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Peterborough, ON

Ontario · Oshawa Metro

Peterborough is a mid-size city in Ontario with a population of 83,651. Residents earn $71,500 per year, which is 5% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
83,651 Population 3,346/sq mi density
$71,500 Median Income $44,520 per capita
$500,000 Home Value
$1,110 Median Rent 25.7% income on rent
47°F Avg Temperature 272 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.9 / 5.0
$71,500 median income, 14.7% unemployment
C+
Affordability
2.7 / 5.0
$500,000 home value, $1,110/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
C
Education
2.3 / 5.0
15.8% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Peterborough, 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 $71,500
5% lower than US avg
Home Value $500,000
77% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 15.8%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,110
5% lower than US avg
Unemployment 14.7%
308% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 12.8%
3% higher than US avg

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

People

Population83,651
Median Age43.2 yrs
Density3,346/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 91%

Economy

C+
Median Income$71,500
Per Capita$44,520
Unemployment14.7%
Poverty12.8%
Commute22 min

Housing

C+
Home Value$500,000
Rent$1,110
Ownership59.4%
Housing Units35,980
Rent Burden25.7%

Crime

C+
Property56/100K
Burglary8/100K

Climate

Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
Rain36.4 in/yr
Sunny Days272/yr
Elevation617 ft (188 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+15.8%
High School+30.8%
Graduate+5.8%

Community

Commute22 min

Is Peterborough a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Peterborough receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Peterborough has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Peterborough is $71,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 14.7%, unemployment is notably high. 12.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Peterborough is $500,000, making it a premium housing market at 77% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,110 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 56 per 100,000, 97% below the national average.

Education

15.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 30.8% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Peterborough experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 272 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches, including 59.9 inches of snow.

Peterborough has a population of 83,651 with a density of 3,346 people per square mile, spread across 25.0 square miles. The median age is 43.2 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.8% female and 47.2% male. The city is predominantly White (90.6%), with 1.4% Black, 6% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.3% of residents.

Population

83,651
Total Population
2021 Census
3,346
People / sq mi
43.2yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
25.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 47.2%
Female 52.8%

Race & Ethnicity

Peterborough vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 90.3%
15% above US avg
Spanish 1.0%
92% below US avg
Other Languages 8.7%

Social Characteristics

Peterborough vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Peterborough is $71,500, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,520 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $856, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 14.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 173 business establishments, including 86 restaurants. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 26.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Peterborough vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$71,500
5% below US avg
Per Capita Income$44,520
Avg Weekly Wage$856

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment14.7%
308% above US avg
Poverty Rate12.8%
3% above US avg
Establishments (County)173

Business (County)

Restaurants86
Healthcare29
Retail8

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time22.2 min
Drive Alone76.8%
Public Transit3.7%
Work from Home26.3%

Walkability

The median home value in Peterborough is $500,000, 77% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,110 (5% below the national average of $1,163). 59.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 35,980 total housing units in the city. 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$500,000
77% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,110
5% below US avg
Rent Burden25.7%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership59.4%
Owner-Occupied59.4%
Renter-Occupied40.6%
Housing Units35,980

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 56 per 100,000, 97% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 40, burglary at 8, vehicle theft at 8 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Peterborough receives a safety grade of C+.

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

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property55.9/100K
97% below US avg
Burglary7.7/100K
Theft40.0/100K
Vehicle Theft8.1/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Peterborough experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 272 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches. The area receives 59.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 617 feet.

Temperature

20°F Jan (-7°C) 70°F Jul (21°C)
Annual Average46.8°F
13% below US avg
January Average20°F (-7°C)
July Average70°F (21°C)
Sunny Days272 days/yr

Geography

Elevation617 ft (188 m)
Area25.0 sq mi (64.8 km²)
Population Density3,346/sq mi
Coordinates44.3001°N, 78.3162°W
TimezoneAmerica/Toronto

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 36.4"
4% below US avg
Snowfall 59.9"
Wettest Month (Nov) 3.58"
Driest Month (Feb) 2.13"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 29, 2020.

