Americas · Northern America
Canada Demographics
Canada’s population returned to quarterly growth in the second quarter of 2026, while annual population growth slowed to 0.5%. Fertility remains low, the median age is rising, and the share aged 65 and older has reached one fifth of the population.
Primary values use Statistics Canada population estimates and age-and-gender estimates released on September 23, 2026, with vital statistics and projection tables used for fertility, life expectancy and long-range scenarios. Urban values use World Bank WDI and UN World Urbanization Prospects definitions.
Last updated: September 27, 2026
Core Demographic Indicators
Population Growth Resumed as Annual Growth Slowed
Canada’s population was estimated at 41,798,407 on July 1, 2026. From April 1 to July 1, the population increased by 80,343 people, or 0.2%, marking a return to quarterly growth.
Over the full year from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026, the population increased by 189,425 people, or 0.5%. Statistics Canada reported that this was the slowest July-to-July percentage growth since 1915/1916.
Earlier preliminary releases had shown three consecutive quarterly population declines through the first quarter of 2026. The September 2026 release updated population estimates from July 1, 2021 onward, including new adjustments to non-permanent resident estimates. In the revised quarterly series, population rose in the third quarter of 2025, changed little over the next two quarters, and increased again in the second quarter of 2026.
Detailed Demographic Indicators
| Indicator | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary population estimate | 41,798,407 | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada, quarterly population estimates |
| Annual population growth | +0.5% | July 2025 to July 2026 | Statistics Canada, age and gender estimates |
| Annual population change | +189,425 | July 2025 to July 2026 | Statistics Canada, age and gender estimates |
| Quarterly population growth | +0.2% | Apr. 1 to July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada, quarterly population estimates |
| Quarterly population change | +80,343 | Apr. 1 to July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada, quarterly population estimates |
| Median age | 40.9 years | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada, age and gender estimates |
| Average age | 42.1 years | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada, age and gender estimates |
| Share aged 0-14 | 15.0% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada, age and gender estimates |
| Share aged 15-64 | 65.0% | July 1, 2026 | Calculated from published broad-age shares |
| Share aged 65+ | 20.0% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada, age and gender estimates |
| Total fertility rate | 1.25 births per woman | 2024 | Statistics Canada, fertility and vital statistics |
| Live births | 365,737 | 2024 | Statistics Canada, Canadian Vital Statistics Birth Database |
| Average age of first-time mothers | 31.8 years | 2024 | Statistics Canada, fertility and vital statistics |
| Life expectancy at birth, total | 82.16 years | 2024 | Statistics Canada, mortality indicators |
| Life expectancy at birth, male | 80.30 years | 2024 | Statistics Canada, mortality indicators |
| Life expectancy at birth, female | 84.29 years | 2024 | Statistics Canada, mortality indicators |
| Urban population share | 81.98% | 2024 | World Bank WDI, UN World Urbanization Prospects |
| Urban population count | 34,145,777 | 2024 | World Bank WDI, UN World Urbanization Prospects |
| Non-permanent residents | 2,779,774 | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada, quarterly population estimates |
| Permanent immigrants | 99,148 | Q2 2026 | Statistics Canada, quarterly international migration estimates |
| Permanent immigrant year-over-year change | -4.2% | Q2 2026 compared with Q2 2025 | Statistics Canada, quarterly international migration estimates |
| Non-permanent resident change | -18,875 | Q2 2026 | Statistics Canada, quarterly population estimates |
| Natural increase | +12,959 | Q2 2026 | Calculated from Statistics Canada quarterly births and deaths |
| Medium-growth projection | 57.4 million | 2075 | Statistics Canada, Population Projections 2025 to 2075, M1 scenario |
Table analysis
- The July 1, 2026 population estimate is 41,798,407, up 80,343 from April 1.
- Annual July-to-July growth slowed to 0.5%, or 189,425 people.
- The median age rose to 40.9 years, while the share aged 65 and older reached 20.0%.
- Canada welcomed 99,148 permanent immigrants in Q2 2026, while the estimated non-permanent resident population decreased by 18,875 during the quarter.
Recent Population Movement
Canada Population Estimates by Quarter
Revised quarterly population estimates from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026
Source: Statistics Canada quarterly population estimates released September 23, 2026. Estimates from July 1, 2021 onward were updated in this release.
Trend analysis
- The revised series rises from 41,608,982 on July 1, 2025 to 41,798,407 on July 1, 2026.
- Population increased by 114,941 in the third quarter of 2025, decreased by 7,225 in the fourth quarter, and changed by only 1,366 in the first quarter of 2026.
- Growth strengthened in the second quarter of 2026, with an increase of 80,343 people or 0.2%.
- Earlier preliminary estimates had shown a three-quarter decline, but those earlier values were revised in the September 2026 update.
