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Urban population in Canada - Data and Analysis (1980-2031)
The proportion of Canadians living in urban areas has increased steadily since over the past decade. Therefore, the three largest urban areas, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, currently make up over one-third of Canada's entire population. Over the past five years, growth in urban migration has flattened as the number of people living in rural areas has declined significantly. There are various reasons for rural-urban migration in Canada, including access to more economic opportunities and other civic facilities. Additionally, large parts of Canada remain below freezing temperatures for most of the year and the harsh climate makes living in rural areas riskier. In recent years, Canada has also experienced a sharp increase in immigration, which has led to heightened levels of urban population growth.
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Curious about what drives these trends? IBISWorld's analyst coverage on the urban population includes detailled analysis on the current performance, outlook and industries affected.
Urban population
1980-2031
Estimated Value in 2025
XX
2020-25 CAGR XX%
2024-25 Change XX%
Forecast Value in 2031
XX
2025-31 CAGR XX%
2025-26 Change XX%
The urban population in Canada is calculated using World Bank population estimates and urban ratios from the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects. Furthermore, the World Bank refers to the urban population as people living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices. Since data is only released every two years, IBISWorld estimates data for years that are unavailable.
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Related Industries
| Industry | Country | Last 5-yr CAGR | Forecast 5-year CAGR | Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment Rental in Canada |
|
XX% | XX% | $XX |
| Public Transportation in Canada |
|
XX% | XX% | $XX |
| Property Management in Canada |
|
XX% | XX% | $XX |
| Street Vendors in Canada |
|
XX% | XX% | $XX |
| Apartment & Condominium Construction in Canada |
|
XX% | XX% | $XX |
| Dollar & Variety Stores in Canada |
|
XX% | XX% | $XX |
| Pest Control in Canada |
|
XX% | XX% | $XX |
| Bars & Nightclubs in Canada |
|
XX% | XX% | $XX |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the urban population in Canada in 2025?
The urban population in Canada in 2025 was 82.1%.
How has the urban population in Canada changed in 2025?
The urban population in Canada grew by 0.13% in 2025.
What was the forecast growth rate of urban population in Canada over the next five years?
IBISWorld’s data and analysis on urban population in Canada includes forecasted growth rates over the next five years.
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