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Renfrew, ON

Ontario

Renfrew is a small city in Ontario with a population of 8,190. Residents earn $60,400 per year, which is 20% below the national average.

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
8,190 Population 1,656/sq mi density
$60,400 Median Income $41,440 per capita
$300,000 Home Value
$850 Median Rent 19.8% income on rent
45°F Avg Temperature 232 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.4 / 5.0
$60,400 median income, 10.5% unemployment
B+
Affordability
3.9 / 5.0
$300,000 home value, $850/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.6 / 5.0
7.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Renfrew, 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 $60,400
20% lower than US avg
Home Value $300,000
6% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 7.0%
79% lower than US avg
Median Rent $850
27% lower than US avg
Unemployment 10.5%
192% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 16.8%
35% higher than US avg

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

People

Population8,190
Median Age54.0 yrs
Density1,656/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 99%

Economy

C
Median Income$60,400
Per Capita$41,440
Unemployment10.5%
Poverty16.8%
Commute24 min

Housing

B+
Home Value$300,000
Rent$850
Ownership58.7%
Housing Units3,950
Rent Burden19.8%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain42.0 in/yr
Sunny Days232/yr
Elevation427 ft (130 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+7.0%
High School+37.4%
Graduate+2.6%

Community

Commute24 min

Is Renfrew a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Renfrew 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 above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Renfrew has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Renfrew is $60,400, 20% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.5%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 16.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Renfrew is $300,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

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

Education

7.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 37.4% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Renfrew has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 232 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 42.0 inches, including 75.9 inches of snow.

Renfrew has a population of 8,190 with a density of 1,656 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age is 54.0 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.8% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.5% of residents.

Population

8,190
Total Population
2021 Census
1,656
People / sq mi
54.0yrs
Median Age
39% above US avg
5.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 47.3%
Female 52.8%

Race & Ethnicity

Renfrew vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 93.5%
19% above US avg
Spanish 2.7%
80% below US avg
Other Languages 3.8%

Social Characteristics

Renfrew vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Renfrew is $60,400, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,440. The average weekly wage is $797, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 254 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 14.5% of workers work from home.

Income: Renfrew vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$60,400
20% below US avg
Per Capita Income$41,440
Avg Weekly Wage$797

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment10.5%
192% above US avg
Poverty Rate16.8%
35% above US avg
Establishments (County)254

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time23.9 min
Drive Alone77.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home14.5%

Walkability

The median home value in Renfrew is $300,000, 6% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). 58.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,950 total housing units in the city. 19.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$300,000
6% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$850
27% below US avg
Rent Burden19.8%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership58.7%
Owner-Occupied58.7%
Renter-Occupied41.4%
Housing Units3,950

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, Renfrew receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Renfrew 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 →
Renfrew has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 232 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 42.0 inches. The area receives 75.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 427 feet.

Temperature

22°F Jan (-6°C) 69°F Jul (21°C)
Annual Average45.3°F
16% below US avg
January Average22°F (-6°C)
July Average69°F (21°C)
Sunny Days232 days/yr

Geography

Elevation427 ft (130 m)
Area5.0 sq mi (12.8 km²)
Population Density1,656/sq mi
Coordinates45.4668°N, 76.6827°W
TimezoneAmerica/Toronto

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 42.0"
11% above US avg
Snowfall 75.9"
Wettest Month (Aug) 3.19"
Driest Month (Feb) 1.97"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

98 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M2.7 on May 15, 2024.

Jun 23, 2010 29 km NNE of Val-des-Monts, Canada M5.4 105 km
May 17, 2013 20 km NNE of Shawville, Canada M5.1 41 km
Oct 19, 1990 11 km SW of Mont-Laurier, Canada M4.6 140 km
Dec 25, 1993 9 km WSW of Mont-Laurier, Canada M4.3 142 km
Apr 18, 1998 4 km N of Plantagenet, Canada M4.1 132 km
Nov 17, 1992 16 km ENE of Saint-André-Avellin, Canada M4.0 145 km
Feb 25, 2006 4 km NE of Thurso, Canada M4.0 117 km
Oct 7, 1990 21 km WNW of La Minerve, Canada M3.9 150 km
Mar 6, 1991 49 km NNW of Fort-Coulonge, Canada M3.9 92 km
Sep 18, 2011 1 km E of Thurso, Canada M3.8 114 km
Feb 26, 1998 33 km SW of Saint-Raphaël, Canada M3.7 72 km
May 17, 2013 20 km NNE of Shawville, Canada M3.6 41 km
Oct 20, 2013 34 km SSW of Petawawa, Canada M3.6 62 km
Feb 15, 1995 13 km SSE of Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, Canada M3.5 136 km
May 6, 1993 27 km S of Mont-Laurier, Canada M3.5 130 km
Mar 29, 2011 66 km NE of Deep River, Canada M3.5 124 km
Jan 16, 2013 28 km W of Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, Canada M3.5 117 km
May 14, 2016 8 km NW of Petawawa, Canada M3.5 75 km
May 28, 2002 11 km WNW of Shawville, Canada M3.4 19 km
Mar 31, 2005 27 km ESE of Maniwaki, Canada M3.4 121 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

1 tsunami recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 15.0 m (49 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1908 NOTRE DAME DE LA SALETTE Meteorological 15.0 m 33 91 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 22°F (-6°C) 2.4 in
February 13°F (-11°C) 2.0 in Coldest, Driest
March 24°F (-4°C) 2.1 in
April 39°F (4°C) 2.6 in
May 52°F (11°C) 3.0 in
June 62°F (17°C) 3.1 in
July 69°F (21°C) 3.1 in Warmest
August 66°F (19°C) 3.2 in Wettest
September 57°F (14°C) 3.2 in
October 46°F (8°C) 2.9 in
November 34°F (1°C) 2.9 in
December 19°F (-7°C) 2.4 in

Renfrew has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 13°F in February to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.2") and February the driest (2.0").

