London, Ontario grew faster than any other city in the province between 2016 and 2021 — a 10% jump, from 383,822 to 422,324 people, according to Statistics Canada's 2021 census. That's the fourth-fastest growth rate of any city in Canada. If you're one of the people considering the move, here's what's actually true about the city, sourced from official data rather than the vague "great place to live" copy most relocation guides lean on.
The Numbers
London's population was 422,324 as of the 2021 census (Statistics Canada), spread across a land area of 420.5 square kilometres — a density of about 1,004 people per square kilometre. The wider London Census Metropolitan Area, which includes St. Thomas, Middlesex Centre, Strathroy-Caradoc, and several surrounding municipalities, reached 543,551 people in the same census, also up 10% from 2016. Whichever number you're looking at, the underlying story is the same: this is a genuinely growing city, not a stable one.
Climate — What to Actually Expect
London has four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy: January averages around -6.3°C, and the city sees roughly 200 cm of snowfall across a typical season. Summers are warm and humid, with July averaging around 26°C. Severe thunderstorms (and occasionally tornadoes) are a real summer risk in this part of southwestern Ontario, and winter brings the usual snowstorm risk that comes with that snowfall total. None of this is unusual for southwestern Ontario — it's a very similar climate profile to Kitchener-Waterloo or Guelph — but it's worth knowing going in if you're coming from a milder climate.
The Economy
London's economy is anchored by healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing, with a growing financial services and digital media/technology presence. St. Joseph's Health Care London and Nestlé Canada are among the city's major employers, alongside a large post-secondary sector (Western University and Fanshawe College both call London home) and an extensive regional healthcare network. This diversification is part of why London's growth has held up — it isn't a single-industry town riding one employer's fortunes.
Location and Getting Around
London sits roughly 200 km from Toronto via Highway 401, which runs directly through the city — close enough for an occasional trip, far enough to have its own genuinely independent housing market and cost of living rather than functioning as a Toronto exurb. It's also a short drive to Lake Huron's beaches at Grand Bend and Port Stanley, both popular weekend destinations for London residents. Within the city, the Thames Valley Parkway and more than 200 parks give it one of the more extensive urban trail networks in Ontario — a real point of differentiation if walkability and green space matter to you.
Choosing a Neighbourhood
London is genuinely varied once you look past the west end — century homes in Old South and Wortley Village, Victorian-era streets in Old North next to Western University, a historic arts district in Old East Village, and newer-build subdivisions across the north and south ends. Our full neighbourhood guide breaks down every area we track, or you can browse current listings by area directly.
Considering the move and want a straight answer about a specific area, school catchment, or commute? Reach out to Justin directly — he's a Real Estate Broker with Sutton Group Chapman Realty Inc., Brokerage, based in London.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of London, Ontario in 2026?
The most recent official figure is 422,324, from Statistics Canada's 2021 census — up 10% from 383,822 in 2016, the fastest growth rate of any city in Ontario and the fourth-fastest in Canada. The wider London Census Metropolitan Area reached 543,551 in the same census.
Is London, Ontario cold in the winter?
Yes — London has cold, snowy winters typical of southwestern Ontario, with January averaging around -6.3°C and roughly 200 cm of snowfall across a typical season. Summers are warm and humid, averaging around 26°C in July.
How far is London, Ontario from Toronto?
About 200 km via Highway 401 — close enough for an occasional day trip, but far enough that London has its own independent housing market and economy rather than functioning as a Toronto suburb.
What industries drive London, Ontario's economy?
Healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing are the core industries, with major employers including St. Joseph's Health Care London and Nestlé Canada, alongside a large post-secondary sector (Western University, Fanshawe College) and a growing financial services and digital media/technology presence.
Is London, Ontario a good place to live?
For a lot of people, yes — it's Ontario's fastest-growing city over the last census period, with a significantly lower cost of living than Toronto, an extensive parks and trail network (over 200 parks plus the Thames Valley Parkway), and a diversified economy anchored in healthcare, education, and manufacturing rather than one industry. Whether it's the right fit depends on what you're looking for; a genuinely varied set of neighbourhoods (see our full guide) means the answer can differ a lot block to block.
What smaller towns and cities are near London, Ontario?
Several distinct towns sit just outside London proper, each covered in our neighbourhood guide: Strathroy, Komoka/Kilworth, Dorchester, Mount Brydges, and Delaware. All are within a short commute of the city and offer a more rural or small-town feel than London itself.
Justin Skrypnyk
Real Estate Broker | Sutton Group Chapman Realty Inc., Brokerage
Justin Skrypnyk is a Real Estate Broker serving every corner of London, Ontario. He writes to help buyers and sellers make well-informed decisions, without the sales pitch.