Alert Bay, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
449
-0.8 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,200/yr
Private dwellings
266

Alert Bay population

How many people live in Alert Bay

Alert Bay is home to 449 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.9% identify as male and 51.1% as female.

Total population
449
-0.8% year-over-year change
Population density
265.3/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
220
Female
51.1%
230
Value Percent
Male 220 48.9%
Female 230 51.1%
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 Alert Bay is 49.0. Children under 15 make up 12.1% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 7.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.9% are 25 to 34, 11% are 35 to 44, and 13.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 33%.

Average age
49
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.1%
15 to 24
7.7%
25 to 34
9.9%
35 to 44
11%
45 to 54
13.2%
55 to 64
13.2%
Over 65
33%
Value Percent
Under 15 55 12.1%
15 to 24 35 7.7%
25 to 34 45 9.9%
35 to 44 50 11%
45 to 54 60 13.2%
55 to 64 60 13.2%
Over 65 150 33%
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 Alert Bay, 88.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 13% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
88.4%
Immigrants
13%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 305 88.4%
Immigrants 45 13%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
0%
Non-minorities
100%
Value Percent
Non-minorities 345 100%
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 Alert Bay
English
98.9%
French
1.1%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 445 98.9%
French 5 1.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.9% of people in Alert Bay speak English as their primary language, 1.1% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 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 Alert Bay

A peek inside Alert Bay households

Alert Bay has 180 households, with an average of 1.9 people living in each. One-person households make up 45.4% of all homes, while 34.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 9.1%, and homes with four or more people account for 11.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
180
Average people per household
1.9
1 person
45.4%
2 persons
34.1%
3 persons
9.1%
4 persons
9.1%
5 or more persons
2.3%
Value Percent
1 person 100 45.4%
2 persons 75 34.1%
3 persons 20 9.1%
4 persons 20 9.1%
5 or more persons 5 2.3%
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 Alert Bay

The housing landscape of Alert Bay

Alert Bay has a total of 266 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Alert Bay offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 65% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 23.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
266
Housing types
Single-detached homes
79.1%
Attached homes
14%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
7%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 170 79.1%
Attached homes 30 14%
Movable homes 15 7%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
12%
2 or 3 bedrooms
65%
4 or more bedrooms
23.5%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 20 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms 110 65%
4 or more bedrooms 40 23.5%
Homes built since 2011
0

The age of buildings in Alert Bay

About 31.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 17.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.4% went up in the 1960s, 20% in the 1970s, and 8.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 5.7% of homes were added, and 5.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 55 31.4%
Between 1946 and 1960 30 17.1%
Between 1961 and 1970 20 11.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 35 20%
Between 1981 and 1990 15 8.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 10 5.7%
Between 2001 and 2010 10 5.7%
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.

Alert Bay occupancy rates

In Alert Bay, there are 219 occupied private dwellings, of which 73% are owner-occupied and 27% are rented. Meanwhile, 47 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
219
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
27%
Owned households
73%
Value Percent
Rented households 50 27%
Owned households 135 73%
Unoccupied dwellings
47
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 Alert Bay, homeowners pay a median of $428 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $775. About 86.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 13.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$428
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$775
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
86.1%
≥30% on shelter
13.9%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 155 86.1%
≥30% on shelter 25 13.9%
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 Alert Bay

Alert Bay education at a glance

In Alert Bay, educational attainment varies across the community. About 12.3% of residents have no formal diploma, while 28.1% have completed high school and 10.5% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 15.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 8.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 24.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 35 12.3%
High school diploma 80 28.1%
Apprenticeship diploma 30 10.5%
College diploma 45 15.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 25 8.8%
University degree 70 24.6%
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 Alert Bay

How much people earn in Alert Bay

In Alert Bay, the median household income sits at $59,200, while the median after-tax household income is $54,800.

Median household income
$59,200/year
Median after-tax household income
$54,800/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.

Alert Bay income by age

Young adults in Alert Bay between 15 and 24 have a median income of $5,920, 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 $27,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $45,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $60,800, followed by $42,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $30,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 5,920
25 - 34 27,400
35 - 44 45,600
45 - 54 60,800
55 - 64 42,800
Over 65 30,200

Employment in Alert Bay

Workforce and job sectors in Alert Bay

In Alert Bay, 140 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 14.3%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, education, law, community and government services, business, finance and administration, and health employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
140
Unemployment rate
14.3%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 25 17.2%
Natural and applied sciences 10 6.9%
Health 20 13.8%
Education, law, community and government services 30 20.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 15 10.3%
Sales and service 20 13.8%
Trades and transport 15 10.3%
Natural resources and agriculture 10 6.9%
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 Alert Bay

How people get around in Alert Bay

In Alert Bay, the average commute is 8 minutes.

Average commute time
8 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
100%
15 to 29 minutes
0%
30 to 44 minutes
0%
45 to 59 minutes
0%
More than 60 minutes
0%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 85 100%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 65 81.2%
By bicycle/by walking 15 18.8%
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 Alert Bay demographics 

What is the current total population in Alert Bay?

Alert Bay has a population of 449, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -0.8% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Alert Bay?  

Alert Bay has a population density of 265.3 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Alert Bay?

Alert Bay has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.9% males (220 residents)  
  • 51.1% females (230 residents)

What is the age distribution of Alert Bay residents?  

The age distribution of Alert Bay residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 12.1% (55 residents)   
  • 15-24: 7.7% (35 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9.9% (45 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11% (50 residents)   
  • 45-54: 13.2% (60 residents)   
  • 55-64: 13.2% (60 residents)   
  • Over 64: 33% (150 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Alert Bay? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Alert Bay: 
  • 88.4% non-immigrants (305 residents)  
  • 13% immigrants (45 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Alert Bay?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Alert Bay: 
  • English: 98.9% 
  • French: 1.1% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Alert Bay?  

The typical household size in Alert Bay is 1.9 people. 

What is the median household income in Alert Bay?  

The median household income in Alert Bay is $59,200 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Alert Bay residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Alert Bay is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 12.3% (35 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 28.1% (80 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.5% (30 residents) 
  • College diploma: 15.8% (45 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 8.8% (25 residents) 
  • University degree: 24.6% (70 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Alert Bay?  

The most common occupations in Alert Bay fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 10.3% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 17.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 20.7% 
  • Health: 13.8% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 0% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.9% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 6.9% 
  • Sales and service: 13.8% 
  • Trades and transport: 10.3% 

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