New data from Statistics Canada confirms that the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is experiencing its strongest population growth since data collection began in 2001, signalling continued momentum for the community.
From 2001 to 2015, Chatham-Kent experienced a -6.6% population loss, meaning 7,381 residents had left Chatham-Kent during that period. Since 2016, Chatham-Kent has seen a population increase of 8.1%, or a growth of 8,477 residents. Now, according to Statistics Canada’s Population Estimates, Chatham-Kent’s population has reached 113,070 as of July 1, 2025, representing a 1.23% increase over the previous year. This marks the fastest single-year growth rate recorded in more than 20 years.
The growth is being driven primarily by people moving to Chatham-Kent from elsewhere in Ontario, accounting for a 16.7% net increase from the previous year. This is the second highest increase since 2001. Notably, 26% of new arrivals are children and youth under the age of 15, which highlights Chatham-Kent’s growing appeal to young families.
Chatham-Kent’s growth rate also outpaced neighbouring municipalities, as well as the provincial average. Chatham-Kent grew by 1.23%, Ontario’s average growth was 0.7%, with Windsor growing 0.83%, London 0.98%, and Sarnia 0.17%.
Mayor Darrin Canniff says the numbers reflect long-term efforts to position Chatham-Kent as a place where people can build their future.
“This data confirms what we are seeing on the ground every day: more families are choosing Chatham-Kent as a place to live, work, invest, and raise their children,” said Mayor Canniff. “Our strong population growth, combined with rising incomes, shows that Chatham-Kent is competitive, affordable, and increasingly attractive within Southwestern Ontario.”
Economic indicators further reinforce this positive trend. In 2023, which is the most recent available data, median personal income in Chatham-Kent increased by 5.4%, surpassing the national growth rate of 4.4%. Between 2018 and 2023, median total income per person in Chatham-Kent rose by 20%, reflecting steady economic improvement for residents.
“We are seeing the impact of intentional investments in community services, cultural amenities, and quality-of-life initiatives,” said Audrey Ansell, Director of Community Culture and Connections. “The fact that families with children are choosing to move here speaks volumes about the strength of our neighbourhoods, schools, services, culture, and community supports.”
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent continues to focus on sustainable growth by planning for housing, infrastructure, and services that meet the needs of a growing and diverse population.
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Media Contact:
Eric Labadie
Manager, Corporate Communications
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
ericl@chatham-kent.ca