View full weather details →
7.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 79% below the national average of 33.7%. 37.4% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 77.2% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+7.0%
79% below US avg
High School+37.4%
Graduate Degree+2.6%
D Education Grade (1.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density1,656/sq mi
Total Area5.0 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute23.9 min
Drive Alone77.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home14.5%

Schools in Renfrew

6 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
St. Joseph's High School
Queen Elizabeth Public School
St. Thomas the Apostle School
Renfrew Collegiate Institute
Central Public School
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Renfrew

3 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Valley Heritage Radio MP3 128 kbps
Valley Heritage Radio 98.7 CJHR classic country, country MP3 128 kbps
CIMY-FM 104.9 "MyFM" Pembroke, ON adult contemporary AAC+ 31 kbps

Museums in Renfrew

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Armstrong Heritage Farm
McDougall Mill Museum
NHA NHL Birthplace Museum
Pontiac Museum
Ross Museum

Libraries in Renfrew

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Greater Madawaska Public Library0.0
Renfrew Public Library0.0
Shawville-Clarendon Library0.0
Whitewater Region Public Library - Cobden Branch0.0
Whitewater Region Public Library - Foresters Falls Branch0.0

Cafes in Renfrew

2 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons

Cinemas in Renfrew

1 cinemas within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

O'Brien Theatre

Clinics in Renfrew

6 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Alternative Health Care Clinic
Dynacare
OATC Renfrew
Renfrew Eye Clinic
Renfrew Family Chiropractic
Renfrew Health Village Medical Clinic

Dentists in Renfrew

2 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Dentistry in the Valley
Dr. Janice King

Veterinaries in Renfrew

2 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Pinnacle Animal Hospital
Renfrew Animal Hospital

Gas Stations in Renfrew

7 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

CA #1246065146
Canadian Tire
Gourley's Gas Bar
Irving
MacEwen
Mobil
Shell

Banks in Renfrew

4 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

BMO
RBC Royal Bank
Scotiabank
TD

Gyms in Renfrew

4 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Heartsong Studio
move·ment
TLC Fitness and More
Ultimate Fitness

Golf Courses in Renfrew

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Dragonfly Golf Links at Renfrew

Breweries in Renfrew

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Calabogie Brewing Company
Whitewater Brewing Company
Whitewater Lakeside Brewpub

Ski Resorts Near Renfrew

3 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Calabogie Peaks 0.0 $0
Mount Pakenham Ski Hill 0.0 $0
Mont Chilly 0.0 $0

Airports Near Renfrew

21 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Ottawa / Carp AirportMedium Airport
Pembroke AirportYTAMedium Airport
Smiths Falls-Montague (Russ Beach) AirportYSHMedium Airport
1669 Diamondview Road Private StripSmall Airport
1797 Diamondview Road Private StripSmall Airport
Arnprior AirportSmall Airport
Baker Valley AirparkSmall Airport
Bruce McPhail Memorial AirportSmall Airport
Carleton Place AirportSmall Airport
Cedar Hill AerodromeSmall Airport
Django FieldSmall Airport
Flint FieldSmall Airport
Fumerton FieldSmall Airport
Lavant Private FieldSmall Airport
Matawatchan AerodromeSmall Airport
Ompah AirportSmall Airport
Parti FieldSmall Airport
Pontiac AirparkSmall Airport
Portland / Red Neck Air Force FieldSmall Airport
Smiths Falls Private AirstripSmall Airport
Tomvale AirportSmall Airport

Post Offices in Renfrew

2 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Canada Post
Post Office

Churches & Religious Organizations in Renfrew

10 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Calvary Pentecostal Church
Elmwood Bible Chapel
Hebron Christian Reformed Church
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church
Renfrew Presbyterian Church
Salvation Army Church
St. Francis Xavier Church
St. Paul's Anglican Church
Trinity St. Andrew's United Church

Explore Near Renfrew

UFO Sightings
2
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 Renfrew.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Renfrew

What is the population of Renfrew?

Renfrew has a population of 8,190 residents and is located in Ontario. The population density is 1,656 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.8% female and 47.3% male.

Is Renfrew expensive to live in?

The median household income is $60,400, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $300,000 (6% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Renfrew safe?

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

What is the weather like in Renfrew?

Renfrew has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 232 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 42.0 inches, with 75.9 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Renfrew?

The job market in Renfrew faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $797. There are 254 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 14.5% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Renfrew?

The median home value in Renfrew is $300,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. The homeownership rate is 58.7%.

How are the schools in Renfrew?

7.0% of adults in Renfrew hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 37.4% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Renfrew?

The average commute in Renfrew is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.5% work from home.

What are the demographics of Renfrew?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Renfrew is 98.7% White, 0.5% Asian. 93.5% of residents speak only English at home.

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