Nov 26, 1999 14 km ESE of Centennial Scarborough, Canada M3.8 85 km
Dec 25, 1998 23 km SE of Cobourg, Canada M3.6 61 km
May 24, 2000 4 km ENE of Centennial Scarborough, Canada M3.1 83 km
May 8, 2018 14 km SSE of Ajax, Canada M3.0 81 km
Aug 4, 2004 30 km SSW of Cobourg, Canada M3.0 67 km
Nov 7, 2002 13 km SSW of Belleville, Canada M3.0 76 km
Jul 19, 2007 27 km S of Cobourg, Canada M3.0 66 km
Mar 28, 2005 16 km NW of Virgil, Canada M2.8 134 km
Mar 8, 2008 5 km ENE of Clarence Center, New York M2.7 143 km
Dec 21, 2009 10 km NNE of Olcott, New York M2.7 101 km
Aug 11, 2007 4 km N of Kingston, Canada M2.6 146 km
Mar 29, 2020 11 km N of Lyndonville, New York M2.6 97 km
Sep 20, 2009 20 km ESE of Oakville, Canada M2.6 136 km
Jul 11, 2017 11 km NNW of Barker, New York M2.5 99 km
May 17, 2010 19 km WNW of Gravenhurst, Canada M2.5 127 km
Feb 13, 2014 34 km N of Lyndonville, New York M2.5 74 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 20°F (-7°C) 2.7 in
February 19°F (-7°C) 2.1 in Coldest, Driest
March 29°F (-2°C) 2.3 in
April 42°F (6°C) 2.8 in
May 54°F (12°C) 3.2 in
June 63°F (17°C) 3.2 in
July 70°F (21°C) 2.7 in Warmest
August 66°F (19°C) 3.2 in
September 58°F (15°C) 3.5 in
October 47°F (8°C) 3.1 in
November 36°F (2°C) 3.6 in Wettest
December 23°F (-5°C) 2.9 in

Peterborough has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 19°F in February to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with November being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (2.1").

View full weather details →
15.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 53% below the national average of 33.7%. 30.8% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 29 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 76.8% of workers drive alone to work, while 3.7% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+15.8%
53% below US avg
High School+30.8%
Graduate Degree+5.8%
C Education Grade (2.3/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density3,346/sq mi
Total Area25.0 sq mi

Services

Healthcare Facilities29
Restaurants86
Retail Stores8

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute22.2 min
Drive Alone76.8%
Public Transit3.7%
Work from Home26.3%

Colleges & Universities in Peterborough

Institution Type Enrollment Acceptance In-State Tuition Out-of-State
Fleming College - - - - -
Master's College - - - - -
Trent University - - - - -
Trent University - Catharine Parr Traill College - - - - -

Schools in Peterborough

34 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Peterborough Alternative and Continuing Education - - - -
Prince of Wales Public School - - - -
Westmount Public School - - - -
St. Alphonsus Catholic Elementary School - - - -
Edmison Heights Public School - - - -
Kawartha Heights Public School - - - -
Highland Heights Public School - - - -
Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School - - - -
Queen Elizabeth Public School - - - -
Adam Scott Collegiate and Vocational Institute - - - -
Kaawaate East City Public School - - - -
St. John Catholic Elementary School - - - -
Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School - - - -
Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School - - - -
St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School - - - -
The Children’s Montessori & Preparatory School - - - -
École catholique Monseigneur-Jamot - - - -
Otonabee Valley Public School - - - -
St. Paul Catholic Elementary School - - - -
Armour Heights Public School - - - -
Kenner Collegiate and Vocational Institute - - - -
St. Teresa Catholic Elementary School - - - -
Keith Wightman Public School - - - -
Monsignor O'Donoghue Catholic Elementary School - - - -
St. Peter Catholic Secondary School - - - -
Queen Mary Public School - - - -
Rhema Christian School - - - -
St. Anne Catholic Elementary School - - - -
Roger Neilson Public School - - - -
James Strath Public School - - - -
Crestwood Secondary School - - - -
Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic School - - - -
St. Catherine Catholic Elementary School - - - -
R. F. Downey Public School - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Peterborough

2 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CBC Radio One - Peterborough, ON (MP3 stream) features, news MP3 128 kbps
CJWV Oldies 96.7 FM oldies AAC+ 31 kbps

Museums in Peterborough

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Art Gallery of Peterborough
Boyd Heritage Museam
Canadian Canoe Museum
Canadian Canoe Museum
Christ Church Community Museum
Ganaraska Forest Centre
Hutchinson House
Lang Pioneer Village
Peterborough Lift Lock Visitors Centre
Peterborough Museum and Archives

