Total population

18,961

2.7 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$102,000/yr

Private dwellings

7,688

Colwood population

How many people live in Colwood

Colwood is home to 18,961 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.3% identify as male and 50.7% as female.

Total population

18,961

2.7% year-over-year change

Population density

1,073.6/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.3%

9,350

Female

50.7%

9,615

	Value	Percent
Male	9,350	49.3%
Female	9,615	50.7%

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 Colwood is 42.3. Children under 15 make up 16.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.4% are 25 to 34, 14.8% are 35 to 44, and 12.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 19.3%.

Average age

42.3

Age breakdown

Under 15: 16.6%
15 to 24: 9.8%
25 to 34: 12.4%
35 to 44: 14.8%
45 to 54: 12.7%
55 to 64: 14.4%
Over 65: 19.3%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	3,150	16.6%
15 to 24	1,865	9.8%
25 to 34	2,340	12.4%
35 to 44	2,810	14.8%
45 to 54	2,415	12.7%
55 to 64	2,720	14.4%
Over 65	3,655	19.3%

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 Colwood, 86% of residents were born in Canada, while 12.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 86%
Immigrants: 12.7%
Non-permanent residents: 1.3%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	16,170	86%
Immigrants	2,380	12.7%
Non-permanent residents	240	1.3%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 10.6%
Non-minorities: 89.4%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	1,985	10.6%
Non-minorities	16,810	89.4%

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 Colwood

English: 97.3%
French: 2.1%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.3%

	Value	Percent
English	18,420	97.3%
French	395	2.1%
English and French	55	0.3%
Neither English nor French	60	0.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.3% of people in Colwood speak English as their primary language, 2.1% 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 Colwood

A peek inside Colwood households

Colwood has 7,425 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 21.8% of all homes, while 37.5% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 17.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 23% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

7,425

Average people per household

2.5

1 person: 21.8%
2 persons: 37.5%
3 persons: 17.6%
4 persons: 15.5%
5 or more persons: 7.5%

	Value	Percent
1 person	1,620	21.8%
2 persons	2,790	37.5%
3 persons	1,310	17.6%
4 persons	1,155	15.5%
5 or more persons	560	7.5%

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 Colwood

The housing landscape of Colwood

Colwood has a total of 7,688 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 49.3% are single-detached houses, 48.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 2.5% are apartments. When it comes to space, Colwood offers a variety of home sizes: 8% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 58% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 33.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

7,688

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 49.3%
Attached homes: 48.2%
Apartments: 2.5%
Movable homes: 0.1%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	3,655	49.3%
Attached homes	3,575	48.2%
Apartments	185	2.5%
Movable homes	5	0.1%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 8%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 58%
4 or more bedrooms: 33.1%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	635	8%
2 or 3 bedrooms	4,335	58%
4 or more bedrooms	2,455	33.1%

Homes built since 2011

1,315

The age of buildings in Colwood

About 2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 7.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13% went up in the 1960s, 19.3% in the 1970s, and 16.9% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.7% of homes were added, and 15.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	145	2%
Between 1946 and 1960	580	7.8%
Between 1961 and 1970	965	13%
Between 1971 and 1980	1,435	19.3%
Between 1981 and 1990	1,255	16.9%
Between 1991 and 2000	570	7.7%
Between 2001 and 2010	1,170	15.7%
After 2011	1,315	17.7%

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.

Colwood occupancy rates

In Colwood, there are 7,428 occupied private dwellings, of which 73.4% are owner-occupied and 26.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 260 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

7,428

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 26.6%
Owned households: 73.4%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	1,980	26.6%
Owned households	5,455	73.4%

Unoccupied dwellings

260

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 Colwood, homeowners pay a median of $1,680 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,370. About 81.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 18.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,680

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,370

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 81.2%
≥30% on shelter: 18.8%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	6,015	81.2%
≥30% on shelter	1,395	18.8%

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 Colwood

Colwood education at a glance

In Colwood, educational attainment varies across the community. About 11.2% of residents have no formal diploma, while 34.1% have completed high school and 9.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 21.2% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	1,750	11.2%
High school diploma	5,330	34.1%
Apprenticeship diploma	1,550	9.9%
College diploma	3,260	20.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	440	2.8%
University degree	3,310	21.2%

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 Colwood

How much people earn in Colwood

In Colwood, the median household income sits at $102,000, while the median after-tax household income is $89,000.

Median household income

$102,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$89,000/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.

Colwood income by age

Young adults in Colwood between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,400, 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 $48,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $64,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $65,000, followed by $55,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $40,800.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	18,400
25 - 34	48,800
35 - 44	64,000
45 - 54	65,000
55 - 64	55,200
Over 65	40,800

Employment in Colwood

Workforce and job sectors in Colwood

In Colwood, 10,205 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, education, law, community and government services, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

10,205

Unemployment rate

5.1%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	95	0.9%
Business, finance and administration	1,705	16.9%
Natural and applied sciences	845	8.4%
Health	755	7.5%
Education, law, community and government services	1,750	17.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	315	3.1%
Sales and service	2,515	25%
Trades and transport	1,750	17.4%
Natural resources and agriculture	180	1.8%
Manufacturing and utilities	170	1.7%

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 Colwood

How people get around in Colwood

In Colwood, the average commute is 22 minutes. About 85.1% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 5.2% rely on public transit and 6% walk or bike. The remaining 3.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

22 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 28.8%
15 to 29 minutes: 39%
30 to 44 minutes: 23.6%
45 to 59 minutes: 6%
More than 60 minutes: 2.6%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	2,215	28.8%
15 to 29 minutes	3,000	39%
30 to 44 minutes	1,815	23.6%
45 to 59 minutes	465	6%
More than 60 minutes	200	2.6%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	6,550	85.1%
By public transit	400	5.2%
By bicycle/by walking	460	6%
By other methods	285	3.7%

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 Colwood demographics

What is the current total population in Colwood?

Colwood has a population of 18,961, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.7% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Colwood?

Colwood has a population density of 1,073.6 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Colwood?

Colwood has the following gender distribution:

49.3% males (9,350 residents)
50.7% females (9,615 residents)

What is the age distribution of Colwood residents?

The age distribution of Colwood residents is as follows:

Under 15: 16.6% (3,150 residents)
15-24: 9.8% (1,865 residents)
25-34: 12.4% (2,340 residents)
35-44: 14.8% (2,810 residents)
45-54: 12.7% (2,415 residents)
55-64: 14.4% (2,720 residents)
Over 64: 19.3% (3,655 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Colwood?

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

86% non-immigrants (16,170 residents)
12.7% immigrants (2,380 residents)
1.3% non-permanent residents (240 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Colwood?

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

English: 97.3%
French: 2.1%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.3%

What is the typical household size in Colwood?

The typical household size in Colwood is 2.5 people.

What is the median household income in Colwood?

The median household income in Colwood is $102,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Colwood residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Colwood is as follows:

No diploma: 11.2% (1,750 residents)
High school diploma: 34.1% (5,330 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 9.9% (1,550 residents)
College diploma: 20.8% (3,260 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2.8% (440 residents)
University degree: 21.2% (3,310 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Colwood?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.1%
Business, finance and administration: 16.9%
Education, law, community and government services: 17.4%
Health: 7.5%
Management: 0.9%
Manufacturing and utilities: 1.7%
Natural and applied sciences: 8.4%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.8%
Sales and service: 25%
Trades and transport: 17.4%

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

Colwood, BC demographics:population, income, and more