Abbotsford, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
153,524
3.3 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,000/yr
Private dwellings
55,659

Abbotsford population

How many people live in Abbotsford

Abbotsford is home to 153,524 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.5% identify as male and 50.5% as female.

Total population
153,524
3.3% year-over-year change
Population density
409/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
75,960
Female
50.5%
77,565
Value Percent
Male 75,960 49.5%
Female 77,565 50.5%
A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in Abbotsford is 40.6. Children under 15 make up 17.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.8% are 25 to 34, 13.7% are 35 to 44, and 12% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 18.3%.

Average age
40.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
12.7%
25 to 34
13.8%
35 to 44
13.7%
45 to 54
12%
55 to 64
12.1%
Over 65
18.3%
Value Percent
Under 15 26,655 17.4%
15 to 24 19,520 12.7%
25 to 34 21,140 13.8%
35 to 44 21,010 13.7%
45 to 54 18,505 12%
55 to 64 18,575 12.1%
Over 65 28,110 18.3%
Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In Abbotsford, 67.7% of residents were born in Canada, while 28.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 3.7% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
67.7%
Immigrants
28.6%
Non-permanent residents
3.7%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 102,105 67.7%
Immigrants 43,190 28.6%
Non-permanent residents 5,505 3.7%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
40.2%
Non-minorities
59.8%
Value Percent
Minorities 60,675 40.2%
Non-minorities 90,120 59.8%
Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.
Languages used in Abbotsford
English
92.8%
French
0.6%
English and French
0.3%
Neither English nor French
6.3%
Value Percent
English 140,730 92.8%
French 895 0.6%
English and French 450 0.3%
Neither English nor French 9,520 6.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 92.8% of people in Abbotsford speak English as their primary language, 0.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% are bilingual, and 6.3% use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in Abbotsford

A peek inside Abbotsford households

Abbotsford has 53,235 households, with an average of 2.8 people living in each. One-person households make up 24.8% of all homes, while 30.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 30.9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
53,235
Average people per household
2.8
1 person
24.8%
2 persons
30.7%
3 persons
13.6%
4 persons
14.4%
5 or more persons
16.5%
Value Percent
1 person 13,180 24.8%
2 persons 16,335 30.7%
3 persons 7,265 13.6%
4 persons 7,660 14.4%
5 or more persons 8,800 16.5%
Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in Abbotsford

The housing landscape of Abbotsford

Abbotsford has a total of 55,659 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 37.1% are single-detached houses, 60.3% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 2% are apartments. When it comes to space, Abbotsford offers a variety of home sizes: 13% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 51% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 35.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
55,659
Housing types
Single-detached homes
37.1%
Attached homes
60.3%
Apartments
2%
Movable homes
0.5%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 19,775 37.1%
Attached homes 32,100 60.3%
Apartments 1,075 2%
Movable homes 290 0.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
13%
2 or 3 bedrooms
51%
4 or more bedrooms
35.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 6,890 13%
2 or 3 bedrooms 27,240 51%
4 or more bedrooms 19,105 35.9%
Homes built since 2011
7,520

The age of buildings in Abbotsford

About 1.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 3.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 6.6% went up in the 1960s, 17.5% in the 1970s, and 21.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 21.4% of homes were added, and 14% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,010 1.9%
Between 1946 and 1960 1,645 3.1%
Between 1961 and 1970 3,490 6.6%
Between 1971 and 1980 9,300 17.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 11,450 21.5%
Between 1991 and 2000 11,370 21.4%
Between 2001 and 2010 7,455 14%
After 2011 7,520 14.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Abbotsford occupancy rates

In Abbotsford, there are 53,234 occupied private dwellings, of which 68.8% are owner-occupied and 31.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 2,425 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
53,234
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
31.2%
Owned households
68.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 16,635 31.2%
Owned households 36,600 68.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
2,425
Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In Abbotsford, homeowners pay a median of $1,530 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,190. About 76.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 23.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,530
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,190
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
76.5%
≥30% on shelter
23.5%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 40,030 76.5%
≥30% on shelter 12,325 23.5%
Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in Abbotsford

