Total population

8,338

2.2 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$81,000/yr

Private dwellings

3,702

Castlegar population

How many people live in Castlegar

Castlegar is home to 8,338 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.7% identify as male and 51.3% as female.

Total population

8,338

2.2% year-over-year change

Population density

419.6/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.7%

4,065

Female

51.3%

4,275

	Value	Percent
Male	4,065	48.7%
Female	4,275	51.3%

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 Castlegar is 45.0. Children under 15 make up 14.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.7% are 25 to 34, 13.2% are 35 to 44, and 11.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 24.9%.

Average age

Age breakdown

Under 15: 14.7%
15 to 24: 9.7%
25 to 34: 11.7%
35 to 44: 13.2%
45 to 54: 11.4%
55 to 64: 14.4%
Over 65: 24.9%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	1,225	14.7%
15 to 24	810	9.7%
25 to 34	975	11.7%
35 to 44	1,100	13.2%
45 to 54	945	11.4%
55 to 64	1,200	14.4%
Over 65	2,070	24.9%

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 Castlegar, 88.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 8.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 88.6%
Immigrants: 8.6%
Non-permanent residents: 2.8%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	7,140	88.6%
Immigrants	690	8.6%
Non-permanent residents	225	2.8%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 7.3%
Non-minorities: 92.7%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	590	7.3%
Non-minorities	7,470	92.7%

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 Castlegar

English: 98.7%
French: 0.9%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

	Value	Percent
English	8,100	98.7%
French	75	0.9%
English and French	5	0.1%
Neither English nor French	30	0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.7% of people in Castlegar speak English as their primary language, 0.9% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.4% 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 Castlegar

A peek inside Castlegar households

Castlegar has 3,550 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 30.1% of all homes, while 38.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 17.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

3,550

Average people per household

2.3

1 person: 30.1%
2 persons: 38.4%
3 persons: 13.6%
4 persons: 12.2%
5 or more persons: 5.6%

	Value	Percent
1 person	1,070	30.1%
2 persons	1,365	38.4%
3 persons	485	13.6%
4 persons	435	12.2%
5 or more persons	200	5.6%

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 Castlegar

The housing landscape of Castlegar

Castlegar has a total of 3,702 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Castlegar offers a variety of home sizes: 7% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 56% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 36.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

3,702

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 67.7%
Attached homes: 27.6%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 4.6%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	2,400	67.7%
Attached homes	980	27.6%
Movable homes	165	4.6%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 7%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 56%
4 or more bedrooms: 36.2%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	260	7%
2 or 3 bedrooms	2,000	56%
4 or more bedrooms	1,285	36.2%

Homes built since 2011

210

The age of buildings in Castlegar

About 5.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 20% between 1946 and 1960. Another 22.5% went up in the 1960s, 16.5% in the 1970s, and 9.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.5% of homes were added, and 7.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	195	5.5%
Between 1946 and 1960	710	20%
Between 1961 and 1970	800	22.5%
Between 1971 and 1980	585	16.5%
Between 1981 and 1990	330	9.3%
Between 1991 and 2000	445	12.5%
Between 2001 and 2010	275	7.8%
After 2011	210	5.9%

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.

Castlegar occupancy rates

In Castlegar, there are 3,549 occupied private dwellings, of which 76.2% are owner-occupied and 23.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 153 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

3,549

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 23.8%
Owned households: 76.2%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	845	23.8%
Owned households	2,700	76.2%

Unoccupied dwellings

153

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 Castlegar, homeowners pay a median of $1,060 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $950. About 86.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 13.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,060

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$950

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 86.3%
≥30% on shelter: 13.7%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	3,060	86.3%
≥30% on shelter	485	13.7%

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 Castlegar

Castlegar education at a glance

In Castlegar, educational attainment varies across the community. About 14.3% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.2% have completed high school and 12.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 16.5% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	975	14.3%
High school diploma	2,065	30.2%
Apprenticeship diploma	835	12.2%
College diploma	1,640	24%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	195	2.8%
University degree	1,125	16.5%

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 Castlegar

How much people earn in Castlegar

In Castlegar, the median household income sits at $81,000, while the median after-tax household income is $73,000.

Median household income

$81,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$73,000/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.

Castlegar income by age

Young adults in Castlegar between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,400, 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 $41,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $60,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $57,600, followed by $48,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $35,200.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	16,400
25 - 34	41,200
35 - 44	60,400
45 - 54	57,600
55 - 64	48,000
Over 65	35,200

Employment in Castlegar

Workforce and job sectors in Castlegar

In Castlegar, 4,000 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.8%. 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

4,000

Unemployment rate

10.8%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	20	0.5%
Business, finance and administration	525	13.5%
Natural and applied sciences	250	6.4%
Health	345	8.9%
Education, law, community and government services	430	11%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	90	2.3%
Sales and service	1,005	25.8%
Trades and transport	845	21.7%
Natural resources and agriculture	90	2.3%
Manufacturing and utilities	290	7.5%

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 Castlegar

How people get around in Castlegar

In Castlegar, the average commute is 18 minutes. About 90.5% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.8% rely on public transit and 5.6% walk or bike. The remaining 2.1% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

18 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 48.8%
15 to 29 minutes: 29.4%
30 to 44 minutes: 14.1%
45 to 59 minutes: 5.3%
More than 60 minutes: 2.3%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	1,485	48.8%
15 to 29 minutes	895	29.4%
30 to 44 minutes	430	14.1%
45 to 59 minutes	160	5.3%
More than 60 minutes	70	2.3%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	2,750	90.5%
By public transit	55	1.8%
By bicycle/by walking	170	5.6%
By other methods	65	2.1%

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 Castlegar demographics

What is the current total population in Castlegar?

Castlegar has a population of 8,338, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.2% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Castlegar?

Castlegar has a population density of 419.6 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Castlegar?

Castlegar has the following gender distribution:

48.7% males (4,065 residents)
51.3% females (4,275 residents)

What is the age distribution of Castlegar residents?

The age distribution of Castlegar residents is as follows:

Under 15: 14.7% (1,225 residents)
15-24: 9.7% (810 residents)
25-34: 11.7% (975 residents)
35-44: 13.2% (1,100 residents)
45-54: 11.4% (945 residents)
55-64: 14.4% (1,200 residents)
Over 64: 24.9% (2,070 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Castlegar?

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

88.6% non-immigrants (7,140 residents)
8.6% immigrants (690 residents)
2.8% non-permanent residents (225 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Castlegar?

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

English: 98.7%
French: 0.9%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

What is the typical household size in Castlegar?

The typical household size in Castlegar is 2.3 people.

What is the median household income in Castlegar?

The median household income in Castlegar is $81,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Castlegar residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Castlegar is as follows:

No diploma: 14.3% (975 residents)
High school diploma: 30.2% (2,065 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 12.2% (835 residents)
College diploma: 24% (1,640 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2.8% (195 residents)
University degree: 16.5% (1,125 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Castlegar?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.3%
Business, finance and administration: 13.5%
Education, law, community and government services: 11%
Health: 8.9%
Management: 0.5%
Manufacturing and utilities: 7.5%
Natural and applied sciences: 6.4%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.3%
Sales and service: 25.8%
Trades and transport: 21.7%

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

Castlegar, BC demographics:population, income, and more