On a map, Puslinch might look like the bottom end of the county, but when it comes to average household incomes, its residents are not only higher than the rest of Wellington, but also the provincial average.
The figures were presented to Puslinch council last month as part of a good will tour from Wellington County.
Warden Chris White explained one of the main reasons for the visit is “to put some faces to the names” councillors deal with. “The other is a recognition there are some economic challenges coming our way.”
He said there are lower tier municipal groups working on economic development, and there is now one at the county level.
Part of the presentation was an economic overview of the county with a focus on Puslinch.
Jana Reichert, Economic Development Officer for Wellington-Waterloo Community Futures Development Corporation, was part of the recent Wellington County delegation. Her presentation to Puslinch councillors provided a socio-economic update.
She noted it was two years ago when she first met with proponents regarding the idea of starting a farmers market in Puslinch. Last summer, she had the chance to see that vision come to fruition.
“It’s pretty impressive. Kudos to your council for supporting such an awesome project. I’m sure you find it a great addition to your community.”
Her presentation provided a few demographics on the people of Puslinch as well. The review looked at what business people said about doing business in the township and the county.
Wellington’s population stands at just over 92,400 with a 22% jump from 1996 to 2011.
During that same time period, expansion in Puslinch was 37% to reach its current population of 7,418.
Reichert added that percentage of growth was significantly higher than the county average, as well as the provincial average. During that time, the working age population has increased across Wellington.
While Mapleton has the highest number of young people, Reichert commented that Puslinch has the highest number of mature people. She noted that demographics also indicate that many of those living in Wellington have done so for several generations.
“We’re a pretty stable community.”
In the last five years, there has been a slight increase in the population of those over 60 years old and a slight decrease of those under 25.
“It is not unique to our county.”
Reichert noted one-quarter of Puslinch is over 60 years old, which is the highest percentage in Wellington.
At the same time, only a third of the population is under the age of 24 – the lowest in the county.
In terms of median private household incomes, she said that in 2005, Wellington County incomes not only surpassed its neighbours, but also the provincial average.
At that time, the average income in the north was $63,000, in the centre $80,000 and in the south $95,000. Since then those amounts have been increasing, Reichert said.
While the municipalities with the greatest percentage increase are Wellington North and Minto, Reichert said the municipality with the highest median income is Puslinch with a median private household income of $104,487.
“It is an attractive place to locate given its accessibility to commuter corridors and high quality of life.”
She said Wellington has a lower population, but a higher percentage of employed and higher earning persons who generally own their homes.
Reichert said that the higher than provincial levels of median income and property values is significant for a rural area.
She said the high percentage of home ownership indicates people are there for the long term, rather than being a transient population.
In terms of education, Reichert noted Puslinch has a significantly high number of individuals with a degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or optometry. It is not only significantly higher than the county average, but also provincial levels.
She added while as whole Wellington has fewer university graduates as the provincial level, there are a higher numbers with a trade, apprenticeship or related diploma relevant to the area’s dominant industries. She said one trend in Puslinch, is something popping up everywhere – not enough youth entering trades.
While Wellington averages 20% employment in the manufacturing sector, the numbers in Puslinch are much lower.
However, she added that Puslinch has the highest numbers of people involved in the professional, scientific and technical sectors, which in Puslinch saw the highest area of growth since 2006.
She noted agriculture continues to grow in Wellington with the area being the king of the diversified farm.
