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Thunder Bay, ON

Ontario · Thunder Bay Metro

Thunder Bay is a large city in Ontario with a population of 108,843. Residents earn $82,000 per year, which is 9% above the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.0 /5.0
B Good
108,843 Population 860/sq mi density
$82,000 Median Income $48,760 per capita
$300,000 Home Value
$970 Median Rent 9.6% income on rent
39°F Avg Temperature 285 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.0 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$82,000 median income, 11.2% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.6 / 5.0
$300,000 home value, $970/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
2.0 / 5.0
12.1% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Thunder Bay, 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 $82,000
9% higher than US avg
Home Value $300,000
6% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 12.1%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent $970
17% lower than US avg
Unemployment 11.2%
211% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 11.6%
6% lower than US avg

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

People

Population108,843
Median Age44.0 yrs
Density860/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 93%

Economy

B
Median Income$82,000
Per Capita$48,760
Unemployment11.2%
Poverty11.6%
Commute18 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$300,000
Rent$970
Ownership91.0%
Housing Units2,785
Rent Burden9.6%

Crime

C+
Property69/100K
Burglary10/100K

Climate

Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
Rain31.5 in/yr
Sunny Days285/yr
Elevation617 ft (188 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+12.1%
High School+26.0%
Graduate+4.5%

Community

Commute18 min

Is Thunder Bay a Good Place to Live?

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

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Thunder Bay is $82,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 11.2%, unemployment is notably high. 11.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Thunder Bay is $300,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $970 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 69 per 100,000, 96% below the national average.

Education

12.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 26.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Thunder Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. With 285 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.5 inches, including 81.3 inches of snow.

Thunder Bay has a population of 108,843 with a density of 860 people per square mile, spread across 126.6 square miles. The median age is 44.0 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%), with 1.1% Black, 5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.5% of residents.

Population

108,843
Total Population
2021 Census
860
People / sq mi
44.0yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
126.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 52.7%
Female 47.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Thunder Bay vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 88.5%
13% above US avg
Spanish 2.3%
83% below US avg
Other Languages 9.3%

Social Characteristics

Thunder Bay vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Thunder Bay is $82,000, which is 9% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $48,760 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $938, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 19 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 20.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Thunder Bay vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$82,000
9% above US avg
Per Capita Income$48,760
Avg Weekly Wage$938

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment11.2%
211% above US avg
Poverty Rate11.6%
6% below US avg
Establishments (County)19

Business (County)

Restaurants5
Healthcare1
Retail4

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time18.3 min
Drive Alone81.4%
Public Transit3.8%
Work from Home20.3%

Walkability

The median home value in Thunder Bay is $300,000, 6% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $970 (17% below the national average of $1,163). 91.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,785 total housing units in the city. 9.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$300,000
6% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$970
17% below US avg
Rent Burden9.6%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership91.0%
Owner-Occupied91.0%
Renter-Occupied9.0%
Housing Units2,785

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 69 per 100,000, 96% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 50, burglary at 10, vehicle theft at 10 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Thunder Bay receives a safety grade of C+.

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

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property69.2/100K
96% below US avg
Burglary9.6/100K
Theft49.5/100K
Vehicle Theft10.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Thunder Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. The area gets 285 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 31.5 inches. The area receives 81.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 617 feet.

Temperature

11°F Jan (-12°C) 63°F Jul (17°C)
Annual Average39.3°F
27% below US avg
January Average11°F (-12°C)
July Average63°F (17°C)
Sunny Days285 days/yr

Geography

Elevation617 ft (188 m)
Area126.6 sq mi (327.8 km²)
Population Density860/sq mi
Coordinates48.3820°N, 89.2502°W
TimezoneAmerica/Toronto

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 31.5"
17% below US avg
Snowfall 81.3"
Wettest Month (Jul) 3.46"
Driest Month (Feb) 1.02"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Mar 19, 2018.

Mar 19, 2018 75 km ESE of Atikokan, Canada M2.7 105 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Wildfire History

1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: TUESDAY (533 ac, 2002).

Year Name Acres Distance
2002 TUESDAY 533 79 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 11°F (-12°C) 1.4 in
February 10°F (-12°C) 1.0 in Coldest, Driest
March 22°F (-6°C) 1.6 in
April 36°F (2°C) 1.7 in
May 49°F (10°C) 2.7 in
June 59°F (15°C) 3.2 in
July 63°F (17°C) 3.5 in Wettest
August 63°F (17°C) 3.3 in Warmest
September 54°F (12°C) 3.2 in
October 43°F (6°C) 2.6 in
November 28°F (-2°C) 2.2 in
December 13°F (-10°C) 1.6 in

Thunder Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 10°F in February to 63°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 28.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (1.0").

