Chilliwack, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
93,203
2.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$85,000/yr
Private dwellings
37,124

Chilliwack population

How many people live in Chilliwack

Chilliwack is home to 93,203 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.1% identify as male and 50.9% as female.

Total population
93,203
2.1% year-over-year change
Population density
356.6/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.1%
45,745
Female
50.9%
47,460
Value Percent
Male 45,745 49.1%
Female 47,460 50.9%
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 Chilliwack is 40.9. Children under 15 make up 19% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.2% are 25 to 34, 13.1% are 35 to 44, and 12.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 19%.

Average age
40.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
19%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 34
12.2%
35 to 44
13.1%
45 to 54
12.2%
55 to 64
13.2%
Over 65
19%
Value Percent
Under 15 17,705 19%
15 to 24 10,490 11.3%
25 to 34 11,410 12.2%
35 to 44 12,250 13.1%
45 to 54 11,405 12.2%
55 to 64 12,265 13.2%
Over 65 17,670 19%
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 Chilliwack, 84.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 14.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
84.4%
Immigrants
14.8%
Non-permanent residents
0.8%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 77,655 84.4%
Immigrants 13,605 14.8%
Non-permanent residents 725 0.8%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
11.8%
Non-minorities
88.2%
Value Percent
Minorities 10,865 11.8%
Non-minorities 81,120 88.2%
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 Chilliwack
English
98.2%
French
0.8%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.8%
Value Percent
English 90,795 98.2%
French 790 0.8%
English and French 125 0.1%
Neither English nor French 775 0.8%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.2% of people in Chilliwack speak English as their primary language, 0.8% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.8% 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 Chilliwack

A peek inside Chilliwack households

Chilliwack has 35,755 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 26.4% of all homes, while 34.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 24.9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
35,755
Average people per household
2.6
1 person
26.4%
2 persons
34.1%
3 persons
14.6%
4 persons
13.6%
5 or more persons
11.3%
Value Percent
1 person 9,440 26.4%
2 persons 12,195 34.1%
3 persons 5,215 14.6%
4 persons 4,865 13.6%
5 or more persons 4,035 11.3%
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 Chilliwack

The housing landscape of Chilliwack

Chilliwack has a total of 37,124 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 53.9% are single-detached houses, 44.1% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.7% are apartments. When it comes to space, Chilliwack offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 56% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 32.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
37,124
Housing types
Single-detached homes
53.9%
Attached homes
44.1%
Apartments
0.7%
Movable homes
1.2%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 19,285 53.9%
Attached homes 15,780 44.1%
Apartments 265 0.7%
Movable homes 420 1.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
12%
2 or 3 bedrooms
56%
4 or more bedrooms
32.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 4,250 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms 19,925 56%
4 or more bedrooms 11,580 32.4%
Homes built since 2011
6,200

The age of buildings in Chilliwack

About 4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 7.3% between 1946 and 1960. Another 7.3% went up in the 1960s, 15.2% in the 1970s, and 11.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 18.6% of homes were added, and 18.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,425 4%
Between 1946 and 1960 2,605 7.3%
Between 1961 and 1970 2,625 7.3%
Between 1971 and 1980 5,425 15.2%
Between 1981 and 1990 4,140 11.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 6,655 18.6%
Between 2001 and 2010 6,680 18.7%
After 2011 6,200 17.3%
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.

Chilliwack occupancy rates

In Chilliwack, there are 35,758 occupied private dwellings, of which 72.1% are owner-occupied and 27.9% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,366 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
35,758
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
27.9%
Owned households
72.1%
Value Percent
Rented households 9,970 27.9%
Owned households 25,790 72.1%
Unoccupied dwellings
1,366
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 Chilliwack, homeowners pay a median of $1,380 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,180. About 78.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 21.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,380
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,180
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
78.5%
≥30% on shelter
21.5%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 27,590 78.5%
≥30% on shelter 7,550 21.5%
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 Chilliwack

Chilliwack education at a glance

In Chilliwack, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 36.2% have completed high school and 10% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 4.7% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 15.5% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 12,220 16.4%
High school diploma 26,860 36.2%
Apprenticeship diploma 7,400 10%
College diploma 12,840 17.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 3,485 4.7%
University degree 11,490 15.5%
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 Chilliwack

How much people earn in Chilliwack

In Chilliwack, the median household income sits at $85,000, while the median after-tax household income is $76,000.

Median household income
$85,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$76,000/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.

Chilliwack income by age

Young adults in Chilliwack between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,200, 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 $44,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $54,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $55,200, followed by $45,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $32,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,200
25 - 34 44,000
35 - 44 54,400
45 - 54 55,200
55 - 64 45,200
Over 65 32,000

Employment in Chilliwack

Workforce and job sectors in Chilliwack

In Chilliwack, 46,785 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.6%. 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
46,785
Unemployment rate
6.6%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 400 0.9%
Business, finance and administration 6,480 14%
Natural and applied sciences 2,045 4.4%
Health 3,355 7.3%
Education, law, community and government services 6,155 13.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 1,135 2.5%
Sales and service 11,785 25.6%
Trades and transport 10,310 22.4%
Natural resources and agriculture 2,240 4.9%
Manufacturing and utilities 2,200 4.8%
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 Chilliwack

How people get around in Chilliwack

In Chilliwack, the average commute is 24 minutes. About 91.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.6% rely on public transit and 5.2% walk or bike. The remaining 1.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
24 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
37.1%
15 to 29 minutes
31.3%
30 to 44 minutes
15.6%
45 to 59 minutes
6%
More than 60 minutes
10.1%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 13,755 37.1%
15 to 29 minutes 11,615 31.3%
30 to 44 minutes 5,780 15.6%
45 to 59 minutes 2,205 6%
More than 60 minutes 3,730 10.1%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 33,865 91.3%
By public transit 585 1.6%
By bicycle/by walking 1,915 5.2%
By other methods 715 1.9%
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 Chilliwack demographics 

What is the current total population in Chilliwack?

Chilliwack has a population of 93,203, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.1% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Chilliwack?  

Chilliwack has a population density of 356.6 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Chilliwack?

Chilliwack has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.1% males (45,745 residents)  
  • 50.9% females (47,460 residents)

What is the age distribution of Chilliwack residents?  

The age distribution of Chilliwack residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 19% (17,705 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.3% (10,490 residents)   
  • 25-34: 12.2% (11,410 residents)   
  • 35-44: 13.1% (12,250 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.2% (11,405 residents)   
  • 55-64: 13.2% (12,265 residents)   
  • Over 64: 19% (17,670 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Chilliwack? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Chilliwack: 
  • 84.4% non-immigrants (77,655 residents)  
  • 14.8% immigrants (13,605 residents)  
  • 0.8% non-permanent residents (725 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Chilliwack?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Chilliwack: 
  • English: 98.2% 
  • French: 0.8% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.8% 

What is the typical household size in Chilliwack?  

The typical household size in Chilliwack is 2.6 people. 

What is the median household income in Chilliwack?  

The median household income in Chilliwack is $85,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Chilliwack residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Chilliwack is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 16.4% (12,220 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 36.2% (26,860 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10% (7,400 residents) 
  • College diploma: 17.3% (12,840 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 4.7% (3,485 residents) 
  • University degree: 15.5% (11,490 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Chilliwack?  

The most common occupations in Chilliwack fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.5% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 13.4% 
  • Health: 7.3% 
  • Management: 0.9% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4.4% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 4.9% 
  • Sales and service: 25.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 22.4% 

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