2016 census: Highlights of Statistics Canada's latest release on age and gender

Statistics Canada released new population data from the 2016 census today. Here's a look at the highlights:

More seniors

• Median age of Canadians is 41.2 years, compared to 40.6 years in 2011.
• More seniors (5.9 million) than children (5.8 million), the first time that has happened.
• By 2061, projected 12 million seniors to 8 million children.

• Increase of 20 per cent in number of seniors, biggest increase in 70 years.
• Increase of 41.3 per cent in Canadians 100 years or older, the fastest growing age group.

• Now 8,230 Canadians over the age of 100, five times more women in this group.

Shrinking labour force cohort

• Share of 15-64 year olds (labour market) down to 66.5 per cent from 68.5 per cent, lowest since 1976.

• More people approaching retirement (4.9 million) than beginning to enter work force (4.3 million).

Women's longevity outpacing men's

• Women make up 50.9 per cent of the population
• Twice as many women over the age of 85 as men.

Disparities across the country

• Widest disparity in proportion of seniors between regions of the country (Atlantic Canada and Alberta) since Confederation.
• Newfoundland and Labrador oldest province (43.7 average age), Nunavut the youngest (27.7).
• Mackenzie County, Alberta, highest share of children (34.4 per cent).

• Qualicum Beach, B.C., highest share of seniors (52.1 per cent).

Where we live

• 53.6 per cent of dwellings are single-detached homes (7.5 million out of 14.1 million).
• 27.9 per cent of dwellings are multi-storey apartments (18 per cent fewer than five storeys, 9.9 per cent five storeys or more).
• 29.4 per cent of dwellings in Toronto are high-rise apartments, by far the highest share in the country.
• 1.2 per cent of Canadians live in nursing homes or seniors' residences.

• Interactive: Remix your 2016 census results
• Read more on the 2016 census