Total population

249,125

4.9 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$83,000/yr

Private dwellings

107,046

Burnaby population

How many people live in Burnaby

Burnaby is home to 249,125 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.2% identify as male and 50.8% as female.

Total population

249,125

4.9% year-over-year change

Population density

2,750.7/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.2%

122,520

Female

50.8%

126,600

	Value	Percent
Male	122,520	49.2%
Female	126,600	50.8%

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 Burnaby is 42.0. Children under 15 make up 13% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 17.6% are 25 to 34, 14.4% are 35 to 44, and 12.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 17.7%.

Average age

Age breakdown

Under 15: 13%
15 to 24: 11.4%
25 to 34: 17.6%
35 to 44: 14.4%
45 to 54: 12.8%
55 to 64: 13.2%
Over 65: 17.7%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	32,295	13%
15 to 24	28,350	11.4%
25 to 34	43,725	17.6%
35 to 44	35,885	14.4%
45 to 54	31,905	12.8%
55 to 64	32,855	13.2%
Over 65	44,110	17.7%

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 Burnaby, 42.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 50.4% have settled here from abroad. Another 6.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 42.8%
Immigrants: 50.4%
Non-permanent residents: 6.8%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	105,170	42.8%
Immigrants	123,795	50.4%
Non-permanent residents	16,765	6.8%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 67.8%
Non-minorities: 32.2%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	166,690	67.8%
Non-minorities	79,035	32.2%

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 Burnaby

English: 92.3%
French: 0.7%
English and French: 0.6%
Neither English nor French: 6.4%

	Value	Percent
English	227,915	92.3%
French	1,725	0.7%
English and French	1,480	0.6%
Neither English nor French	15,825	6.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 92.3% of people in Burnaby speak English as their primary language, 0.7% communicate mainly in French, 0.6% are bilingual, and 6.4% 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 Burnaby

A peek inside Burnaby households

Burnaby has 101,135 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 29.2% of all homes, while 32.8% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 21.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

101,135

Average people per household

2.4

1 person: 29.2%
2 persons: 32.8%
3 persons: 16.8%
4 persons: 13.2%
5 or more persons: 8%

	Value	Percent
1 person	29,575	29.2%
2 persons	33,180	32.8%
3 persons	17,015	16.8%
4 persons	13,325	13.2%
5 or more persons	8,040	8%

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 Burnaby

The housing landscape of Burnaby

Burnaby has a total of 107,046 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 18.9% are single-detached houses, 51.8% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 29.4% are apartments. When it comes to space, Burnaby offers a variety of home sizes: 25% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 52% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 22.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

107,046

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 18.9%
Attached homes: 51.8%
Apartments: 29.4%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	19,080	18.9%
Attached homes	52,335	51.8%
Apartments	29,715	29.4%
Movable homes	5	0%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 25%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 52%
4 or more bedrooms: 22.9%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	25,170	25%
2 or 3 bedrooms	52,820	52%
4 or more bedrooms	23,140	22.9%

Homes built since 2011

20,740

The age of buildings in Burnaby

About 2.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 8.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 9.2% went up in the 1960s, 15.4% in the 1970s, and 14.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 14.3% of homes were added, and 15.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	2,365	2.3%
Between 1946 and 1960	8,685	8.6%
Between 1961 and 1970	9,270	9.2%
Between 1971 and 1980	15,545	15.4%
Between 1981 and 1990	14,230	14.1%
Between 1991 and 2000	14,465	14.3%
Between 2001 and 2010	15,840	15.7%
After 2011	20,740	20.5%

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.

