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Dorchester, ON

Ontario · London Metro

Dorchester is a small city in Ontario with a population of 9,329. Residents earn $82,573 per year, which is 10% above the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.4 /5.0
B Good
9,329 Population 35/sq mi density
$82,573 Median Income $47,716 per capita
$461,770 Home Value
$1,012 Median Rent 27.7% income on rent
49°F Avg Temperature 235 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.4 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.8 / 5.0
$82,573 median income, 5.1% unemployment
B+
Affordability
3.5 / 5.0
$461,770 home value, $1,012/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
B+
Education
3.6 / 5.0
32.9% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Dorchester, ON

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $82,573
10% higher than US avg
Home Value $461,770
64% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 32.9%
2% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,012
13% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 13.5%
9% higher than US avg

How Dorchester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population9,329
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density35/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%

Economy

B+
Median Income$82,573
Per Capita$47,716
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty13.5%
Commute27 min

Housing

B+
Home Value$461,770
Rent$1,012
Ownership66.5%
Housing Units3,732
Rent Burden27.7%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
Rain38.7 in/yr
Sunny Days235/yr
Elevation856 ft (261 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+32.9%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+17.0%

Community

Commute27 min

Is Dorchester a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Dorchester receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Dorchester offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Dorchester is $82,573, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Dorchester is $461,770, making it a premium housing market at 64% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,012 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

32.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Dorchester experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 235 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 38.7 inches, including 34.0 inches of snow.

Dorchester has a population of 9,329 with a density of 35 people per square mile, spread across 270.4 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (94.3%), with 3.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 82% of residents, while 6.1% speak Spanish.

Population

9,329
Total Population
35
People / sq mi
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
270.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Dorchester vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 82.0%
4% above US avg
Spanish 6.1%
54% below US avg
Other Languages 11.9%

Social Characteristics

Dorchester vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Dorchester is $82,573, which is 10% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,716 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $918, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 289 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 23.8% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Dorchester vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$82,573
10% above US avg
Per Capita Income$47,716
Avg Weekly Wage$918

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.1%
42% above US avg
Poverty Rate13.5%
9% above US avg
Establishments (County)289

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time26.6 min
Drive Alone83.6%
Public Transit1.0%
Work from Home23.8%

Walkability

The median home value in Dorchester is $461,770, 64% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,012 (13% below the national average of $1,163). 66.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,732 total housing units in the city. 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.6x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$461,770
64% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,012
13% below US avg
Rent Burden27.7%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership66.5%
Owner-Occupied66.5%
Renter-Occupied33.5%
Housing Units3,732

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Dorchester receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Dorchester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Dorchester experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 235 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.7 inches. The area receives 34.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 856 feet.

Temperature

31°F Jan (-1°C) 70°F Jul (21°C)
Annual Average49.4°F
9% below US avg
January Average31°F (-1°C)
July Average70°F (21°C)
Sunny Days235 days/yr

Geography

Elevation856 ft (261 m)
Area270.4 sq mi (700.4 km²)
Population Density35/sq mi
Coordinates42.9834°N, 81.0664°W
TimezoneAmerica/Toronto

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 38.7"
2% above US avg
Snowfall 34.0"
Wettest Month (Nov) 3.86"
Driest Month (Feb) 2.36"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

35 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.5 on May 12, 2025.

Jun 10, 2019 1 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio M4.0 149 km
Jan 26, 2001 8 km NNW of Edgewood, Ohio M3.9 118 km
Oct 16, 1993 8 km SSE of Madison, Ohio M3.6 143 km
Jun 30, 2003 6 km NW of Perry, Ohio M3.6 132 km
Aug 28, 2023 7 km SE of Madison, Ohio M3.6 139 km
Jun 20, 2006 9 km WNW of North Perry, Ohio M3.5 128 km
Mar 15, 1992 15 km NW of North Perry, Ohio M3.5 120 km
Jun 3, 2001 3 km N of Edgewood, Ohio M3.4 122 km
Jun 30, 2004 2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio M3.3 134 km
Jul 1, 2013 5 km NNW of Fairport Harbor, Ohio M3.2 134 km
Jan 9, 2008 6 km WNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio M3.1 144 km
Mar 11, 2006 8 km NNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio M3.1 136 km
Apr 25, 2010 2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio M3.0 134 km
Feb 23, 2011 18 km NE of Leamington, Canada M3.0 145 km
Feb 23, 1995 3 km W of Ashtabula, Ohio M2.9 125 km
Jan 4, 2022 3 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio M2.8 148 km
Sep 22, 1999 16 km NW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio M2.8 133 km
Mar 28, 2005 16 km NW of Virgil, Canada M2.8 149 km
Apr 28, 2002 Ohio M2.7 129 km
Mar 8, 2013 5 km NNW of Timberlake, Ohio M2.7 145 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Tsunami History