Quarterly Population Table
| Reference date | Population | Change | Growth rate | Estimate type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2025 | 41,608,982 | Baseline for displayed series | — | Updated postcensal estimate | Statistics Canada |
| Oct. 1, 2025 | 41,723,923 | +114,941 | +0.3% | Updated postcensal estimate | Statistics Canada |
| Jan. 1, 2026 | 41,716,698 | -7,225 | -0.02% | Updated postcensal estimate | Statistics Canada |
| Apr. 1, 2026 | 41,718,064 | +1,366 | +0.00% | Updated postcensal estimate | Statistics Canada |
| July 1, 2026 | 41,798,407 | +80,343 | +0.2% | Preliminary postcensal estimate | Statistics Canada |
Table analysis
- The current revised series does not show the same three-quarter decline reported in earlier preliminary releases.
- The fourth quarter of 2025 shows a small decline, while the first quarter of 2026 is nearly flat and the second quarter returns to clearer growth.
- The July 1, 2026 estimate is preliminary; earlier rows through April 1, 2026 are updated postcensal estimates in the September release.
Age Structure
Canada Broad Age Structure
Population share by broad age group, July 1, 2026
Source: Statistics Canada age and gender estimates. The 15-64 share is calculated as the remainder after the published 0-14 and 65+ shares.
Chart analysis
- The working-age band, 15-64, accounts for about 65.0% of the July 1, 2026 population estimate.
- The older population share reached 20.0%, compared with 15.0% for ages 0-14.
- The 65+ share increased by 0.6 percentage points from July 1, 2025.
| Age group | Share | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-14 | 15.0% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada |
| 15-64 | 65.0% | July 1, 2026 | Calculated from published broad-age shares |
| 65+ | 20.0% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada |
Table analysis
- The 65+ share is now 5.0 percentage points above the 0-14 share.
- The three displayed shares sum to 100.0%; the 15-64 share is derived from the two published boundary groups.
- All shares use the same July 1, 2026 reference date.
Fertility and Births
Canada Fertility Rate, 2024
Total fertility rate with a demographic reference value
Source: Statistics Canada fertility and vital statistics, 2024. The 2.1 value is shown as a demographic reference.
Chart analysis
- Canada’s 2024 total fertility rate is 1.25 births per woman.
- Statistics Canada also reported 365,737 live births in 2024.
Life Expectancy
Life Expectancy at Birth by Sex
Total, male and female life expectancy at birth, 2024
Source: Statistics Canada mortality indicators, 2024.
Chart analysis
- Female life expectancy at birth is 84.29 years, compared with 80.30 years for males.
- The female-male life expectancy gap is 3.99 years.
- The total value, 82.16 years, is a national life expectancy measure at birth.
| Measure | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy at birth, total | 82.16 years | 2024 | Statistics Canada |
| Life expectancy at birth, male | 80.30 years | 2024 | Statistics Canada |
| Life expectancy at birth, female | 84.29 years | 2024 | Statistics Canada |
| Female-male gap | 3.99 years | 2024 | Calculated from Statistics Canada male and female values |
Table analysis
- The table keeps total, male and female life expectancy separate.
- The gap row is calculated from the male and female values in the same source year.
Urban Population
Urban and Non-Urban Population Share
World Bank WDI urban population share, 2024
Source: World Bank WDI, based on national urban definitions and UN World Urbanization Prospects processing.
Chart analysis
- World Bank WDI reports Canada’s 2024 urban population share at 81.98%.
- The non-urban remainder is shown as 18.02%, calculated as 100 minus the WDI urban share.
- Urban definitions differ by national statistical practice, so this value is best used as a comparable WDI series.
| Year | Urban share | Urban population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 81.86% | 33,078,918 | World Bank WDI |
| 2024 | 81.98% | 34,145,777 | World Bank WDI |
Table analysis
- The WDI urban count increased from 33,078,918 in 2023 to 34,145,777 in 2024.
- The WDI urban share rose by 0.12 percentage points between 2023 and 2024.
Migration and Natural Change
Recent Components of Population Change
Selected Q2 2026 population-change components
Source: Statistics Canada quarterly population, international migration and natural increase estimates. These components use different definitions and should not be treated as interchangeable measures.
Chart analysis
- Canada welcomed 99,148 permanent immigrants in Q2 2026, 4.2% fewer than in Q2 2025.
- The estimated number of non-permanent residents decreased by 18,875 during Q2 2026, reaching 2,779,774 on July 1.
- Quarterly births were 94,381 and deaths were 81,422, producing natural increase of 12,959.
