Population Density of Canada 2024

Overall, population density in Canada is 3.92 people per km² or 10.2 people per square mile. This makes Canada the 10th least densely populated country in the world. 

Although Canada is 39th most populous country in the world, it is also the 2nd largest by area (after Russia). Because its population is spread thinly across such a large area, Canada as a whole is not very densely populated.

However, as you can see in this map of population density, this hides that Canada is a country of contrasts. Its population density varies widely across the country. Areas in the south, particularly along the southern border with the United States are very densely populated, whereas other areas – particularly in the north – are very sparsely populated. Density also varies widely within individual provinces and territories.

Canadian provinces by population density

Canadian population density is very different from one province to another. Prince Edward Island (PEI) is the most densely populated province in Canada with 25.1 people per km² , whereas Nefoundland and Labrador is home to just 1.4 people per km² . 

Population density in Canada’s territories is even lower – with just 0.08 people per km² , Yukon is the most densely populated territory, Nunavut the least with just 0.02 people per km² .

Here is a table that lists each province and territory and their population density. 

Canadian Cities by Population Density

Canadian cities tend to be less densely populated than many of their counterparts in the United States and Europe. 

For example, Toronto’s population density of 4,457 people per km²  is much lower than Barcelona (15,873 people per km² ). And Vancouver (5,493 people per km² ) is less than half as densely populated as New York or London. Finally, Montreal has less than a quarter of the population density of Paris, France. 

Here is a list of the ten largest cities in Canada and their population density.

Population Density Summary

The population in Canada per square kilometre in 2021 is 3.92 people. The Canada population per square mile is 10.2 people. The vast majority of the people who live in Canada are located in the south, which is much more densely populated than the rest of Canada.