2 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 2.7 m (9 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1823 LAKE ERIE Unknown 2.7 m - 77 km
1952 LAKE HURON, MI Avalanche 1.5 m - 109 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 in
February 22°F (-5°C) 2.4 in Coldest, Driest
March 32°F (-0°C) 2.9 in
April 44°F (6°C) 3.3 in
May 56°F (13°C) 3.4 in
June 65°F (18°C) 3.5 in
July 70°F (21°C) 3.4 in Warmest
August 68°F (20°C) 3.4 in
September 61°F (16°C) 3.8 in
October 49°F (10°C) 3.3 in
November 39°F (4°C) 3.9 in Wettest
December 27°F (-3°C) 3.5 in

Dorchester has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 22°F in February to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.4 inches, with November being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.4").

View full weather details →
32.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 2% below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (above the 13.1% national rate). 83.6% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+32.9%
2% below US avg
High School+87.4%
Graduate Degree+17.0%
B+ Education Grade (3.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density35/sq mi
Total Area270.4 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute26.6 min
Drive Alone83.6%
Public Transit1.0%
Work from Home23.8%

Schools in Dorchester

4 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Northdale Central Public School - - - -
River Heights School - - - -
St. David Separate School - - - -
Lord Dorchester Secondary School - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Dorchester

12 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CHST-FM "Jack 102.3" London, ON adult hits, classic rock AAC+ 48 kbps
CKLO "Classic Rock 98.1 FM" London, ON classic rock, rebranding AAC+ 48 kbps
CBC Radio One - London, ON (MP3 stream) features, news MP3 128 kbps
CIXX 106.9 "The X" Fanshawe College, London, ON campus radio, college radio AAC+ 32 kbps
New Country 93.3 (US) country MP3 64 kbps
CHPD 105.9 "De Brigj Radio" Aylmer, ON community radio, mennonite MP3 96 kbps
New Country 96.3 FM (US) - AAC+ 48 kbps
CKOT-FM "Easy 101.3" Tillsonburg, ON adult contemporary, rogers media UNKNOWN
CJDL "Country 107.3" Tillsonburg, ON country, rogers media UNKNOWN
FAITH 99.9 CHJX christian AAC+ 32 kbps
CKOT-FM 101.3 Giant FM classic rock canada, classic rock AAC+ 32 kbps
CHGK-FM 107.7 "2 Day FM" Stratford, ON hot adult contemporary AAC+ 57 kbps

Museums in Dorchester

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Banting House
Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Elgin County Museum
Elgin County Railway Museum
First Hussars Museum
Ingersoll Cheese and Agricultural Museum
Jet Aircraft Museum
London Children's Museum
Museum London
Museum of Ontario Archaeology
Royal Canadian Regiment Museum
Secrets of Radar Museum

Libraries in Dorchester

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Cardinal Carter Library0.0
Elgin County Library - Alymer0.0
Elgin County Library - Belmont0.0
Elgin County Library - Springfield0.0
London Public Library - Beacock0.0
London Public Library - Bostwick0.0
London Public Library - Bostwick0.0
London Public Library - Carson0.0
London Public Library - Central0.0
London Public Library - Central0.0
London Public Library - Cherryhill0.0
London Public Library - Crouch0.0
London Public Library - East London0.0
London Public Library - Glanworth0.0
London Public Library - Jalna0.0
London Public Library - Jalna0.0
London Public Library - Lambeth0.0
London Public Library - Landon0.0
London Public Library - Masonville0.0
London Public Library - Pond Mills0.0
London Public Library - Pond Mills0.0
London Public Library - Sherwood Forest0.0
London Public Library - Sherwood Forest0.0
London Public Library - Stoney Creek0.0
London Public Library - Stoney Creek0.0
Middlesex County Library - Dorchester0.0
Middlesex County Library - Thorndale0.0
Oxford County Library - Brownsville0.0
Oxford County Library - Embro0.0
Oxford County Library - Ingersoll0.0
Oxford County Library - Thamesford0.0
St. Thomas Public Library0.0
Taylor Library0.0
Weldon Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Dorchester

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Covent Garden Market
The Market
Trails End Farmers Market

Cafes in Dorchester

2 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons

Dentists in Dorchester

1 dentists within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Dorchester Dental

Gas Stations in Dorchester

11 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

CA #1202912136
Diva Petroleum
Esso
Esso
Esso Cardlock
Fifth Wheel
Husky
Petro-Canada
Pioneer
Shell
Ultramar Energy

Banks in Dorchester

2 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Scotiabank
TD Canada Trust

Golf Courses in Dorchester

4 golf courses within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Golf Land Golf Centre
Maple Ridge Golf Club
River Road Golf Course
The Willow's Golf & Country Club