Abbotsford education at a glance

In Abbotsford, educational attainment varies across the community. About 19.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 35% have completed high school and 7.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 14.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 19.1% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 24,100 19.4%
High school diploma 43,420 35%
Apprenticeship diploma 9,050 7.3%
College diploma 17,710 14.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 6,170 5%
University degree 23,700 19.1%
Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in Abbotsford

How much people earn in Abbotsford

In Abbotsford, the median household income sits at $90,000, while the median after-tax household income is $81,000.

Median household income
$90,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$81,000/year
Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

Abbotsford income by age

Young adults in Abbotsford between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,200, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $43,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $51,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $52,400, followed by $44,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $27,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,200
25 - 34 43,200
35 - 44 51,200
45 - 54 52,400
55 - 64 44,400
Over 65 27,600

Employment in Abbotsford

Workforce and job sectors in Abbotsford

In Abbotsford, 81,080 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.8%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
81,080
Unemployment rate
7.8%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 615 0.8%
Business, finance and administration 11,270 14.2%
Natural and applied sciences 3,185 4%
Health 5,840 7.4%
Education, law, community and government services 9,085 11.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 1,720 2.2%
Sales and service 19,565 24.6%
Trades and transport 18,570 23.4%
Natural resources and agriculture 4,610 5.8%
Manufacturing and utilities 4,950 6.2%
Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in Abbotsford

How people get around in Abbotsford

In Abbotsford, the average commute is 23 minutes. About 91.6% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2.4% rely on public transit and 4.1% walk or bike. The remaining 1.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
23 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
36.1%
15 to 29 minutes
31.8%
30 to 44 minutes
16.3%
45 to 59 minutes
7.5%
More than 60 minutes
8.4%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 23,155 36.1%
15 to 29 minutes 20,400 31.8%
30 to 44 minutes 10,445 16.3%
45 to 59 minutes 4,820 7.5%
More than 60 minutes 5,375 8.4%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 58,835 91.6%
By public transit 1,540 2.4%
By bicycle/by walking 2,635 4.1%
By other methods 1,185 1.8%
Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about Abbotsford demographics 

What is the current total population in Abbotsford?

Abbotsford has a population of 153,524, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.3% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Abbotsford?  

Abbotsford has a population density of 409 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Abbotsford?

Abbotsford has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.5% males (75,960 residents)  
  • 50.5% females (77,565 residents)

What is the age distribution of Abbotsford residents?  

The age distribution of Abbotsford residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 17.4% (26,655 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12.7% (19,520 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13.8% (21,140 residents)   
  • 35-44: 13.7% (21,010 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12% (18,505 residents)   
  • 55-64: 12.1% (18,575 residents)   
  • Over 64: 18.3% (28,110 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Abbotsford? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Abbotsford: 
  • 67.7% non-immigrants (102,105 residents)  
  • 28.6% immigrants (43,190 residents)  
  • 3.7% non-permanent residents (5,505 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Abbotsford?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Abbotsford: 
  • English: 92.8% 
  • French: 0.6% 
  • English and French: 0.3% 
  • Neither English nor French: 6.3% 

What is the typical household size in Abbotsford?  

The typical household size in Abbotsford is 2.8 people. 

What is the median household income in Abbotsford?  

The median household income in Abbotsford is $90,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Abbotsford residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Abbotsford is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 19.4% (24,100 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 35% (43,420 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.3% (9,050 residents) 
  • College diploma: 14.3% (17,710 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 5% (6,170 residents) 
  • University degree: 19.1% (23,700 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Abbotsford?  

The most common occupations in Abbotsford fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.4% 
  • Health: 7.4% 
  • Management: 0.8% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 6.2% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 5.8% 
  • Sales and service: 24.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 23.4% 

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025