Total population

4,256

2.6 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$111,000/yr

Private dwellings

2,036

Bowen Island population

How many people live in Bowen Island

Bowen Island is home to 4,256 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.8% identify as male and 51.2% as female.

Total population

4,256

2.6% year-over-year change

Population density

84.9/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.8%

2,075

Female

51.2%

2,180

	Value	Percent
Male	2,075	48.8%
Female	2,180	51.2%

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 Bowen Island is 46.1. Children under 15 make up 14.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.6%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 6.1% are 25 to 34, 13.5% are 35 to 44, and 15.3% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 25.1%.

Average age

46.1

Age breakdown

Under 15: 14.9%
15 to 24: 8.6%
25 to 34: 6.1%
35 to 44: 13.5%
45 to 54: 15.3%
55 to 64: 16.6%
Over 65: 25.1%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	635	14.9%
15 to 24	365	8.6%
25 to 34	260	6.1%
35 to 44	575	13.5%
45 to 54	650	15.3%
55 to 64	705	16.6%
Over 65	1,070	25.1%

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 Bowen Island, 76.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 22.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 76.6%
Immigrants: 22.5%
Non-permanent residents: 0.9%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	3,235	76.6%
Immigrants	950	22.5%
Non-permanent residents	40	0.9%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 6.6%
Non-minorities: 93.4%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	280	6.6%
Non-minorities	3,945	93.4%

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 Bowen Island

English: 97.6%
French: 1.8%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
English	4,155	97.6%
French	75	1.8%
English and French	15	0.4%
Neither English nor French	10	0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.6% of people in Bowen Island speak English as their primary language, 1.8% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% are bilingual, and 0.2% 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 Bowen Island

A peek inside Bowen Island households

Bowen Island has 1,725 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 23.3% of all homes, while 40.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 21.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

1,725

Average people per household

2.5

1 person: 23.3%
2 persons: 40.7%
3 persons: 14.2%
4 persons: 15.1%
5 or more persons: 6.7%

	Value	Percent
1 person	400	23.3%
2 persons	700	40.7%
3 persons	245	14.2%
4 persons	260	15.1%
5 or more persons	115	6.7%

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 Bowen Island

The housing landscape of Bowen Island

Bowen Island has a total of 2,036 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 89% are single-detached houses, 10.4% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Bowen Island offers a variety of home sizes: 8% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 62% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 30.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

2,036

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 89%
Attached homes: 10.4%
Apartments: 0.3%
Movable homes: 0.3%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	1,535	89%
Attached homes	180	10.4%
Apartments	5	0.3%
Movable homes	5	0.3%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 8%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 62%
4 or more bedrooms: 30.5%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	135	8%
2 or 3 bedrooms	1,060	62%
4 or more bedrooms	525	30.5%

Homes built since 2011

270

The age of buildings in Bowen Island

About 4.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 6.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 6.9% went up in the 1960s, 18.8% in the 1970s, and 15.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 16.5% of homes were added, and 15.9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	85	4.9%
Between 1946 and 1960	105	6.1%
Between 1961 and 1970	120	6.9%
Between 1971 and 1980	325	18.8%
Between 1981 and 1990	265	15.3%
Between 1991 and 2000	285	16.5%
Between 2001 and 2010	275	15.9%
After 2011	270	15.6%

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.

Bowen Island occupancy rates

In Bowen Island, there are 1,724 occupied private dwellings, of which 84.9% are owner-occupied and 15.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 312 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

1,724

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 15.1%
Owned households: 84.9%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	260	15.1%
Owned households	1,465	84.9%

Unoccupied dwellings

312

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 Bowen Island, homeowners pay a median of $1,700 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,370. About 76.8% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 23.2% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,700

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,370

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 76.8%
≥30% on shelter: 23.2%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	1,310	76.8%
≥30% on shelter	395	23.2%

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 Bowen Island

Bowen Island education at a glance

In Bowen Island, educational attainment varies across the community. About 8.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 23.2% have completed high school and 5.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 14.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 44.9% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	305	8.5%
High school diploma	835	23.2%
Apprenticeship diploma	190	5.3%
College diploma	530	14.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	125	3.5%
University degree	1,615	44.9%

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 Bowen Island

How much people earn in Bowen Island

In Bowen Island, the median household income sits at $111,000, while the median after-tax household income is $95,000.

Median household income

$111,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$95,000/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.

Bowen Island income by age

Young adults in Bowen Island between 15 and 24 have a median income of $9,100, 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 $38,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $59,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $69,000, followed by $53,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $48,800.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	9,100
25 - 34	38,800
35 - 44	59,200
45 - 54	69,000
55 - 64	53,600
Over 65	48,800

Employment in Bowen Island

Workforce and job sectors in Bowen Island

In Bowen Island, 2,385 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.1%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, education, law, community and government services, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

2,385

Unemployment rate

6.1%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	45	1.9%
Business, finance and administration	320	13.6%
Natural and applied sciences	215	9.1%
Health	130	5.5%
Education, law, community and government services	385	16.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	315	13.4%
Sales and service	475	20.2%
Trades and transport	355	15.1%
Natural resources and agriculture	75	3.2%
Manufacturing and utilities	40	1.7%

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 Bowen Island

How people get around in Bowen Island

In Bowen Island, the average commute is 29 minutes. About 74.8% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 9.4% rely on public transit and 10.6% walk or bike. The remaining 5.1% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

29 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 48.2%
15 to 29 minutes: 16.2%
30 to 44 minutes: 4.7%
45 to 59 minutes: 7.1%
More than 60 minutes: 23.7%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	610	48.2%
15 to 29 minutes	205	16.2%
30 to 44 minutes	60	4.7%
45 to 59 minutes	90	7.1%
More than 60 minutes	300	23.7%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	950	74.8%
By public transit	120	9.4%
By bicycle/by walking	135	10.6%
By other methods	65	5.1%

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 Bowen Island demographics

What is the current total population in Bowen Island?

Bowen Island has a population of 4,256, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.6% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Bowen Island?

Bowen Island has a population density of 84.9 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Bowen Island?

Bowen Island has the following gender distribution:

48.8% males (2,075 residents)
51.2% females (2,180 residents)

What is the age distribution of Bowen Island residents?

The age distribution of Bowen Island residents is as follows:

Under 15: 14.9% (635 residents)
15-24: 8.6% (365 residents)
25-34: 6.1% (260 residents)
35-44: 13.5% (575 residents)
45-54: 15.3% (650 residents)
55-64: 16.6% (705 residents)
Over 64: 25.1% (1,070 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Bowen Island?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Bowen Island:

76.6% non-immigrants (3,235 residents)
22.5% immigrants (950 residents)
0.9% non-permanent residents (40 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Bowen Island?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Bowen Island:

English: 97.6%
French: 1.8%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

What is the typical household size in Bowen Island?

The typical household size in Bowen Island is 2.5 people.

What is the median household income in Bowen Island?

The median household income in Bowen Island is $111,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Bowen Island residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Bowen Island is as follows:

No diploma: 8.5% (305 residents)
High school diploma: 23.2% (835 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 5.3% (190 residents)
College diploma: 14.7% (530 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.5% (125 residents)
University degree: 44.9% (1,615 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Bowen Island?

The most common occupations in Bowen Island fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 13.4%
Business, finance and administration: 13.6%
Education, law, community and government services: 16.4%
Health: 5.5%
Management: 1.9%
Manufacturing and utilities: 1.7%
Natural and applied sciences: 9.1%
Natural resources and agriculture: 3.2%
Sales and service: 20.2%
Trades and transport: 15.1%

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

Bowen Island, BC demographics:population, income, and more