- Permanent immigrant admissions, non-permanent resident changes and natural increase are separate components.
| Period | Component | Value | Definition note | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 2026 | Permanent immigrants | 99,148 | Permanent residents admitted during the quarter; 4.2% fewer than in Q2 2025 | Statistics Canada |
| Q2 2026 | Non-permanent resident change | -18,875 | Change in the estimated non-permanent resident population during the quarter | Statistics Canada |
| July 1, 2026 | Non-permanent resident stock | 2,779,774 | Estimated number of non-permanent residents on the reference date | Statistics Canada |
| Q2 2026 | Births | 94,381 | Estimated births during the quarter | Statistics Canada |
| Q2 2026 | Deaths | 81,422 | Estimated deaths during the quarter | Statistics Canada |
| Q2 2026 | Natural increase | +12,959 | Births minus deaths during the quarter | Calculated from Statistics Canada quarterly estimates |
Table analysis
- The estimated non-permanent resident stock declined by 18,875 during Q2 2026 but remained at 2.78 million on July 1.
- Permanent immigrant admissions were lower than one year earlier, while natural increase was positive during the quarter.
- The September 2026 release incorporated updated methods and administrative information for non-permanent resident estimates, so earlier preliminary values are not used as the current headline series.
Population Projection Scenario
Canada Population Projection Range
Statistics Canada low, medium and high population projection scenarios
Source: Statistics Canada Population Projections 2025 to 2075.
Projection analysis
- The 2075 projection range runs from 44.0 million in the low-growth scenario to 75.8 million in the high-growth scenario.
- The medium-growth M1 scenario reaches 57.4 million by 2075.
| Year | Scenario or measure | Projected value | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Projection base estimate | 41.7 million | Population | Statistics Canada population projections |
| 2075 | Low-growth scenario | 44.0 million | Population | Statistics Canada population projections |
| 2075 | Medium-growth M1 scenario | 57.4 million | Population | Statistics Canada population projections |
| 2075 | High-growth scenario | 75.8 million | Population | Statistics Canada population projections |
| 2075 | Aged 65+ scenario range | 22.6% to 32.5% | Population share | Statistics Canada population projections |
| 2075 | Aged 85+ scenario range | 3.3 million to 4.2 million | Population | Statistics Canada population projections |
| 2075 | Average age scenario range | 43.4 to 50.5 | Years | Statistics Canada population projections |
Projection analysis
- The medium-growth M1 scenario is 13.4 million higher than the low-growth scenario in 2075.
- The high-growth scenario is 18.4 million higher than the medium-growth M1 scenario in 2075.
- The older-age share range shows that population ageing remains present across scenarios, but the scale varies by assumptions.
Provincial and Territorial Population
Largest Provincial Populations
Top five provincial population estimates, July 1, 2026
Source: Statistics Canada quarterly population estimates, July 1, 2026.
Chart analysis
- Ontario is the largest province in this table, with 16,262,121 people on July 1, 2026.
- Quebec follows with 9,067,114, while British Columbia and Alberta are both above 5 million.
- The chart shows the top five values only; the table below includes all provinces and territories.
| Province or territory | Population | Share of Canada | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 16,262,121 | 38.91% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada |
| Quebec | 9,067,114 | 21.69% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada |
| British Columbia | 5,710,598 | 13.66% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada |
| Alberta | 5,101,050 | 12.20% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada |
| Manitoba | 1,517,379 | 3.63% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada |
| Saskatchewan | 1,278,402 | 3.06% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada |
| Nova Scotia | 1,103,419 | 2.64% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada |
| New Brunswick | 883,522 | 2.11% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 552,462 | 1.32% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada |
| Prince Edward Island | 182,989 | 0.44% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada |
| Yukon | 50,356 | 0.12% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada |
| Northwest Territories | 45,904 | 0.11% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada |
| Nunavut | 43,091 | 0.10% | July 1, 2026 | Statistics Canada |
Table analysis
- Ontario and Quebec together account for about 60.60% of Canada’s July 1, 2026 population estimate.
- British Columbia and Alberta remain the next two largest provinces by population.
- Alberta recorded the fastest annual population growth among the provinces from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026, at 1.5%.
- The Northwest Territories was the only province or territory with a year-over-year population decrease in the latest annual comparison.
Older-Age Comparison
The comparison uses Canada’s 2026 Statistics Canada value and 2024 World Bank comparison values retained for the other listed G7 countries. Years and source definitions are shown in the table.
| Country | Aged 65+ share | Year | Source note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 20.0% | 2026 | Statistics Canada age and gender estimates |
| United States | 17.9% | 2024 | World Bank value cited in Statistics Canada release |
| United Kingdom | 19.5% | 2024 | World Bank value cited in Statistics Canada release |
| Italy | 24.6% | 2024 | World Bank value cited in Statistics Canada release |
| Japan | 29.8% | 2024 | World Bank value cited in Statistics Canada release |
Comparison analysis
- Canada’s older-age share is 20.0% in 2026, above the cited 2024 United Kingdom comparison value of 19.5%.
