Total population

1,659

-0.0 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$75,500/yr

Private dwellings

765

Burns Lake population

How many people live in Burns Lake

Burns Lake is home to 1,659 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.2% identify as male and 49.8% as female.

Total population

1,659

-0.0% year-over-year change

Population density

253.7/km2

Gender ratio

Male

50.2%

835

Female

49.8%

830

	Value	Percent
Male	835	50.2%
Female	830	49.8%

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 Burns Lake is 41.5. Children under 15 make up 18.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.2% are 25 to 34, 12.9% are 35 to 44, and 11.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 20.4%.

Average age

41.5

Age breakdown

Under 15: 18.6%
15 to 24: 11.1%
25 to 34: 13.2%
35 to 44: 12.9%
45 to 54: 11.1%
55 to 64: 12.6%
Over 65: 20.4%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	310	18.6%
15 to 24	185	11.1%
25 to 34	220	13.2%
35 to 44	215	12.9%
45 to 54	185	11.1%
55 to 64	210	12.6%
Over 65	340	20.4%

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 Burns Lake, 90.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 8.4% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 90.6%
Immigrants: 8.4%
Non-permanent residents: 0%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	1,405	90.6%
Immigrants	130	8.4%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 6.5%
Non-minorities: 93.5%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	100	6.5%
Non-minorities	1,450	93.5%

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 Burns Lake

English: 98.8%
French: 0.6%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.3%

	Value	Percent
English	1,605	98.8%
French	10	0.6%
English and French	5	0.3%
Neither English nor French	5	0.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.8% of people in Burns Lake speak English as their primary language, 0.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% are bilingual, and 0.3% 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 Burns Lake

A peek inside Burns Lake households

Burns Lake has 690 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 33.1% of all homes, while 36% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 18.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

690

Average people per household

2.2

1 person: 33.1%
2 persons: 36%
3 persons: 12.2%
4 persons: 10.1%
5 or more persons: 8.6%

	Value	Percent
1 person	230	33.1%
2 persons	250	36%
3 persons	85	12.2%
4 persons	70	10.1%
5 or more persons	60	8.6%

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 Burns Lake

The housing landscape of Burns Lake

Burns Lake has a total of 765 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Burns Lake offers a variety of home sizes: 20% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 50% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 29.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

765

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 63.3%
Attached homes: 30.9%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 5.8%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	440	63.3%
Attached homes	215	30.9%
Movable homes	40	5.8%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 20%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 50%
4 or more bedrooms: 29.2%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	140	20%
2 or 3 bedrooms	345	50%
4 or more bedrooms	200	29.2%

Homes built since 2011

The age of buildings in Burns Lake

About 2.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 12.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 20.9% went up in the 1960s, 25.2% in the 1970s, and 17.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.2% of homes were added, and 7.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	20	2.9%
Between 1946 and 1960	85	12.2%
Between 1961 and 1970	145	20.9%
Between 1971 and 1980	175	25.2%
Between 1981 and 1990	120	17.3%
Between 1991 and 2000	85	12.2%
Between 2001 and 2010	50	7.2%
After 2011	15	2.2%

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.

Burns Lake occupancy rates

In Burns Lake, there are 689 occupied private dwellings, of which 59.4% are owner-occupied and 40.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 76 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

689

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 40.6%
Owned households: 59.4%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	280	40.6%
Owned households	410	59.4%

Unoccupied dwellings

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 Burns Lake, homeowners pay a median of $910 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $770. About 89.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 10.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$910

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$770

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 89.1%
≥30% on shelter: 10.9%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	615	89.1%
≥30% on shelter	75	10.9%

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 Burns Lake

Burns Lake education at a glance

In Burns Lake, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 35.5% have completed high school and 9.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.5% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	200	15.4%
High school diploma	460	35.5%
Apprenticeship diploma	120	9.3%
College diploma	265	20.5%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	30	2.3%
University degree	220	17%

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 Burns Lake

How much people earn in Burns Lake

In Burns Lake, the median household income sits at $75,500, while the median after-tax household income is $67,500.

Median household income

$75,500/year

Median after-tax household income

$67,500/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.

Burns Lake income by age

Young adults in Burns Lake between 15 and 24 have a median income of $22,800, 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 $46,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $57,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $50,800, followed by $52,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $29,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	22,800
25 - 34	46,000
35 - 44	57,600
45 - 54	50,800
55 - 64	52,400
Over 65	29,000

Employment in Burns Lake

Workforce and job sectors in Burns Lake

In Burns Lake, 885 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.9%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, education, law, community and government services, sales and service, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

885

Unemployment rate

7.9%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	15	1.7%
Business, finance and administration	100	11.6%
Natural and applied sciences	20	2.3%
Health	75	8.7%
Education, law, community and government services	195	22.5%
Sales and service	180	20.8%
Trades and transport	165	19.1%
Natural resources and agriculture	55	6.4%
Manufacturing and utilities	60	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 Burns Lake

How people get around in Burns Lake

In Burns Lake, the average commute is 12 minutes. About 88.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2% rely on public transit and 9.9% walk or bike.

Average commute time

12 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 72.1%
15 to 29 minutes: 17.5%
30 to 44 minutes: 3.9%
45 to 59 minutes: 1.3%
More than 60 minutes: 5.2%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	555	72.1%
15 to 29 minutes	135	17.5%
30 to 44 minutes	30	3.9%
45 to 59 minutes	10	1.3%
More than 60 minutes	40	5.2%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	670	88.2%
By public transit	15	2%
By bicycle/by walking	75	9.9%

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 Burns Lake demographics

What is the current total population in Burns Lake?

Burns Lake has a population of 1,659, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -0.0% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Burns Lake?

Burns Lake has a population density of 253.7 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Burns Lake?

Burns Lake has the following gender distribution:

50.2% males (835 residents)
49.8% females (830 residents)

What is the age distribution of Burns Lake residents?

The age distribution of Burns Lake residents is as follows:

Under 15: 18.6% (310 residents)
15-24: 11.1% (185 residents)
25-34: 13.2% (220 residents)
35-44: 12.9% (215 residents)
45-54: 11.1% (185 residents)
55-64: 12.6% (210 residents)
Over 64: 20.4% (340 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Burns Lake?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Burns Lake:

90.6% non-immigrants (1,405 residents)
8.4% immigrants (130 residents)
0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Burns Lake?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Burns Lake:

English: 98.8%
French: 0.6%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.3%

What is the typical household size in Burns Lake?

The typical household size in Burns Lake is 2.2 people.

What is the median household income in Burns Lake?

The median household income in Burns Lake is $75,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Burns Lake residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Burns Lake is as follows:

No diploma: 15.4% (200 residents)
High school diploma: 35.5% (460 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 9.3% (120 residents)
College diploma: 20.5% (265 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2.3% (30 residents)
University degree: 17% (220 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Burns Lake?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 0%
Business, finance and administration: 11.6%
Education, law, community and government services: 22.5%
Health: 8.7%
Management: 1.7%
Manufacturing and utilities: 6.9%
Natural and applied sciences: 2.3%
Natural resources and agriculture: 6.4%
Sales and service: 20.8%
Trades and transport: 19.1%

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

Burns Lake, BC demographics:population, income, and more