Life Beyond the City Limits: Understanding Rural Halton’s Changing Landscape

areal view farm land

By Stephanie Talbott

Halton Region is often defined by its vibrant cities and suburban growth. Yet beyond those urban boundaries lies a smaller, quieter part of the region, rural Halton. Home to just over 23,000 residents (about 2% of Halton’s total population), its landscapes stretch across Milton, Halton Hills, and rural Burlington. These communities hold deep roots in farming, family, and tradition, but face unique challenges as development and demographics shift.

This edition of Community Data Watch shines a light on rural Halton, its people, homes, and evolving landscape, drawing from the 2021 Census of Population and the Census of Agriculture.

Who Lives in Rural Halton?

Statistics Canada defines rural areas as places outside population centres of 1,000 residents or more. Based on that definition, 44 small pockets across Halton, mostly in Milton and Halton Hills, are classified as rural. Within them are 15 hamlets like Campbellville, Kilbride, Limehouse, and Glen Williams that serve as community anchors, where general stores, heritage halls, and local schools still form the heart of daily life.

While rural Halton grew modestly by 2.3% between 2016 and 2021, its population is aging faster than the region overall. In 2021, one in five rural residents (21%) was aged 65 and older, compared to 16% across Halton. In contrast, children under 10 made up only 8% of rural residents, reflecting fewer young families and limited access to childcare and schools.

These trends point to an aging population aging in place, a strength for community continuity, but a challenge for workforce renewal and service access.

Homes and Households

Rural Halton’s homes tell a story of stability and tradition. Nearly 92% of households are owner-occupied, compared to 78% region-wide. Two-person households are the most common, reflecting older couples whose children have moved away, while multigenerational living is slightly more common than elsewhere, a sign of families caring for aging relatives or sharing resources.

Source: Statistics Canada: Census of Population, 2021

Yet aging homes are becoming an issue. Nearly 60% of rural houses were built before 1981, often lacking modern insulation and energy-efficient systems. As a result, many residents face home energy poverty, spending more than 6% of their income on heating and electricity. Expanding retrofit and home energy programs would help preserve these homes and the people who’ve built their lives in them.

The Rural Economy

Rural Halton’s workforce reflects its roots in land and labour. Compared to the region overall, there are higher shares of workers in trades, transport, and equipment operation (19%) and in natural resources and agriculture (5%). Many residents are self-employed or small business owners, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit that defines rural life.

At the same time, rural Halton shows signs of growing income polarization. While fewer households fall into low-income brackets, nearly 30% earn $200,000 or more, one of the highest shares in the region. This mix of affluence and vulnerability underscores how uneven access to services, energy costs, and transportation can deepen local inequalities, especially for seniors and lower-income homeowners.

Source: Statistics Canada: Census of Population, 2021

Farming and the Future of Agriculture

Halton’s agricultural landscape continues to evolve. Between 1976 and 2021, the number of farms declined from 1,035 to 431, and total farmland shrank by 18%. Mid-sized family farms have been hit hardest, while very small and very large operations are now more common.

Although farm receipts have grown by 22% since 2006, much of that growth is concentrated among a smaller number of large, capital-intensive farms. The average farm operator is now nearly 61 years old, and fewer than 3% are under 35, raising questions about who will carry Halton’s farming legacy forward.

Despite these challenges, local innovation is thriving. Agri-tourism and community-based programs like Simply Local, Springridge Farm, Andrews Farm Market, and Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm keep residents connected to local food and culture. These initiatives show how rural identity and economic sustainability can coexist.

Source: OMAFAB

Transportation and Access to Services

For many in rural Halton, getting around remains a daily challenge. With few public transit options, residents, especially seniors, youth, and those with disabilities, depend heavily on personal vehicles. Services like ActiVan and taxi scrip programs offer essential support, but coverage gaps persist. Hamlets like Campbellville, Kilbride, and Glen Williams have become community lifelines, offering childcare, recreation, cultural heritage programs, and social supports. However, uneven service distribution and transportation barriers continue to limit access and inclusion.

Moving Forward Together

Rural Halton stands at a crossroads balancing preservation and progress, stability and change. Its high homeownership, strong community networks, and agricultural heritage form the backbone of Halton’s identity. Yet, aging populations, housing challenges, and transportation gaps call for renewed attention.

Supporting rural communities requires collaboration among planners, policymakers, and local organizations. That means:

• Integrating rural needs into land use and transportation planning

• Investing in energy-efficient housing and rural infrastructure

• Protecting farmland and supporting young and new farmers

• Expanding access to healthcare, childcare, and social services

The future of Halton’s rural communities depends on keeping them connected socially, economically, and environmentally. Their resilience lies in their people: the farmers, tradespeople, and families who continue to sustain the region’s balance between urban growth and rural tradition.

You can read the full Community Data Watch about Rural Halton HERE.

Share Your Story of Rural Halton

Do you live, work, or volunteer in rural Halton? Your experiences help deepen our understanding of how these communities are changing, what’s thriving, what’s challenging, and what still needs attention.

Share your story here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RuralHalton