Population and Development Data

The Town of Essex, Ontario, is a diverse community of 21,216 people, composed of four primary areas: Essex Centre, Harrow, McGregor, and Colchester. Essex Centre and Harrow are focal points of development due to their larger populations, core downtown areas, and higher residential densities, which have attracted significant investment. McGregor and Colchester, while smaller, continue to benefit from substantial updates and enhancements.

The Town maintains an agricultural atmosphere across all its communities, with a versatile demographic profile. Residents reflect a mix of age groups, with a median age of 44.1 years, and a balanced gender distribution. The population is predominantly English-speaking, with ethnic diversity that includes European, Indigenous, and South Asian backgrounds. With moderate household incomes and a variety of family and individual living arrangements, Essex offers a well-rounded and community-oriented environment across Essex Centre, McGregor, Harrow, and Colchester.

Population

The Town of Essex is located within Essex County and as of the 2021 census, is home to 21,216 people. 

• Since 2001, the Town of Essex has been growing an average of 0.2739% per year. 
• Since 2016, the Town of Essex has grown by 3.86%.
• Since 2016, Essex County has grown by 6%.
• Since 2016, Ontario has grown by 5.77%. 

The age distribution has changed over time, with the share of people in the 0-14 age group trending downward and the share of people in the 65+ age group trending upward. 

Residential Development

The total number of dwellings or residential units has increased over time in the Town of Essex. This increase helps to house the growing population and aids in keeping housing more affordable in the area. As of the 2021 Census, there are 8390 dwellings in the Town of Essex.

• Since 2021, the stock of dwellings in the Town of Essex has been growing on average by 0.614% per year.
• Since 2016, the stock of dwellings in the Town of Essex has increased by 3.84%.

Residential development can be categorized based on how many units are within a building. Buildings such as detached homes and townhomes have a low number of units in them and are considered low density housing. Apartment style buildings have more units and are considered high density housing or multi-residential buildings.

• Since 2006, the stock of low density units has increased an average of 0.53% per year.
• Since 2006, the stock of high density units has increased an average of 2.26% per year.

We also keep track of the number of residential permits issued each month and the total residential construction value. In 2022, Essex saw 141 residential building permits have been issued, with a total residential construction value of almost $146 million dollars. Both of these numbers surpass the yearly totals for any of the past three years. 

Industrial/Commercial Development

We also keep track of the number of industrial and commercial permits issued each year and the total industrial and commercial construction value. To view our monthly development overviews and witness the development within the Town of Essex, please click here.