Libraries in Peterborough

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Bata Library0.0
Cavan Monaghan Public Library - Bruce Johnston Branch0.0
Cavan Monaghan Public Library - Millbrook Branch0.0
Cobourg Public Library - Bewdley Branch0.0
Cobourg Public Library - Gores Landing Branch0.0
Douro-Dummer Public Library0.0
Kawartha Lakes Public Library - Bobcaygeon Branch0.0
Kawartha Lakes Public Library - Omemee Branch0.0
Otonabee South Monaghan Public Library - Gayle Nelson Keene Branch0.0
Otonabee South Monaghan Public Library - Stewart Hall Branch0.0
Otonabee-South Monaghan Public Library - Bailieboro Branch0.0
Peterborough Public Library0.0
Peterborough Public Library - Delafosse Branch0.0
Selwyn Public Library - Ennismore Branch0.0
Selwyn Public Library - Lakefield Branch0.0
Selwyn Public Library -Bridgenorth Branch0.0

Hotels in Peterborough

6 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Best Western Plus Otonabee Inn
Comfort Inn & Suites
Hampton Inn Peterborough
Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront
Peterborough Inn & Suites
Quality Inn Peterborough

Cafes in Peterborough

38 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

BE Catering
Black Honey Cafe
Cork & Bean
Country Style
Country Style
DNA Cafe
Dodrio
Dreams of Beans
East City Coffee Shop
Electric City Cafe
Hasselton's Coffee & Sweets
Karma's Cafe
Kelly's Cafe
Kit Coffee
Silver Bean Café
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
The Only Cafe
The Planet North
The Seasoned Spoon Cafe
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Turnbull Cafe

Cinemas in Peterborough

1 cinemas within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Galaxy Cinemas Peterborough

Theatres in Peterborough

4 theatres within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Market Hall Performing Arts Centre
Peterborough Theatre Guild
Showplace Performance Centre
The Theatre on King

Monuments in Peterborough

1 monuments within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Wall Of Honour

Zoos in Peterborough

1 zoos within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Riverview Park & Zoo

Clinics in Peterborough

6 clinics within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

CA #9208151794
Caravaggio Orthotic Clinic
First Step
OATC Peterbrough Clinic
Partners In Pregnancy
Skin Centre

Dentists in Peterborough

14 dentists within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

CA #7854664938
CA #9286894387
Chemong Family Dentistry
Cornerstone Family Dentistry
Dentistry on Sherbrooke
Electric City Dental
Everes Dentistry
Kawartha Dental Clinic
Lansdowne West Dental
Lotus Family Dental
Louis Diamandakos & Associates
McKenzie Denture Clinic
Peterborough Family Dentistry
Tag Dental

Veterinaries in Peterborough

7 veterinaries within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Brealey Drive Animal Clinic
High Street Animal Hospital
Kawartha Veterinary Clinic
Otonabee Animal Hospital
Peterborough Veterinary Services
Sherbrooke Heights Animal Hospital
VCA Animal Hospital

Bus Stations in Peterborough

1 bus stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Peterborough Terminal

Gas Stations in Peterborough

25 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Canadian Tire
Canadian Tire
Costco Gasoline
Esso
Esso
Esso
Esso
Esso
Global
Husky
MacEwen
Petro-Canada
Petro-Canada
Petro-Pass
Pioneer
Pioneer
RaceTrac
Shell
Shell
Ultramar
Ultramar
Ultramar
Ultramar
Ultramar
Ultramar

Banks in Peterborough

21 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

BMO
BMO
BMO
CIBC
CIBC
Ganarska Financial Credit Union
Kawartha Credit Union
Kawartha Credit Union
Kawartha Credit Union
National Bank
Peterborough Community Savings
RBC Royal Bank
RBC Royal Bank
RBC Royal Bank
Scotiabank
Scotiabank
Scotiabank
TD
TD
TD
TD

Shopping Malls in Peterborough

3 shopping malls within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Lansdowne Place
Peterborough Square
Portage Place

Gyms in Peterborough

15 gyms within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Anytime Fitness
Beast Fitness
CrossFit
CrossFit
F45 Training
GoodLife Fitness
GoodLife Fitness
House Fitness
Inner Quiet Yoga
Ji-yu Shin Karate
Orangetheory Fitness
Peterborough Axe Club
Peterborough Sports & Wellness Centre
Sati Yoga
White Tiger Taekwondo

Golf Courses in Peterborough

4 golf courses within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Heron Landing Golf Course
Kawartha Golf & Country Club
Liftlock Golf Club
Peterborough Golf & Country Club

