Discover Elgin County: Community Profiles

Elgin County is a regional municipal government that collaborates with seven member municipalities and the separated City of St. Thomas, serving as the urban center for the region. Nestled on the north shore of Lake Erie in the heart of southwestern Ontario, Elgin County offers residents scenic views, small-town charm, urban amenities, rich history, and abundant recreational activities. Thanks to the County’s strategic location, excellent transportation corridors, highly skilled workforce, and a network of aligned businesses, businesses thrive here.

Map of Elgin County showing municipal boundaries including the City of St. Thomas and seven local municipalities: Bayham, Malahide, Central Elgin, Aylmer, Southwold, Dutton Dunwich, and West Elgin. Population figures for each municipality are displayed.

Bayham is located on the north shore of Lake Erie in the southeast corner of Elgin County. The local economy is driven by manufacturing and agriculture, with a strong community of fruit and vegetable producers.

Scenic view of Port Burwell beach with geese and seagulls on the sandy shore. People walking towards the beach are visible, with a lighthouse and wind turbine in the background, under a clear blue sky.
7,096

Population, 2021

244

Land area in square kilometres

34

Median age of the population

3,215

Total labour force

81,000

Median household income

Top 5 Jobs by Major Industry

Manufacturing
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
Construction
Other services (except public administration)
Educational services

Malahide boasts a thriving agricultural sector across its 97,622 acres, with 369 individual farm owners. Its strategic location along Highway 401 provides excellent access to major markets and transportation routes.

Tractor parked in a harvested cornfield with colorful fall trees in the background.
9,308

Population, 2021

394

Land area in square kilometres

37

Median age of the population

4,760

Total labour force

95,000

Median household income

Top 5 Jobs by Major Industry

Manufacturing
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Construction
Transportation and warehousinng
Health care and social assistance

Aylmer is the commercial hub for eastern Elgin County, featuring a wide range of manufacturing companies and small—to medium-sized businesses. Its fully serviced business park and proximity to Highway 401 make it a prime location for business.

A retired couple strolls arm in arm through rainy downtown Aylmer, laughing amidst the backdrop of historic buildings, enjoying their day despite the weather.
Embracing the rain: A retired couple enjoys a shopping day in historic downtown Aylmer.
7,699

Population, 2021

6

Land area in square kilometres

39

Median age of the population

3,660

Total labour force

73,500

Median household income

Top 5 Jobs by Major Industry

Manufacturing
Retail trade
Public Administration
Educational services
Health care and social assistance

Central Elgin offers natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant communities. It is located adjacent to St. Thomas and well-positioned for growth, with available industrial land along Highway 3 and easy access to major highways.

Two children holding hands and walking between two green trains at the Port Stanley Terminal Rail on a sunny day.
7,699

Population, 2021

6

Land area in square kilometres

39

Median age of the population

3,660

Total labour force

73,500

Median household income

Top 5 Jobs by Major Industry

Manufacturing
Retail trade
Public Administration
Educational services
Health care and social assistance

The Township of Southwold provides a tranquil lifestyle near St. Thomas and London, featuring picturesque landscapes and a strong sense of community. The township’s significant industrial growth is highlighted by a new 2.8 million square foot Amazon facility.

Photo of the new Amazon facility in Southwold, surrounded by vacant industrial land, some currently farmed, indicating potential for future growth and development.
4,851

Population, 2021

301

Land area in square kilometres

44

Median age of the population

2,665

Total labour force

105,000

Median household income

Top 5 Jobs by Major Industry

Agriculture
Manufacturing
Construction
Educational services
Wholesale trade

Dutton Dunwich combines a serene small-town atmosphere with easy access to Highway 401, making it attractive to families, entrepreneurs, and retirees. The local economy is strongly rooted in agriculture and has a thriving ecosystem of small and medium-sized businesses, as well as home-based enterprises.

Photo of downtown Dutton's main street, featuring colorful shops, hanging baskets from lamp posts, and trees lining the sidewalk.
4,152

Population, 2021

294

Land area in square kilometres

44

Median age of the population

2,250

Total labour force

90,000

Median household income

Top 5 Jobs by Major Industry

Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
Accommodation and food services
Retail trade
Transportation and warehousing
Health care and social assistance

West Elgin is strategically located along the 401 corridor between Windsor and Toronto. An optimal place to do business, West Elgin offers rich land and a hard-working labour force and hosts many successful local farm and nursery enterprises. The Municipality of West Elgin offers a pleasant blend of “friendly rural” and “urban industrial.”

Photo of downtown Rodney during a classic car festival, with classic cars lining the streets, people walking along the sidewalks, and some sitting in lawn chairs enjoying the event.
5,060

Population, 2021

322

Land area in square kilometres

49

Median age of the population

2,500

Total labour force

75,500

Median household income

Top 5 Jobs by Major Industry

Accommodation and food services
Manufacturing
Construction
Educational services
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

Other reasons to Invest in Elgin