St. Thomas & Area Fast Facts
(January 2005)

Population               1996 Census      2001 Census

St. Thomas City                    31,407            33,236
Total Primary Trading Area      44,590            50,083
Total St. Thomas District        53,496            58,892
St. Thomas-Elgin Migration (5yr.) +18,580 –16,415 net +2,165

Households

St. Thomas City:                                          14,814    
Central Elgin (includes Port Stanley, Belmont)      5,021         
Southwold Township                                       1,629       

Growth Rate

1996 - 2001 Census:                               +5.86%
(Comparisons: Ontario average 3.5%, London City 2.8%)
2003/04 projected annual rate                   +3.16%
Building Permits (St. Thomas City only)
                2004 Total                        $91.1 million
                2003 Total                        $41.7 million
                2002 Total                        $37.3 million
                2001 Total                        $50.8 million
                2000 Total                        $28.7 million
                5 Year Total                     $249.6 million 

Housing

Average St. Thomas price
Full year avg. 2004 (Stand alone single dwellings)             $138,784
Average London CMA price
Full year avg. 2004 (Stand alone single dwellings)             $188,244
Rental Vacancy Rate (CMHC survey Oct 2004)          3.7%
Average Mortgage Rates (January 5, 2005)
   One Year:    4.6%           Five Year:        5.99%

Employment (London/St. Thomas CMA total)

2004 Full Year average                              228,800
2003 Full Year average                              222,400
2002 Full Year average                              217,000
2001 Full Year average                              214,100
2000 Full Year average                              218,100
1999 Full Year average                              220,300

Local unemployment rate: 6.2% Canada avg. 7.2%
Biggest Changes: Manufacturing, Construction, Retail