Breweries in Peterborough

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Bobcaygeon Brewery
Haven Brewing Co.
Old Dog Brewing Company
Persian Empire Distillery

Ski Resorts Near Peterborough

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Kawartha Nordic 0.0 - - $0 - - -

Airports Near Peterborough

33 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Oshawa Executive AirportYOOMedium Airport
Peterborough Regional AirportYPQMedium Airport
Bethany / Whitetail Valley Farm Airfield-Small Airport
Blackstock / Martyn-Small Airport
Bobcaygeon / Chesher Lakehurst Airport-Small Airport
Cameron/Arbour Airfield-Small Airport
Dave Carlaw Strip-Small Airport
Dimkovski Airpark-Small Airport
Douro Airfield-Small Airport
Dunsford Airport-Small Airport
Elizabethville Airstrip-Small Airport
Elmhirst's Resort Airport-Small Airport
Greenbank-Uxbridge-Port Perry Airfield-Small Airport
Hampton-Small Airport
Hampton / Morawetz Field-Small Airport
Hastings / Sweetwater Farms Airport-Small Airport
Hoskin Airport-Small Airport
Kawartha Lakes Municipal Airport-Small Airport
Kirkfield / Balsam Lake Airfield-Small Airport
Lorneville Airstrip-Small Airport
Newtonville / Steeves Field-Small Airport
Omemee Airport-Small Airport
Orono / Hawkefield Aerodrome-Small Airport
Orono Field-Small Airport
Palestine Airport-Small Airport
Pine Point Airfield-Small Airport
Port Hope (Millson Field)-Small Airport
Port Hope (Peter's Field) Airport-Small Airport
PR Ajax Airfield-Small Airport
Seagrave / North Port Airfield-Small Airport
Stone Airport-Small Airport
Utica Airfield-Small Airport
Whistlewing Airstrip-Small Airport

Post Offices in Peterborough

10 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Canada Post
Canada Post
Canada Post
Canada Post
Canada Post
Canada Post
FedEx
Intelcom
Package Plus
The UPS Store

Churches & Religious Organizations in Peterborough

50 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
All Saints' Anglican Church
Auburn Bible Chapel
Beth Israel Synagogue
Braidwood Bible Chapel
Calvary Church
Cathedral of Saint Peter-in-Chains
Cephas Christian Reformed Church
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
Christian Victory Church
City Church Peterborough
Edmison Heights Baptist Church
Edmison Heights Bible Chapel
Elim City Church
Emmanuel United Church
Ferndale Bible Church
Gilmour Memorial Baptist Church
Grace United Church
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
Knox United Church
Living Hope Christian Reformed Church
Mark Street United Church
Masjid Al-Salaam
Murray St Baptist Church
New Life Church - Peterborough
Northminster United Church
Northview Community Church
Park Street Baptist Church
Park Street Gospel Hall
Paul's Mission Church of Peterborough
Peterborough Free Methodist Church
Peterborough Seventh-day Adventist Church
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Sherbrooke Heights Alliance Church
St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
St. Anne's Church
St. Barnabas Anglican Church
St. Giles Presbysterian Church
St. James United Church
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
St. John's Anglican Church
St. Luke's Anglican Church
St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Salvation Army
The Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough
Trinity United Church
Victory Baptist Church
Westdale United Church
Westmount Bible Chapel

Explore Near Peterborough

UFO Sightings
16
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →

Download Full City Report

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Peterborough

What is the population of Peterborough?

Peterborough has a population of 83,651 residents and is located in Ontario. The population density is 3,346 people per square mile, spread across 25.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.8% female and 47.2% male.

Is Peterborough expensive to live in?

The median household income is $71,500, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $500,000 (77% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,110 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Peterborough safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 56 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Peterborough receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Peterborough?

Peterborough has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 272 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.4 inches, with 59.9 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Peterborough?

The job market in Peterborough faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $856. There are 173 business establishments in the area, including 86 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 26.3% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Peterborough?

The median home value in Peterborough is $500,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,110. The homeownership rate is 59.4%.

How are the schools in Peterborough?

15.8% of adults in Peterborough hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 30.8% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Peterborough?

The average commute in Peterborough is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.8% of workers drive alone to work, 3.7% use public transit, and 26.3% work from home.

What are the demographics of Peterborough?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Peterborough is 90.6% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6% Asian. 90.3% of residents speak only English at home.

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