- Japan has the highest older-age share in this comparison, at 29.8%.
- The table should be read as a close-year comparison rather than a same-year national register comparison.
Demographic Overview
Canada’s population increased by 80,343 in Q2 2026 to reach 41,798,407 on July 1. Annual growth slowed to 0.5%.
The 65+ share reached 20.0%, above the 15.0% child share, and the median age rose to 40.9 years.
The 2024 total fertility rate is 1.25 births per woman, with 365,737 live births reported in preliminary vital statistics.
Canada welcomed 99,148 permanent immigrants in Q2 2026. The estimated non-permanent resident population fell by 18,875 during the quarter.
World Bank WDI places Canada’s urban population share at 81.98% in 2024, using national urban definitions.
Statistics Canada’s 2075 population scenarios range from 44.0 million to 75.8 million, depending on fertility, mortality and migration assumptions.
Data Sources and Methodology
| Source | Year or release | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics Canada, quarterly population estimates | September 23, 2026 release; July 1, 2026 reference date | Population estimate, revised quarterly movement, permanent immigrants, natural increase, non-permanent residents and provincial estimates |
| Statistics Canada, age and gender estimates | September 23, 2026 release; July 1, 2026 reference date | Annual population growth, median age, average age and broad age shares |
| Statistics Canada, fertility and Canadian Vital Statistics Birth Database | 2024 data, released 2025 and 2026 | Total fertility rate, live births and average age of first-time mothers |
| Statistics Canada, mortality indicators | 2024 data, released 2026 | Life expectancy at birth, total, male and female |
| World Bank WDI and UN World Urbanization Prospects | 2023 and 2024 | Urban population share, urban population count and urban definition note |
| World Bank values cited in Statistics Canada age and gender release | 2024 comparison values | Older-age comparison table for United States, United Kingdom, Italy and Japan |
| Statistics Canada, Population Projections 2025 to 2075 | 2026 release; projection years 2025 to 2075 | Projection scenario chart, projection table, 2075 population range and older-age projection notes |
Method note
- Statistics Canada resident estimates are used for national population, age structure, migration components and projections.
- World Bank WDI is used only for urban population and close-year older-age comparison values where explicitly marked.
Indicator Definitions
| Indicator | Definition | Unit | Source note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population estimate | Estimated resident population at a reference date | People | Statistics Canada estimates are not the same as a census count. |
| Population growth | Change in population over a stated reference period | Percent or people | Annual July-to-July growth and quarterly growth use different reference periods. |
| Natural increase | Births minus deaths during a period | People | Shown only where Statistics Canada quarterly estimates provide the component. |
| International migration balance | International migration contribution to population change during a period | People | Not interchangeable with immigration, emigration or non-permanent resident stock. |
| Non-permanent resident change | Quarterly change in the estimated number of people living in Canada with temporary status or related coverage under Statistics Canada definitions | People | Not interchangeable with permit issuances, temporary resident counts from IRCC or total international migration. |
| Total fertility rate | Average number of children a woman would have under current age-specific fertility rates | Births per woman | Statistics Canada vital statistics, 2024. |
| Life expectancy at birth | Average years a newborn would live under period mortality rates | Years | Statistics Canada mortality indicators, total and by sex. |
| Urban population share | Share of population living in areas defined as urban by national statistical practice | Percent | World Bank WDI with UN World Urbanization Prospects processing. |
| Projection scenario | Population path under a stated set of fertility, mortality and migration assumptions | People or percent | Statistics Canada projection scenarios, not observed outcomes. |
Table analysis
- The definitions table separates stock measures, flow measures and scenario outputs.
- Urban population values use a different international dataset from the national Statistics Canada population estimate.
- Fertility, life expectancy and age structure are not interchangeable measures of population change.
Source Notes
The July 1, 2026 population value and age indicators are preliminary postcensal estimates. Statistics Canada revised population and non-permanent resident estimates from July 1, 2021 onward in the September 2026 release. Urban population uses World Bank WDI and UN urban-definition processing, while 2075 values come from Statistics Canada projection scenarios.
Canada Demographics FAQ
What is Canada’s population?
Statistics Canada estimated Canada’s population at 41,798,407 on July 1, 2026.
Is Canada’s population growing?
Yes. Canada’s population increased by 80,343, or 0.2%, from April 1 to July 1, 2026. Annual July-to-July growth was 0.5%.
What happened to the earlier three-quarter population decline?
Earlier preliminary releases had shown declines through Q1 2026. Statistics Canada revised population estimates from July 1, 2021 onward in September 2026, and the current quarterly series no longer shows that same three-quarter sequence.
What is Canada’s fertility rate?
Statistics Canada reports a total fertility rate of 1.25 births per woman in 2024.
How old is Canada’s population?
The median age was 40.9 years on July 1, 2026. People aged 65 and older made up 20.0% of the population.