Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021
Population density

Release date: November 17, 2021
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Definition

Population density is the number of persons per square kilometre.

Reported in

2021, 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966 and 1961

Remarks

The calculation for population density is total population divided by land area. The data are available for all standard geographic areas.

Population density data support a variety of applications, such as delineating population centres, determining the population ecumene and conducting spatial analysis.

Refer to the related definitions of Ecumene; Land Area and Population Centre (POPCTR).

Changes prior to the current census

Prior to 2001, population density data were available for all standard geographic areas, except enumeration areas (EAs) and federal electoral districts (FEDs).

For 1976, population density data were expressed in both square kilometres and square miles.

Prior to 1976, population density data were expressed in square miles only.

More information

Note of appreciation

Canada owes the success of its statistical system to a long-standing partnership between Statistics Canada, the citizens of Canada, its businesses, governments and other institutions. Accurate and timely statistical information could not be produced without their continued co-operation and goodwill.

Standards of service to the public

Statistics Canada is committed to serving its clients in a prompt, reliable and courteous manner. To this end, the Agency has developed standards of service which its employees observe in serving its clients.

Copyright

Published by authority of the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada.

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Industry, 2022

All rights reserved. Use of this publication is governed by the Statistics Canada Open Licence Agreement.

Catalogue no. 98-301-X

Frequency: Occasional

Ottawa

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