Campbell River, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
35,519
0.5 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,000/yr
Private dwellings
16,194

Campbell River population

How many people live in Campbell River

Campbell River is home to 35,519 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49% identify as male and 51% as female.

Total population
35,519
0.5% year-over-year change
Population density
246/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49%
17,420
Female
51%
18,100
Value Percent
Male 17,420 49%
Female 18,100 51%
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 Campbell River is 45.8. Children under 15 make up 14.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.8% are 25 to 34, 12% are 35 to 44, and 11.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.7% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 26.1%.

Average age
45.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.6%
15 to 24
9.3%
25 to 34
10.8%
35 to 44
12%
45 to 54
11.5%
55 to 64
15.7%
Over 65
26.1%
Value Percent
Under 15 5,180 14.6%
15 to 24 3,310 9.3%
25 to 34 3,825 10.8%
35 to 44 4,275 12%
45 to 54 4,075 11.5%
55 to 64 5,585 15.7%
Over 65 9,260 26.1%
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 Campbell River, 88.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 10.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
88.9%
Immigrants
10.5%
Non-permanent residents
0.6%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 31,005 88.9%
Immigrants 3,665 10.5%
Non-permanent residents 215 0.6%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
5.8%
Non-minorities
94.2%
Value Percent
Minorities 2,020 5.8%
Non-minorities 32,865 94.2%
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 Campbell River
English
98.3%
French
1.3%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.3%
Value Percent
English 34,605 98.3%
French 450 1.3%
English and French 40 0.1%
Neither English nor French 105 0.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.3% of people in Campbell River speak English as their primary language, 1.3% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% 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 Campbell River

A peek inside Campbell River households

Campbell River has 15,560 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 29.5% of all homes, while 41.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13%, and homes with four or more people account for 16.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
15,560
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
29.5%
2 persons
41.3%
3 persons
13%
4 persons
10.6%
5 or more persons
5.5%
Value Percent
1 person 4,590 29.5%
2 persons 6,430 41.3%
3 persons 2,025 13%
4 persons 1,650 10.6%
5 or more persons 860 5.5%
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 Campbell River

The housing landscape of Campbell River

Campbell River has a total of 16,194 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Campbell River offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 68% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 22.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
16,194
Housing types
Single-detached homes
60.8%
Attached homes
34.7%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
4.5%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 9,450 60.8%
Attached homes 5,400 34.7%
Movable homes 705 4.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
10%
2 or 3 bedrooms
68%
4 or more bedrooms
22.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 1,470 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms 10,540 68%
4 or more bedrooms 3,550 22.8%
Homes built since 2011
2,120

The age of buildings in Campbell River

About 1.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 6.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.9% went up in the 1960s, 20% in the 1970s, and 16% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 17.7% of homes were added, and 12.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 220 1.4%
Between 1946 and 1960 1,045 6.7%
Between 1961 and 1970 1,850 11.9%
Between 1971 and 1980 3,110 20%
Between 1981 and 1990 2,495 16%
Between 1991 and 2000 2,750 17.7%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,965 12.6%
After 2011 2,120 13.6%
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.

Campbell River occupancy rates

In Campbell River, there are 15,557 occupied private dwellings, of which 71.8% are owner-occupied and 28.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 637 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
15,557
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
28.2%
Owned households
71.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 4,390 28.2%
Owned households 11,165 71.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
637
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 Campbell River, homeowners pay a median of $1,050 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,170. About 78.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 21.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,050
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,170
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
78.6%
≥30% on shelter
21.4%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 12,180 78.6%
≥30% on shelter 3,325 21.4%
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 Campbell River

Campbell River education at a glance

In Campbell River, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 33.7% have completed high school and 11.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 21.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 15.1% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 4,560 15.4%
High school diploma 10,020 33.7%
Apprenticeship diploma 3,455 11.6%
College diploma 6,420 21.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 780 2.6%
University degree 4,475 15.1%
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 Campbell River

How much people earn in Campbell River

In Campbell River, the median household income sits at $78,000, while the median after-tax household income is $70,000.

Median household income
$78,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$70,000/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.

Campbell River income by age

Young adults in Campbell River between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,000, 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 $44,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $53,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $55,200, followed by $44,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,000
25 - 34 44,000
35 - 44 53,200
45 - 54 55,200
55 - 64 44,400
Over 65 34,400

Employment in Campbell River

Workforce and job sectors in Campbell River

In Campbell River, 16,780 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.7%. 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
16,780
Unemployment rate
8.7%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 115 0.7%
Business, finance and administration 2,335 14.2%
Natural and applied sciences 1,085 6.6%
Health 1,590 9.7%
Education, law, community and government services 1,865 11.3%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 315 1.9%
Sales and service 4,550 27.7%
Trades and transport 3,225 19.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 970 5.9%
Manufacturing and utilities 395 2.4%
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 Campbell River

How people get around in Campbell River

In Campbell River, the average commute is 21 minutes. About 88.8% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2.8% rely on public transit and 4.9% walk or bike. The remaining 3.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
21 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
53.7%
15 to 29 minutes
27.1%
30 to 44 minutes
7.4%
45 to 59 minutes
3.8%
More than 60 minutes
8.1%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 7,255 53.7%
15 to 29 minutes 3,670 27.1%
30 to 44 minutes 995 7.4%
45 to 59 minutes 510 3.8%
More than 60 minutes 1,090 8.1%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 12,005 88.8%
By public transit 380 2.8%
By bicycle/by walking 665 4.9%
By other methods 470 3.5%
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 Campbell River demographics 

What is the current total population in Campbell River?

Campbell River has a population of 35,519, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.5% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Campbell River?  

Campbell River has a population density of 246 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Campbell River?

Campbell River has the following gender distribution:
  • 49% males (17,420 residents)  
  • 51% females (18,100 residents)

What is the age distribution of Campbell River residents?  

The age distribution of Campbell River residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.6% (5,180 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.3% (3,310 residents)   
  • 25-34: 10.8% (3,825 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12% (4,275 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.5% (4,075 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.7% (5,585 residents)   
  • Over 64: 26.1% (9,260 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Campbell River? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Campbell River: 
  • 88.9% non-immigrants (31,005 residents)  
  • 10.5% immigrants (3,665 residents)  
  • 0.6% non-permanent residents (215 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Campbell River?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Campbell River: 
  • English: 98.3% 
  • French: 1.3% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.3% 

What is the typical household size in Campbell River?  

The typical household size in Campbell River is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Campbell River?  

The median household income in Campbell River is $78,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Campbell River residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Campbell River is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 15.4% (4,560 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 33.7% (10,020 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 11.6% (3,455 residents) 
  • College diploma: 21.6% (6,420 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.6% (780 residents) 
  • University degree: 15.1% (4,475 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Campbell River?  

The most common occupations in Campbell River fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.9% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.3% 
  • Health: 9.7% 
  • Management: 0.7% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.4% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 5.9% 
  • Sales and service: 27.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 19.6% 

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