Breweries in Dorchester

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Anderson Craft Ales
Anderson Craft Ales
Beerlab!
Beerlab!
Brewhaven
Brewhaven
Ontario Craft Distribution
Toboggan
Toboggan

Stadiums & Teams in Dorchester

TeamLeagueDivision

Amtrak Stations in Dorchester

1 Amtrak stations.

StationAddressType
London, ON352 Waterloo StreetBUS

Airports Near Dorchester

49 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Brantford Municipal Airport-Medium Airport
Centralia / James T. Field Memorial AerodromeYCEMedium Airport
London International AirportYXUMedium Airport
Region of Waterloo International AirportYKFMedium Airport
St Thomas Municipal AirportYQSMedium Airport
Atwood / Coghlin Airport-Small Airport
Bellamy Airport-Small Airport
Brussels / Hemingway Field-Small Airport
Bushhawk Creek Airport-Small Airport
Ceilidh Airport-Small Airport
Centralia (Essery Field) Airport-Small Airport
Chapeskie Field Airport-Small Airport
Cherry Hill Field-Small Airport
Conestogo / Largo Woods Field-Small Airport
Courtland / Tillsonburg Flying Club Field-Small Airport
Delhi Airport-Small Airport
Dobie Field-Small Airport
Dutton Airport-Small Airport
Elmira (East) Airport-Small Airport
Elmira Airport-Small Airport
Elora Airport-Small Airport
Grand Bend Airport-Small Airport
Harydale Farms Airport-Small Airport
Highgate Airport-Small Airport
Innerkip Airport-Small Airport
Iona Station (Bobier Strip)-Small Airport
London (Pioneer Airpark)-Small Airport
London Soaring Society-Small Airport
Lubitz Field-Small Airport
Lucan Airport-Small Airport
Melbourne Airport-Small Airport
Nixon Airport-Small Airport
Papple Aviation Airport-Small Airport
Paterson Field-Small Airport
Rand Private Airfield-Small Airport
Rodney (New Glasgow) Airport-Small Airport
Roseville Field-Small Airport
Sargeant Private Airfield-Small Airport
Sexsmith (Exeter) Airport-Small Airport
Skyview Airport-Small Airport
Stratford Municipal Airport-Small Airport
Strathroy (Blue Yonder) Airport-Small Airport
Tillsonburg Airport-Small Airport
Triple Nickel Airport-Small Airport
Warren Field-Small Airport
Willow Lake Airstrip-Small Airport
Woodstock Airport-Small Airport
Woodstock Private Airstrip-Small Airport
Yellow Gold Airport-Small Airport

Treatment Centers in Dorchester

5 treatment centers.

CenterTypePhone
CBI Health - London Wharncliffe
Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic
LASIK MD
London Family Health Team
Passport Health London Travel Clinic

Churches & Religious Organizations in Dorchester

8 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Dorchester Community Church
Dorchester Presbyterian Church
Dorchester United Church
Forest City Baptist Church
London First Korean Presbyterian Church
Philadelphia Fellowship Church
Saint Luke's Anglican Church
Saint Peter's Anglican Church

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Dorchester.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dorchester

What is the population of Dorchester?

Dorchester has a population of 9,329 residents and is located in Ontario. The population density is 35 people per square mile, spread across 270.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.

Is Dorchester expensive to live in?

The median household income is $82,573, 10% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $461,770 (64% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,012 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Dorchester safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dorchester receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Dorchester?

Dorchester has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 235 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 38.7 inches, with 34.0 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Dorchester?

The unemployment rate in Dorchester is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $918. There are 289 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 23.8% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Dorchester?

The median home value in Dorchester is $461,770. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,012. The homeownership rate is 66.5%.

How are the schools in Dorchester?

32.9% of adults in Dorchester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Dorchester?

The average commute in Dorchester is 27 minutes. 83.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 23.8% work from home.

What are the demographics of Dorchester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dorchester is 94.3% White, 1% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian. 82% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.1% speak Spanish.

Nearby Cities

Thamesford, ON 2,622 pop · 6.1 mi Belmont, ON 1,140 pop · 7.0 mi London, ON 422,324 pop · 8.4 mi Thames Centre, ON 13,980 pop · 9.2 mi Ingersoll, ON 13,693 pop · 9.9 mi South-West Oxford, ON 7,583 pop · 12.2 mi Zorra, ON 8,628 pop · 12.5 mi Central Elgin, ON 13,746 pop · 14.7 mi Aylmer, ON 7,699 pop · 15.6 mi St. Thomas, ON 42,840 pop · 15.6 mi Delaware, ON 2,521 pop · 18.3 mi St. Marys, ON 7,386 pop · 18.7 mi Woodstock, ON 46,705 pop · 19.1 mi Tillsonburg, ON 18,615 pop · 19.2 mi
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