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Population Growth

In the 10-year period from 1998 to 2007, the population in Simcoe Muskoka increased by 21%, to 499,481 in 2007 from 411,597 in 1998. In the five years from 2001 to 2006, the population in Simcoe Muskoka grew 11.5%, which was a bit slower than the 13% growth experienced from 1996 to 2001. Growth in Simcoe Muskoka out-paced the province over this same time period. Ontario grew by 6% from 1996-2001, 7% from 2001-2006 and 13% in the 10 years from 1996-2006.

Wasaga Beach and Barrie were two of Canada’s fastest growing places among municipalities with populations of 5,000 or more. Wasaga Beach ranked fourth in the country, with an increase of 43% in its population from 1996 to 2001; Barrie ranked ninth, with a 31% population growth rate. 

The growth rate of the population served by the health unit is expected to continue to exceed that of the province over the next 20 years. Over the next decade, from 2007 to 2016, the population in Simcoe and Muskoka is expected to increase by 18% to nearly 600,000 people. This is projected to rise another 14% from 2017-2026, to just under 700,000 people. Overall, for the 20-year period from 2007-2026, the Simcoe Muskoka area is expected to experience a 37% increase in population.