Community Profile

Our Community

In Cobourg, we like to think we make a difference by infusing our community with a comfortable lifestyle, an appealing business climate and attractions that will entice visitors to come back. You will quickly discover why MoneySense magazine regularly lists Cobourg as 'one of the best communities in Canada'. 

Below you'll find key information about the Town of Cobourg including our strategic location, lifestyle, demographics, amenities, development and more.

Cobourg's proximity to major cities such as Montreal, Kingston and Toronto and Canada-US borders lends to excellent transportation access by way of highway 401 and mainline CN and CP rail. International and municipal airports are also in close proximity. Pearson International Airport is 130 kms to the west of Cobourg and easily accessed by way of highway 401. The Oshawa Executive Airport and Peterborough Airport are also in close proximity. The Port of Oshawa offers the benefit of full seaway draft, a workforce skilled in handling all types of cargo, and for importers and exporters, access to world markets through the St. Lawrence Seaway.

A newly renovated Via Rail station offers passenger train services.

Proximity to major cities
City Distance in km Distance in miles
Toronto 110 75
Kingston 145 95
Detroit 470 295
Montreal 420 260
Ottawa 336 210
Proximity to border crossings
Canada - US cities Distance in km Distance in miles
Fort Erie - Buffalo, New York 268 166
Sarnia - Port Huron, Michigan 406 252
Thousand Islands - Fisher's Landing, New York 185 115
Windsor - Detroit, Michigan 473 294

The Town of Cobourg has a population of 20,519. It is located in the province of Ontario within the County of Northumberland.

According to the 2021 Census the:

  • population percentage change from 2016 to 2021 is 5.6%
  • population density per sq. km. is 915.7

Choosing to live and do business in Cobourg comes with many advantages. Its serene lifestyle, picturesque landscape, outstanding harbour waterfront promenade, majestic historical homes and buildings and heritage marina together shape an outstanding community.

Here is a sampling of some of Cobourg's amenities:

Northumberland Hills Hospital is a modern health care facility providing a wide spectrum of care for patients.

Our newly built Cobourg Community Centre offers many recreational uses such as fitness classes, walking track, open gym, public skating and a pro shop.

Cobourg Public Library is located in the C. Gordon King Centre offers special programs and events for all ages, a user friendly computer and reference resources centre on the 2nd floor and of course an abundance of reading material.

The VIA Rail station in Cobourg has been recently renovated to serve its riders with a spacious, comfortable and safe environment.

The Town of Cobourg's newly renovated innovation and entrepreneurship centre Venture13, houses the municipality’s Economic Development department, integral community and industry organizations in one place and under one roof. Community partners; Northumberland CFDC, Northumberland Manufacturers Association and Northumberland Makers are working together to ensure that our community can actively engage and find opportunities in the new rural economy and Industry 4.0. 

Our lifestyle includes residential developments with modern design in mind. You will find new construction of single detached, town houses, walk ups and semi-detached homes to suit all our residents' needs.

Settling in Cobourg with your family means high quality education in both our public and separate school (Catholic) system. Christian and Montessori Schools are also available as well as continuing education programs and programs for developmentally challenged students. French immersion is also available.

With two premier private schools located in Northumberland County; Williams Academy is located in downtown Cobourg, and it offers a range of classes from Grade 7 to 12, including university preparatory courses, art programs, sports programs, language programs, AP (Advanced Placement) courses, summer camp, exchange program, as well as Online courses.

Just a short 10 minute drive just west of Cobourg is Trinity College School (TCS) is a co-educational, independent boarding school and day school located on 100 acres of rolling countryside in picturesque Port Hope, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1865, TCS is one of Canada's oldest and most respected educational institutions which teaches students from grades 5-12.

Public Schools

Burnham Public School

C.R. Gummow Public School

Merwin Greer Public School

Terry Fox Public School

Cobourg Collegiate Institute - Secondary School

Separate Schools

St. Joseph's Elementary School

St. Michael's Elementary School

Notre Dame Elementary School

St. Mary's Catholic Secondary School - Secondary School

Community Colleges

Fleming College

Gates College of Business, Healthcare & Technology

At present, Cobourg, ON has a population of 20,519 people (2021 census). Overall, the population of Cobourg, ON is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year over the past 15 years from 2001 to 2016. In the last two census, its populations grew by 921 people, an average growth rate of 0.99% per year from 2011 to 2016.

At present, Cobourg, ON has a population of 20,519 people (2021 census). Overall, the population of Cobourg, ON is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year over the past 15 years from 2001 to 2016. In the last two census, its populations grew by 921 people, an average growth rate of 0.99% per year from 2011 to 2016.

Median Household Income is $64,328 based on the 2016 census.

The 2016 cenus indicated that most citizens of Cobourg, ON have completed a high school education. With 5,285 people completing high school education. Coming in second, 22.83% of citizens say they have completed a university degree. The third largest group are 2,775 citizens responding they have not completed any certificate.

The Town of Cobourg based on the 2016 census have an employment rate of 48.2% with Northumberland County having an employment rate of 68.1%.

Your business has access to over 460,000 employees as people working in Cobourg drive from within a 30 minute radius and in many cases even further. This allows Cobourg to provide your business with a competitive work-ready labour force.

Canada.ca is the Government of Canada's leading source for labour market information and wage sampling.

Reports, Resources and Services -  Town of Cobourg is pleased to provide a variety of reports and resources in order to help make your potential next business venture a success. 

Contact Us

Town of Cobourg
55 King Street West
Cobourg, ON  K9A 2M2

Phone: 905-372-4301
Toll Free: 1-888-972-4301

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