Demographics and Census

Research and demographic information is used to understand Richmond Hill residents and their characteristics, and to help plan for growth and new programs and services. There are many sources used to compile this information, much of it from government surveys.

Richmond Hill's Demographic Information

City-wide Demographic Information

Every 5 years, Statistics Canada (on behalf of the Government of Canada) undertakes a nation-wide Census. The purpose of this Census is to collect quantitative information on the country’s population, and provides a detailed snapshot of the demographic, social, and economic conditions of the country. The largest source of demographic information used by Richmond Hill comes from Statistics Canada and the Census Program. A Census Profile summarizes the information from each release of data from the Census and historically from the National Household Survey (NHS).

Census data is extremely important because it provides the information necessary to identify emerging trends that shape Richmond Hill and guide the City’s plans.

Demographic information by ward

More detailed Ward Profiles are available that break down demographic information and statistics by each ward in Richmond Hill, and are based on the 2016 Census, 2011 Census and National Household Survey, and the 2006 Census.

Other Demographic studies

Other studies have been undertaken to support various initiatives, including Richmond Hill's Strategic Plan and Official Plan.

Some of these studies include:

• Socio-Economic Study, 2019
• Socio-Economic Study, 2015

Key Facts

City-wide Statistics

The following is a summary of Key Facts for Richmond Hill, based on 2021 Census data:

Population: 202,022
Population Growth since 2016: 3.6%
Land Area: 101.11 sq. km
Most Common Dwelling Type: Single-detached House (56.7%)
Average Number of Persons per Dwelling Unit: 2.9
Average Value of Dwelling Unit: $1,344,000
Most Common Mother Tongue Languages: English (36.2%), Mandarin (13.7%), Cantonese (12.1%) and Persian/ Farsi (10.3%)
Most Common Ethnic Origins: Chinese (28.5%), Iranian (10.1%) and Italian (8.0%)
Most Common Religion: Christian (39.6%)
Population with a Bachelor Degree or Above: 56.0%
Employment Rate: 54.4%
Most Common Occupations: Sales and service (23.3%), Business, finance and administration (22.1%), Natural and applied sciences and related occupations (15.5%)
Average Household Income in 2020: $134,000

Population of Richmond Hill

Historic, current and projected population figures for the City are listed below:

Note: Current and historical population figures are based on Census data from Statistics Canada. Projected population levels (marked with an asterisk) are City-wide population forecasts from the York Region Official Plan and Richmond Hill Official Plan.

More Information

The City's Office of Economic Development also provides socio-economic information about Richmond Hill.

Additional statistical information is available as part of the background work for the Official Plan.