Sign In Register

South Bruce, ON

Ontario

South Bruce is a small city in Ontario with a population of 5,880. Residents earn $88,000 per year, which is 17% above the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.0 /5.0
B Good
5,880 Population 31/sq mi density
$88,000 Median Income $49,600 per capita
$448,000 Home Value
$830 Median Rent 12.5% income on rent
44°F Avg Temperature 268 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.0 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.9 / 5.0
$88,000 median income, 6.1% unemployment
B+
Affordability
3.8 / 5.0
$448,000 home value, $830/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.7 / 5.0
8.6% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover South Bruce, 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 $88,000
17% higher than US avg
Home Value $448,000
59% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 8.6%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent $830
29% lower than US avg
Unemployment 6.1%
69% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 10.4%
16% lower than US avg

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

People

Population5,880
Median Age41.2 yrs
Density31/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 99%

Economy

B+
Median Income$88,000
Per Capita$49,600
Unemployment6.1%
Poverty10.4%
Commute27 min

Housing

B+
Home Value$448,000
Rent$830
Ownership80.3%
Housing Units2,280
Rent Burden12.5%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Sunny Days268/yr
Elevation686 ft (209 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+8.6%
High School+35.2%
Graduate+1.7%

Community

Commute27 min

Is South Bruce a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, South Bruce receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. South Bruce offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in South Bruce is $88,000, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 6.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 10.4% 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 South Bruce is $448,000, making it a premium housing market at 59% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $830 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.1x 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

8.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 35.2% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

South Bruce has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 268 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches, including 12.6 inches of snow.

South Bruce has a population of 5,880 with a density of 31 people per square mile, spread across 188.0 square miles. The median age is 41.2 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.1% female and 50.9% male. The city is predominantly White (99.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.2% of residents.

Population

5,880
Total Population
31
People / sq mi
41.2yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
188.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50.9%
Female 49.1%

Race & Ethnicity

South Bruce vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 94.2%
20% above US avg
Spanish 0.3%
97% below US avg
Other Languages 5.4%

Social Characteristics

South Bruce vs U.S. Average

The median household income in South Bruce is $88,000, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,600 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $954, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 182 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 25.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: South Bruce vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$88,000
17% above US avg
Per Capita Income$49,600
Avg Weekly Wage$954

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment6.1%
69% above US avg
Poverty Rate10.4%
16% below US avg
Establishments (County)182

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time27.0 min
Drive Alone88.7%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home25.1%

Walkability

The median home value in South Bruce is $448,000, 59% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $830 (29% below the national average of $1,163). 80.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,280 total housing units in the city. 12.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.1x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$448,000
59% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$830
29% below US avg
Rent Burden12.5%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership80.3%
Owner-Occupied80.3%
Renter-Occupied19.7%
Housing Units2,280

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, South Bruce receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: South Bruce 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 →
South Bruce has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 268 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 37.4 inches. The area receives 12.6 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 686 feet.

Temperature

21°F Jan (-6°C) 67°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average44.0°F
19% below US avg
January Average21°F (-6°C)
July Average67°F (19°C)
Sunny Days268 days/yr

Geography

Elevation686 ft (209 m)
Area188.0 sq mi (486.9 km²)
Population Density31/sq mi
Coordinates44.6834°N, 81.2164°W
TimezoneAmerica/Toronto

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 37.4"
2% below US avg
Snowfall 12.6"
Wettest Month (Dec) 4.02"
Driest Month (Mar) 2.36"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 29, 2012.

Jul 29, 2012 17 km SSW of Parry Sound, Canada M2.5 105 km
May 17, 2010 19 km WNW of Gravenhurst, Canada M2.5 135 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Tsunami History

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

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1855 OWEN SOUND, LAKE HURON Unknown 2.7 m - 39 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 21°F (-6°C) 3.7 in Coldest
February 21°F (-6°C) 2.5 in
March 29°F (-2°C) 2.4 in Driest
April 40°F (5°C) 2.5 in
May 52°F (11°C) 2.7 in
June 61°F (16°C) 2.8 in
July 67°F (19°C) 2.6 in Warmest
August 66°F (19°C) 3.2 in
September 59°F (15°C) 3.8 in
October 48°F (9°C) 3.4 in
November 38°F (3°C) 3.7 in
December 27°F (-3°C) 4.0 in Wettest

South Bruce has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 21°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.4 inches, with December being the wettest month (4.0") and March the driest (2.4").

