Owen Sound's population is estimated at 21,950. However, this does not take into account the significant number of residents living just outside the official boundary.

The urban population of Owen Sound proper, therefore, is more accurately estimated at 32,000 (within five minutes of the city's core).

The Commercial Needs Study includes the nearest townships within the primary trade area. With the townships' population of 27,460, the total primary trade population rises to 49,410.

Note: For purposes of the study, the primary trade area is defined as the area where the population spends the majority of their disposable income within the City of Owen Sound.