City Profile
Cornwall, Prince Edward Island
Canada · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, is a growing community located just west of the provincial capital, Charlottetown. Established through the amalgamation of Cornwall, Eliot River, and North River in 1995, the town has experienced significant population growth, making it one of Canada's fastest-growing municipalities. Its location offers advantages for various economic activities, including residential development, retail, and light manufacturing, while maintaining a sense of rural charm. Cornwall is a popular destination for young families, drawn by its access to sports, recreation, outdoor experiences, and quality schools. The town's vibrant atmosphere and friendly hospitality contribute to its appeal as a place to live and visit.
Cornwall's strategic location provides convenient access to major points of entry and exit for the island, with a drive of 30 to 90 minutes to all key locations. This accessibility, combined with its expanding infrastructure and amenities, supports its continuous economic growth. The town's development is further bolstered by a strong sense of community and a commitment to providing a high quality of life for its residents.
The town's proximity to natural attractions, such as the North and West Rivers, adds to its scenic appeal. Residents and visitors can enjoy groomed trails like the one at Hyde Park, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. Cornwall's ongoing development and its blend of small-town feel with growing amenities make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Prince Edward Island (PEI) is Canada's smallest province, known for its natural beauty, including red sand beaches and a quiet, family-friendly lifestyle. The economy is a mix of traditional industries like agriculture (producing a significant portion of Canada's potatoes), fishing, and tourism, alongside growing sectors such as bioscience, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Living costs in PEI are generally lower than in many other Canadian provinces, particularly for housing, though groceries and imported goods can be slightly higher due to its island geography. The climate features warm summers and snowy winters, with a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life.
How this 68/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 72 / 100 | 72.0 | 30% | 21.6 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 101.0 | 42.5 | 25% | 10.6 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $91,009 Income needed to live here: $32,916 Unemployment rate: 7.1% | 68.1 | 20% | 13.6 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 3.4% Job growth rate: no usable reading | 100.0 | 15% | 15.0 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 10% | 6.8 |
| Overall score | 67.7 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=73), last refreshed
5 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Performance
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, is generally considered to be higher than the provincial average. One report indicates that the cost of living in Cornwall is 10% higher than the Prince Edward Island average. This is influenced by various factors, including housing costs, which are also noted to be higher than the provincial average.
While specific breakdowns for Cornwall are limited, provincial data suggests that housing costs are a significant driver of the overall cost of living. For Prince Edward Island as a whole, rental costs in Charlottetown, the nearest major city, have seen substantial increases. The provincial weighted average living wage for PEI is $22.76, with food costs being notably high across the province.
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Prince Edward Island, including Cornwall, has experienced continuous economic growth, with key sectors such as food, bioscience, and advanced manufacturing showing the fastest growth. The province's economy is anchored by tourism, agriculture, and fisheries, with potato production and seafood exports playing a major role. Tourism is a significant contributor, generating substantial visitor spending and supporting numerous jobs.
Cornwall itself has seen positive investment activity across all sectors, with businesses investing in technology and adding jobs. The town has also welcomed a number of new commercial businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, and healthcare services. Local organizations actively support business development, contributing to the town's entrepreneurial spirit.
The job market in Prince Edward Island has seen growth, with employment averaging a new all-time high in recent years. However, labor shortages remain a concern in some sectors. The unemployment rate for Prince Edward Island was 7.1% in September 2024. Remote work flexibility is also a growing trend, making PEI an attractive location for those seeking to relocate.
The average salary in Cornwall is $49,370 per year. You would need approximately $32,916 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Transportation in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, is largely car-dependent, with most errands requiring a vehicle. Walkability scores for Cornwall are generally low, with one area having a score of 13 and another 17, indicating that most errands require a car.
Despite the car dependency, public transit is available, serving Cornwall and connecting it to Charlottetown and Stratford. Ridership on these transit services has seen significant growth, indicating an increasing desire for public transportation options.
The average commute time within Prince Edward Island is relatively short, ranging from 5 to 20 minutes, which contributes to the overall ease of getting around the island.
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