Planning and land use data
Waterloo is home to a young and growing population. The city tracks population and land use trends to help plan for future growth.
Explore current census data, growth projections and planning activity.
On this page:
- Read the census bulletin
- Explore census profiles
- Population data
- Municipal reporting on planning matters
- Use the planning data dashboard
- Data use disclaimer
- Contact us
Read the census bulletin
Read a summary of the most recent census bulletin for the City of Waterloo. It highlights key demographic, social and economic trends from the 2021 Census of Population.
Download the census bulletin (PDF)
Explore census profiles
Find detailed demographic, social and economic data from the 2021 Census Report, organized by planning district. This information shows population characteristics and trends across the City of Waterloo.
If you need this information in an alternative format, contact the planning division at 519-747-8752 or devservices@waterloo.ca.
Download the profiles for each subdivision (PDF)
Population
At the end of 2024, the estimated population of Waterloo was 155,550 – including 33,610 students.
The City of Waterloo is located in the Region of Waterloo, one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada.
These figures come from the 2024 Year-End Population and Household Estimates for Waterloo Region Report. They are based on 2016 and 2021 Census data, adjusted for recent residential development, students and other temporary residents, census undercount, and vacancy rates.
Because of these adjustments, the estimates may not be directly comparable to earlier reports.
Growth rate from 2016 to 2021
Since the 2016 census, the city has grown faster than the regional and provincial averages.
- City of Waterloo's population grew 15.7%
- Region of Waterloo grew 9.7%
- Province of Ontario grew 5.8%
2051 projections
Based on 2021 Census projections, Waterloo is expected to have 185,000 permanent residents by 2051. This number does not include students.
Municipal reporting on planning matters
Ontario Regulation 73/23, requires select municipalities in Ontario to report quarterly on the following planning applications:
- Official Plan Amendment Applications (OPA)
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment Applications (ZBA)
- Site Plan Applications (SP)
- Minor Variance Applications (MVA)
- Land Severance (Consent) Applications (LSA)
- Plan of Subdivision Applications (POS)
- Plan of Condominium Applications (POC)
- Condominium Registrations (CR)
- Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO)
Each quarter includes files that have been submitted, decided or appealed during that period. Quarters follow the calendar year:
- Quarter 1: January 1 to March 31
- Quarter 2: April 1 to June 30
- Quarter 3: July 1 to September 30
- Quarter 4: October 1 to December 31
Explore our data
View a summary of the City of Waterloo’s municipal planning data on our online dashboard.
How to use the dashboard
Select a reporting period from the chart to view results.
For information on how we collect this data, view the data use disclaimer.
Each quarter, we report on:
- total applications filed
- active applications
- percentage of applications decided beyond legislative timelines
- number of proposed new residential lots and condominium units
Data use disclaimer
This data is provided for general information. Reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the data shown is accurate. When addressing a specific issue, verify details with technical experts in the appropriate field.
The City of Waterloo does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the dataset, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage associated with the direct or indirect use of, or reliance on, the contents of this collection of planning and land use data.
For more information about how this data is collected, contact devservices@waterloo.ca.
Contact us
If you have questions or need this information in an alternative format, contact the planning division at 519-747-8752 or devservices@waterloo.ca.