View full weather details →
12.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 64% below the national average of 33.7%. 26.0% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 1 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 81.4% of workers drive alone to work, while 3.8% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+12.1%
64% below US avg
High School+26.0%
Graduate Degree+4.5%
D Education Grade (2.0/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density860/sq mi
Total Area126.6 sq mi

Services

Healthcare Facilities1
Restaurants5
Retail Stores4

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute18.3 min
Drive Alone81.4%
Public Transit3.8%
Work from Home20.3%

Colleges & Universities in Thunder Bay

Institution Type Enrollment Acceptance In-State Tuition Out-of-State
Confederation College - - - - -
Lakehead University - - - - -
Lakehead University - - - - -
Lakehead University - - - - -
Psychology Research Lab - - - - -

Schools in Thunder Bay

3 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Pope John Paul II - - - -
Pope John Paul II Elementary School - - - -
McKellar Park Central Public School - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Thunder Bay

4 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CBC Radio One - Thunder Bay, ON (MP3 stream) features, news MP3 128 kbps
CJUK-FM "99.9 The Bay" Thunder Bay, ON 70s, 80s AAC 128 kbps
CILU 102.7 "LU Radio" Lakehead University - Thunder Bay, ON campus radio, student radio MP3 96 kbps
CKTG-FM 105.3 "Country 105" Thunder Bay, ON country AAC 128 kbps

Museums in Thunder Bay

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Alexander Henry Museum Ship
Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park
Thunder Bay Museum

Libraries in Thunder Bay

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Caution!! Blind Bend0.0
Mary J.L. Black0.0
Thunder Bay Public Library0.0
Thunder Bay Public Library: Brodie Resource Library0.0
Waverley Resource Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Thunder Bay

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Goods & Co.

Cafes in Thunder Bay

1 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Tim Hortons

Dentists in Thunder Bay

1 dentists within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Sky Dental

Gas Stations in Thunder Bay

3 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

CAN-OP
Esso
Mac's

Shopping Malls in Thunder Bay

1 shopping malls within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Victoriaville Centre Mall

Breweries in Thunder Bay

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
One Time Brew Co

Stadiums & Teams in Thunder Bay

TeamLeagueDivision

Ski Resorts Near Thunder Bay

2 ski resorts within range.

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

Airports Near Thunder Bay

4 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Thunder Bay International AirportYQTMedium Airport
Eldorado Aerodrome-Small Airport
Kakabeka Falls Airport-Small Airport
Martin's Landing-Small Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Thunder Bay

2 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Saint Patrick Cathedral
St Paul's

Explore Near Thunder Bay

UFO Sightings
3
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 Thunder Bay.

Get Report

Frequently Asked Questions About Thunder Bay

What is the population of Thunder Bay?

Thunder Bay has a population of 108,843 residents and is located in Ontario. The population density is 860 people per square mile, spread across 126.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.

Is Thunder Bay expensive to live in?

The median household income is $82,000, 9% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $300,000 (6% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $970 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Thunder Bay safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 69 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Thunder Bay receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Thunder Bay?

Thunder Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 63°F in July. The area receives 285 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.5 inches, with 81.3 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Thunder Bay?

The job market in Thunder Bay faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $938. There are 19 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 20.3% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Thunder Bay?

The median home value in Thunder Bay is $300,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $970. The homeownership rate is 91.0%.

How are the schools in Thunder Bay?

12.1% of adults in Thunder Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 26.0% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Thunder Bay?

The average commute in Thunder Bay is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.4% of workers drive alone to work, 3.8% use public transit, and 20.3% work from home.

What are the demographics of Thunder Bay?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Thunder Bay is 92.5% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 5% Asian. 88.5% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Vickers Park, ON 4,317 pop · 0.7 mi Northwood, ON 14,017 pop · 1.2 mi East End, ON 1,446 pop · 1.4 mi Intercity, ON 1,486 pop · 1.9 mi College Park, ON 4,072 pop · 2.0 mi Westfort, ON 8,256 pop · 2.1 mi McKellar, ON 1,419 pop · 2.2 mi Parkdale, ON 1,404 pop · 2.6 mi Academy Heights, ON 2,921 pop · 2.8 mi West End, ON 4,142 pop · 3.8 mi College Heights, ON 5,476 pop · 4.1 mi County Park, ON 3,367 pop · 5.3 mi Shuniah, ON 3,247 pop · 5.9 mi Current River, ON 4,744 pop · 6.7 mi
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