Central Saanich, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,385
0.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$103,000/yr
Private dwellings
7,621

Central Saanich population

How many people live in Central Saanich

Central Saanich is home to 17,385 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.3% identify as male and 51.7% as female.

Total population
17,385
0.1% year-over-year change
Population density
421.9/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
8,400
Female
51.7%
8,985
Value Percent
Male 8,400 48.3%
Female 8,985 51.7%
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 Central Saanich is 46.7. Children under 15 make up 14.1% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.1% are 25 to 34, 12.1% are 35 to 44, and 12.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 27.2%.

Average age
46.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.1%
15 to 24
9.4%
25 to 34
9.1%
35 to 44
12.1%
45 to 54
12.1%
55 to 64
16%
Over 65
27.2%
Value Percent
Under 15 2,445 14.1%
15 to 24 1,635 9.4%
25 to 34 1,585 9.1%
35 to 44 2,100 12.1%
45 to 54 2,100 12.1%
55 to 64 2,790 16%
Over 65 4,725 27.2%
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 Central Saanich, 83% of residents were born in Canada, while 16.2% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
83%
Immigrants
16.2%
Non-permanent residents
0.8%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 14,255 83%
Immigrants 2,780 16.2%
Non-permanent residents 135 0.8%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
8.4%
Non-minorities
91.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,450 8.4%
Non-minorities 15,720 91.6%
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 Central Saanich
English
98.4%
French
1.2%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.4%
Value Percent
English 17,040 98.4%
French 200 1.2%
English and French 20 0.1%
Neither English nor French 60 0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.4% of people in Central Saanich speak English as their primary language, 1.2% 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 Central Saanich

A peek inside Central Saanich households

Central Saanich has 7,105 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 24.8% of all homes, while 39.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 21.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
7,105
Average people per household
2.4
1 person
24.8%
2 persons
39.9%
3 persons
14.2%
4 persons
14.3%
5 or more persons
6.8%
Value Percent
1 person 1,760 24.8%
2 persons 2,840 39.9%
3 persons 1,010 14.2%
4 persons 1,015 14.3%
5 or more persons 485 6.8%
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 Central Saanich

The housing landscape of Central Saanich

Central Saanich has a total of 7,621 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 53.9% are single-detached houses, 45.1% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.4% are apartments. When it comes to space, Central Saanich offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 59% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 31.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
7,621
Housing types
Single-detached homes
53.9%
Attached homes
45.1%
Apartments
0.4%
Movable homes
0.7%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 3,825 53.9%
Attached homes 3,200 45.1%
Apartments 25 0.4%
Movable homes 50 0.7%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
10%
2 or 3 bedrooms
59%
4 or more bedrooms
31.1%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 735 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms 4,155 59%
4 or more bedrooms 2,210 31.1%
Homes built since 2011
725

The age of buildings in Central Saanich

About 4.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 4.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 10.2% went up in the 1960s, 27.3% in the 1970s, and 22.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.6% of homes were added, and 8.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 350 4.9%
Between 1946 and 1960 290 4.1%
Between 1961 and 1970 725 10.2%
Between 1971 and 1980 1,940 27.3%
Between 1981 and 1990 1,570 22.1%
Between 1991 and 2000 895 12.6%
Between 2001 and 2010 620 8.7%
After 2011 725 10.2%
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.

Central Saanich occupancy rates

In Central Saanich, there are 7,105 occupied private dwellings, of which 79.9% are owner-occupied and 20.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 516 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
7,105
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
20.1%
Owned households
79.9%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,425 20.1%
Owned households 5,680 79.9%
Unoccupied dwellings
516
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 Central Saanich, homeowners pay a median of $1,260 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,390. About 81.8% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 18.2% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,260
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,390
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
81.8%
≥30% on shelter
18.2%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 5,700 81.8%
≥30% on shelter 1,265 18.2%
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 Central Saanich

Central Saanich education at a glance

In Central Saanich, educational attainment varies across the community. About 9.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 28.8% have completed high school and 9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 30.4% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,435 9.7%
High school diploma 4,250 28.8%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,325 9%
College diploma 2,760 18.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 490 3.3%
University degree 4,475 30.4%
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 Central Saanich

How much people earn in Central Saanich

In Central Saanich, the median household income sits at $103,000, while the median after-tax household income is $90,000.

Median household income
$103,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$90,000/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.

Central Saanich income by age

Young adults in Central Saanich between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,600, 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 $48,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $67,500. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $68,000, followed by $58,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $44,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,600
25 - 34 48,000
35 - 44 67,500
45 - 54 68,000
55 - 64 58,000
Over 65 44,000

Employment in Central Saanich

Workforce and job sectors in Central Saanich

In Central Saanich, 9,130 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%. 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
9,130
Unemployment rate
4.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 155 1.7%
Business, finance and administration 1,580 17.5%
Natural and applied sciences 820 9.1%
Health 840 9.3%
Education, law, community and government services 1,250 13.8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 365 4%
Sales and service 1,975 21.8%
Trades and transport 1,505 16.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 340 3.8%
Manufacturing and utilities 210 2.3%
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 Central Saanich

How people get around in Central Saanich

In Central Saanich, the average commute is 20 minutes. About 87.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 3.3% rely on public transit and 6.6% walk or bike. The remaining 2.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
20 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
35.1%
15 to 29 minutes
43.7%
30 to 44 minutes
16.3%
45 to 59 minutes
2.3%
More than 60 minutes
2.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,240 35.1%
15 to 29 minutes 2,790 43.7%
30 to 44 minutes 1,040 16.3%
45 to 59 minutes 145 2.3%
More than 60 minutes 165 2.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 5,575 87.4%
By public transit 210 3.3%
By bicycle/by walking 420 6.6%
By other methods 175 2.7%
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 Central Saanich demographics 

What is the current total population in Central Saanich?

Central Saanich has a population of 17,385, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.1% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Central Saanich?  

Central Saanich has a population density of 421.9 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Central Saanich?

Central Saanich has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.3% males (8,400 residents)  
  • 51.7% females (8,985 residents)

What is the age distribution of Central Saanich residents?  

The age distribution of Central Saanich residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.1% (2,445 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.4% (1,635 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9.1% (1,585 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.1% (2,100 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.1% (2,100 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16% (2,790 residents)   
  • Over 64: 27.2% (4,725 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Central Saanich? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Central Saanich: 
  • 83% non-immigrants (14,255 residents)  
  • 16.2% immigrants (2,780 residents)  
  • 0.8% non-permanent residents (135 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Central Saanich?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Central Saanich: 
  • English: 98.4% 
  • French: 1.2% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.4% 

What is the typical household size in Central Saanich?  

The typical household size in Central Saanich is 2.4 people. 

What is the median household income in Central Saanich?  

The median household income in Central Saanich is $103,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Central Saanich residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Central Saanich is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 9.7% (1,435 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 28.8% (4,250 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 9% (1,325 residents) 
  • College diploma: 18.7% (2,760 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.3% (490 residents) 
  • University degree: 30.4% (4,475 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Central Saanich?  

The most common occupations in Central Saanich fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 4% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 17.5% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 13.8% 
  • Health: 9.3% 
  • Management: 1.7% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 9.1% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.8% 
  • Sales and service: 21.8% 
  • Trades and transport: 16.6% 

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