Camino statistics for last year’s pilgrims have just been released regarding age, gender, country of origin, starting point, etc. I found it pretty interesting!
http://www.caminodesantiago.me/2012-pilgrim-statistics/
- At 40, I’ll be in the majority: 57% are between 30-60 years old
- As a woman, I’ll be in the minority: 43%
- As a US citizen, a minority: 3.7%
- Method of conveyance (walking), majority: 87%
- With motive (religious and others), I’m also in the majority: 53%
- Which Camino path I’m traveling — the Camino Frances — in the majority: 70%. There are 6 other routes to Santiago, but they’re known for being less well-marked and having fewer hostels.
- Lastly, I’m surprised to discover that my starting point is #2 — Saint Jean Pied de Port, France — with 11.5% starting there.
That 11.5% represents about 22,214 people starting at SJPP over one year – or roughly 2000 a day. Woah! Of course, many people don’t start in the wintertime, so that puts the monthly totals at much higher — especially in the summer. If I go in April (that looks like the best airfare), numbers may be a bit lower.
Jen's Journey - Camino de Santiago 2013, 2016, & 2019 
The daily departure figure you came up with is a bit high….it’s more like 60 a day, if spread throughout the year. As you said, there are bound to be more in warm months, as my wife discovered. She said about 100 – 150 a day were leaving SJPP in September.
Long division has never been my long suit! 🙂 Actually, with almost 193,000 completing it in 2012, that puts it at about 529 finishing a day.
Fortunately, not everyone starts at St Jean Pied de Port, so Elaine’s experience is hopefully typical of what I’ll see!
that early, you are likely to be the baby of the crowd. lots of retired folks. **I** was on the young side at 62!