Canada's rural population declining since 1851

  • According to the 2011 Census of Population, more than six million Canadians were living in a rural area, that is, an area with a population under 1,000 and a population density below 400 inhabitants per square kilometre. The population living in rural regions in Canada thus accounted for slightly less than 20% of the Canadian population.
  • The proportion of people living in rural areas in Canada has steadily declined since 1851, when nearly 9 in 10 Canadians lived in a rural area. This decline is largely related to changes in the structure of the Canadian economy.

Figure 4

Description for figure 4

Report a problem on this page

Is something not working? Is there information outdated? Can't find what you're looking for?

Please contact us and let us know how we can help you.

Privacy notice

Date modified: