projected) |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 14.7 million |
| 2025 | 16.0 million |
| 2030 | 17.6 million |
| 2040 | 19.1 million |
| 2050 | 20.2 million |
| 2060 | 21.0 million |
| 2070 | 21.6 million |
| 2080 | 22.1 million |
| 2090 | 22.5 million |
| 2100 | 22.8 million |
Ontario Historical Population
Ontario’s population history reflects Canada’s broader economic and social evolution. In 1851, the province had a population of just under 1 million. By 2021, this figure had grown to 14.2 million, representing an increase of over 13 million people in 170 years.
The most rapid population growth occurred during the mid-20th century, particularly between 1941 and 1971. More recently, growth has remained steady, with a 5.8% increase between 2016 and 2021, highlighting Ontario’s continued demographic expansion.
Ontario Population by Year (1851–2021)
| Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1851 | 952,004 | — |
| 1861 | 1,396,091 | 46.6% |
| 1871 | 1,620,851 | 16.1% |
| 1881 | 1,926,922 | 18.9% |
| 1891 | 2,114,321 | 9.7% |
| 1901 | 2,182,947 | 3.2% |
| 1911 | 2,527,292 | 15.8% |
| 1921 | 2,933,662 | 16.1% |
| 1931 | 3,431,683 | 17.0% |
| 1941 | 3,787,655 | 10.4% |
| 1951 | 4,597,542 | 21.4% |
| 1956 | 5,404,933 | 17.6% |
| 1961 | 6,236,092 | 15.4% |
| 1966 | 6,960,870 | 11.6% |
| 1971 | 7,703,105 | 10.7% |
| 1976 | 8,264,465 | 7.3% |
| 1981 | 8,625,107 | 4.4% |
| 1986 | 9,101,695 | 5.5% |
| 1991 | 10,084,885 | 10.8% |
| 1996 | 10,753,573 | 6.6% |
| 2001 | 11,410,046 | 6.1% |
| 2006 | 12,160,282 | 6.6% |
| 2011 | 12,851,821 | 5.7% |
| 2016 | 13,448,494 | 4.6% |
| 2021 | 14,223,942 | 5.8% |
Source: Statistics Canada
👉 Read more: Top Cities in Canada by Population
Ethnic Composition of Ontario
People of European origins form the majority of Ontario’s population at 62.8%. The most commonly reported ethnic origins include Canadian, English, Scottish, Irish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, East Indian, and Dutch.
Indigenous peoples account for 2.9% of the population, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.
In 2021, approximately 34.3% of Ontarians identified as members of a visible minority. Major visible minority groups include South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino, Latino, and Arab populations.
👉 Read more about: Race and Ethnicity in Ontario
Largest Cities in Ontario by Population
Top 10 Cities in Ontario
| Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toronto | 2,761,285 |
| 2 | Ottawa | 1,000,940 |
| 3 | Mississauga | 712,825 |
| 4 | Brampton | 650,160 |
| 5 | Hamilton | 560,920 |
| 6 | London | 416,265 |
| 7 | Markham | 337,250 |
| 8 | Vaughan | 321,315 |
| 9 | Kitchener | 254,145 |
| 10 | Windsor | 226,465 |
👉 Read more about: Cities in Ontario
Sources
All population data is sourced from official Canadian and international statistical agencies:
English
Español
Português
Deutsch