View full weather details →
8.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 74% below the national average of 33.7%. 35.2% have completed high school. 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 88.7% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+8.6%
74% below US avg
High School+35.2%
Graduate Degree+1.7%
D Education Grade (1.7/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density31/sq mi
Total Area188.0 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute27.0 min
Drive Alone88.7%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home25.1%

Radio Stations near South Bruce

2 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CFPS-FM "97.9 The Bruce" Port Elgin, ON (MP3 Stream) active rock MP3 128 kbps
CFPS -FM "97.9 The Bruce" Port Elgin, ON (AAC Stream) active rock, new format rebranding AAC 63 kbps

Museums in South Bruce

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre

Libraries in South Bruce

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Bruce County Public Library - Port Elgin Branch0.0
Bruce County Public Library - Sauble Beach Branch0.0
Bruce County Public Library - Southampton Branch0.0
Bruce County Public Library - Tara Branch0.0
Bruce County Public Library - Wiarton Branch0.0

Farmers Markets in South Bruce

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Keady Market

Breweries in South Bruce

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Outlaw Brew Co
Three Sheets Brewing
Three Sheets Brewing

Stadiums & Teams in South Bruce

TeamLeagueDivision

Ski Resorts Near South Bruce

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Beaver Valley Ski Club 0.0 - - $0 - - -

Airports Near South Bruce

27 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Kincardine Municipal AirportYKDMedium Airport
Owen Sound / Billy Bishop Regional AirportYOSMedium Airport
Wiarton AirportYVVMedium Airport
Blacks Lake Airfield-Small Airport
Conn Field-Small Airport
East Linton (Kerr Field)-Small Airport
Farrow's Field-Small Airport
Flesherton (Smithorrs Field)-Small Airport
Glendale Airport-Small Airport
Griffith Island Airstrip-Small Airport
Hanover / Saugeen Municipal Airport-Small Airport
Hay Island Airstrip-Small Airport
Mount Forest Roths' Field-Small Airport
Nenagh Field-Small Airport
Owen Sound (Cook Field)-Small Airport
Port Elgin Airport-Small Airport
Robinson International Air Field-Small Airport
Roth Field-Small Airport
Shepherd's Landing Airport-Small Airport
Southampton Airport-Small Airport
Teeswater (Dent Field) Aerodrome-Small Airport
Teeswater (Thompson Field) Airport-Small Airport
Tobermory Airport-Small Airport
Varys Field-Small Airport
Walter's Falls (Piper Way) Aerodrome-Small Airport
White Cloud Island-Small Airport
Wilkinson Field-Small Airport

Explore Near South Bruce

UFO Sightings
2
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →
Waterfalls
1
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

Download Full City Report

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

Get Report

Frequently Asked Questions About South Bruce

What is the population of South Bruce?

South Bruce has a population of 5,880 residents and is located in Ontario. The population density is 31 people per square mile, spread across 188.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.1% female and 50.9% male.

Is South Bruce expensive to live in?

The median household income is $88,000, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $448,000 (59% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $830 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is South Bruce safe?

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

What is the weather like in South Bruce?

South Bruce has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 268 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches, with 12.6 inches of snow.

How is the job market in South Bruce?

The unemployment rate in South Bruce is 6.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $954. There are 182 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 25.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in South Bruce?

The median home value in South Bruce is $448,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $830. The homeownership rate is 80.3%.

How are the schools in South Bruce?

8.6% of adults in South Bruce hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 35.2% have completed high school. 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in South Bruce?

The average commute in South Bruce is 27 minutes. 88.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 25.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of South Bruce?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Bruce is 99.3% White. 94.2% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

South Bruce Peninsula, ON 9,137 pop · 0.0 mi Georgian Bluffs, ON 11,100 pop · 10.2 mi Owen Sound, ON 21,612 pop · 15.6 mi Port Elgin, ON 7,862 pop · 19.1 mi Saugeen Shores, ON 15,908 pop · 19.8 mi Arran-Elderslie, ON 6,913 pop · 20.0 mi Sydenham, ON 3,249 pop · 22.0 mi Chatsworth, ON 7,080 pop · 22.2 mi Paisley, ON 1,045 pop · 26.2 mi Meaford, ON 11,485 pop · 30.2 mi Louise, MB 2,025 pop · 30.6 mi Northern Bruce Peninsula, ON 4,404 pop · 33.2 mi Markdale, ON 1,216 pop · 37.7 mi Hanover, ON 7,967 pop · 37.9 mi
Compare South Bruce with another city: