The age-sex distribution of the 2006 Simcoe Muskoka population was consistent with that of Ontario, however in Simcoe Muskoka young adults ages 20 to 34 years represented a smaller proportion of the overall population, as compared to Ontario's population distribution. Also, Simcoe Muskoka's population is younger than the provincial average. Children and youth 5 to 19 years of age contributed a higher percentage to Simcoe Muskoka's total population than was evident at the provincial level.
The gender ratio in Simcoe Muskoka was 97:100 for male:female. There were more than 120,000 children and adolescents 19 years of age or younger living in Simcoe Muskoka in 2006, which made up 26% of the total population. Also, there were more than 70,000 seniors 65 years or older living in Simcoe Muskoka in 2006, which made up 15% of the total population.
The population in Simcoe Muskoka is aging, which is consistent with trends across Ontario and Canada. In Simcoe Muskoka the percentage of those 45- to 64-years-old increased to 27% of the total population in 2006 from 23% of the total population in 2001. The proportion of seniors (65+) also increased slightly to 14% in 2006 from 13% in 2001.
The population in Simcoe and Muskoka is expected to continue to age over the next 25 years. By 2031, seniors (65+) are expected to make up 26% of the population, nearly double the projected 2007 percentage of 15% of the total population. In addition, the proportion of those 20 to 44 years of age will decrease to 29% by 2031 from 34% projected in 2007; and the proportion of children and youth 19 years of age and younger will also decline over the next 25 years. In 2031, those less than 10 years of age will make up 10% of the total population and youth ages 10 to 19 years will represent 11% of the population.