Burnaby occupancy rates

In Burnaby, there are 101,136 occupied private dwellings, of which 60.5% are owner-occupied and 39.5% are rented. Meanwhile, 5,910 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

101,136

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 39.5%
Owned households: 60.5%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	39,950	39.5%
Owned households	61,185	60.5%

Unoccupied dwellings

5,910

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 Burnaby, homeowners pay a median of $1,360 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,490. About 69% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 31% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,360

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,490

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 69%
≥30% on shelter: 31%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	69,470	69%
≥30% on shelter	31,155	31%

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 Burnaby

Burnaby education at a glance

In Burnaby, educational attainment varies across the community. About 11.3% of residents have no formal diploma, while 25.9% have completed high school and 5.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 15.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 4.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 38.2% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	24,105	11.3%
High school diploma	55,365	25.9%
Apprenticeship diploma	10,870	5.1%
College diploma	32,740	15.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	8,820	4.1%
University degree	81,580	38.2%

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 Burnaby

How much people earn in Burnaby

In Burnaby, the median household income sits at $83,000, while the median after-tax household income is $73,500.

Median household income

$83,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$73,500/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.

Burnaby income by age

Young adults in Burnaby between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,200, 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 $42,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $54,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $53,200, followed by $42,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $28,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	16,200
25 - 34	42,800
35 - 44	54,800
45 - 54	53,200
55 - 64	42,000
Over 65	28,000

Employment in Burnaby

Workforce and job sectors in Burnaby

In Burnaby, 137,320 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.6%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

137,320

Unemployment rate

9.6%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	1,210	0.9%
Business, finance and administration	27,230	20.4%
Natural and applied sciences	17,890	13.4%
Health	9,155	6.8%
Education, law, community and government services	13,785	10.3%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	6,515	4.9%
Sales and service	34,510	25.8%
Trades and transport	18,640	13.9%
Natural resources and agriculture	1,025	0.8%
Manufacturing and utilities	3,755	2.8%

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 Burnaby

How people get around in Burnaby

In Burnaby, the average commute is 28 minutes. About 71% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 21.6% rely on public transit and 5.6% walk or bike. The remaining 1.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

28 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 16.3%
15 to 29 minutes: 34.5%
30 to 44 minutes: 31.7%
45 to 59 minutes: 10.2%
More than 60 minutes: 7.3%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	14,165	16.3%
15 to 29 minutes	30,030	34.5%
30 to 44 minutes	27,530	31.7%
45 to 59 minutes	8,830	10.2%
More than 60 minutes	6,385	7.3%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	61,745	71%
By public transit	18,735	21.6%
By bicycle/by walking	4,880	5.6%
By other methods	1,575	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 Burnaby demographics

What is the current total population in Burnaby?

Burnaby has a population of 249,125, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +4.9% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Burnaby?

Burnaby has a population density of 2,750.7 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Burnaby?

Burnaby has the following gender distribution:

49.2% males (122,520 residents)
50.8% females (126,600 residents)

What is the age distribution of Burnaby residents?

The age distribution of Burnaby residents is as follows:

Under 15: 13% (32,295 residents)
15-24: 11.4% (28,350 residents)
25-34: 17.6% (43,725 residents)
35-44: 14.4% (35,885 residents)
45-54: 12.8% (31,905 residents)
55-64: 13.2% (32,855 residents)
Over 64: 17.7% (44,110 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Burnaby?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Burnaby:

42.8% non-immigrants (105,170 residents)
50.4% immigrants (123,795 residents)
6.8% non-permanent residents (16,765 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Burnaby?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Burnaby:

English: 92.3%
French: 0.7%
English and French: 0.6%
Neither English nor French: 6.4%

What is the typical household size in Burnaby?

The typical household size in Burnaby is 2.4 people.

What is the median household income in Burnaby?

The median household income in Burnaby is $83,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Burnaby residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Burnaby is as follows:

No diploma: 11.3% (24,105 residents)
High school diploma: 25.9% (55,365 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 5.1% (10,870 residents)
College diploma: 15.3% (32,740 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 4.1% (8,820 residents)
University degree: 38.2% (81,580 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Burnaby?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 4.9%
Business, finance and administration: 20.4%
Education, law, community and government services: 10.3%
Health: 6.8%
Management: 0.9%
Manufacturing and utilities: 2.8%
Natural and applied sciences: 13.4%
Natural resources and agriculture: 0.8%
Sales and service: 25.8%
Trades and transport: 13.9%

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

Burnaby, BC demographics:population, income, and more