New data from Statistics Canada shows the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is experiencing its strongest population growth since data collection began in 2001, marking a significant shift after years of decline.
Between 2001 and 2015, Chatham-Kent saw a population loss of 6.6 per cent, with 7,381 residents leaving the municipality. Since 2016, that trend has reversed, with population growth reaching 8.1 per cent, or an increase of 8,477 residents. According to Statistics Canada’s Population Estimates, Chatham-Kent’s population reached 113,070 as of July 1, 2025, a 1.23 per cent increase over the previous year and the fastest single-year growth rate recorded in more than two decades.
The growth is being driven largely by people moving to Chatham-Kent from other parts of Ontario, resulting in a 16.7 per cent net increase from the previous year, the second highest level recorded since 2001. Children and youth under the age of 15 account for 26 per cent of new arrivals, highlighting the municipality’s increasing appeal to young families.
Chatham-Kent’s growth rate also surpassed those of neighbouring municipalities and the provincial average. While Chatham-Kent grew by 1.23 per cent, Ontario’s average growth rate was 0.7 per cent, with Windsor growing by 0.83 per cent, London by 0.98 per cent, and Sarnia by 0.17 per cent.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said the figures reflect long-term efforts to position the municipality as a place where residents can put down roots. “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 Canniff. “Our strong population growth, combined with rising incomes, shows that Chatham-Kent is competitive, affordable, and increasingly attractive within Southwestern Ontario.”
Economic data supports the trend. In 2023, the most recent year available, median personal income in Chatham-Kent increased by 5.4 per cent, exceeding the national growth rate of 4.4 per cent. Between 2018 and 2023, median total income per person in the municipality rose by 20 per cent.
Audrey Ansell, director of community culture and connections, said the numbers reflect the impact of targeted community investments. “We are seeing the impact of intentional investments in community services, cultural amenities, and quality-of-life initiatives,” said Ansell. “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.”
Municipal officials say Chatham-Kent will continue to focus on sustainable growth, with planning efforts aimed at ensuring housing, infrastructure, and services keep pace with the needs of a growing and diverse population.
