Courtenay, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
28,420
2.7 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,000/yr
Private dwellings
13,414

Courtenay population

How many people live in Courtenay

Courtenay is home to 28,420 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.5% identify as male and 52.5% as female.

Total population
28,420
2.7% year-over-year change
Population density
876.7/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47.5%
13,490
Female
52.5%
14,925
Value Percent
Male 13,490 47.5%
Female 14,925 52.5%
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 Courtenay is 46.8. Children under 15 make up 13.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.4% are 25 to 34, 11.7% are 35 to 44, and 11.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.8% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 28.2%.

Average age
46.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.6%
15 to 24
9.2%
25 to 34
11.4%
35 to 44
11.7%
45 to 54
11.1%
55 to 64
14.8%
Over 65
28.2%
Value Percent
Under 15 3,850 13.6%
15 to 24 2,605 9.2%
25 to 34 3,250 11.4%
35 to 44 3,325 11.7%
45 to 54 3,150 11.1%
55 to 64 4,210 14.8%
Over 65 8,030 28.2%
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 Courtenay, 85% of residents were born in Canada, while 13.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
85%
Immigrants
13.6%
Non-permanent residents
1.4%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 23,635 85%
Immigrants 3,795 13.6%
Non-permanent residents 390 1.4%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
8.3%
Non-minorities
91.7%
Value Percent
Minorities 2,315 8.3%
Non-minorities 25,505 91.7%
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 Courtenay
English
97.2%
French
2.2%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.5%
Value Percent
English 27,255 97.2%
French 605 2.2%
English and French 25 0.1%
Neither English nor French 140 0.5%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.2% of people in Courtenay speak English as their primary language, 2.2% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.5% 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 Courtenay

A peek inside Courtenay households

Courtenay has 13,000 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 32.8% of all homes, while 40.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.9%, and homes with four or more people account for 13.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
13,000
Average people per household
2.1
1 person
32.8%
2 persons
40.6%
3 persons
12.9%
4 persons
9.2%
5 or more persons
4.5%
Value Percent
1 person 4,265 32.8%
2 persons 5,275 40.6%
3 persons 1,670 12.9%
4 persons 1,190 9.2%
5 or more persons 585 4.5%
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 Courtenay

The housing landscape of Courtenay

Courtenay has a total of 13,414 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 50.1% are single-detached houses, 46.6% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.4% are apartments. When it comes to space, Courtenay offers a variety of home sizes: 9% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 74% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 16.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
13,414
Housing types
Single-detached homes
50.1%
Attached homes
46.6%
Apartments
0.4%
Movable homes
3%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 6,515 50.1%
Attached homes 6,065 46.6%
Apartments 45 0.4%
Movable homes 385 3%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
9%
2 or 3 bedrooms
74%
4 or more bedrooms
16.6%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 1,200 9%
2 or 3 bedrooms 9,645 74%
4 or more bedrooms 2,155 16.6%
Homes built since 2011
2,010

The age of buildings in Courtenay

About 3.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 5.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 7.5% went up in the 1960s, 13.8% in the 1970s, and 12.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 24.1% of homes were added, and 17.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 450 3.5%
Between 1946 and 1960 700 5.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 975 7.5%
Between 1971 and 1980 1,785 13.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 1,635 12.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 3,130 24.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 2,300 17.7%
After 2011 2,010 15.5%
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.

Courtenay occupancy rates

In Courtenay, there are 12,992 occupied private dwellings, of which 71.4% are owner-occupied and 28.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 422 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
12,992
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
28.6%
Owned households
71.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 3,720 28.6%
Owned households 9,280 71.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
422
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 Courtenay, homeowners pay a median of $1,040 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,230. About 76.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 23.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,040
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,230
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
76.4%
≥30% on shelter
23.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 9,915 76.4%
≥30% on shelter 3,065 23.6%
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 Courtenay

Courtenay education at a glance

In Courtenay, educational attainment varies across the community. About 14% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.4% have completed high school and 9.5% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 21% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 21% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 3,370 14%
High school diploma 7,525 31.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 2,275 9.5%
College diploma 5,040 21%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 745 3.1%
University degree 5,025 21%
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 Courtenay

How much people earn in Courtenay

In Courtenay, the median household income sits at $72,000, while the median after-tax household income is $65,500.

Median household income
$72,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$65,500/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.

Courtenay income by age

Young adults in Courtenay between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,400, 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 $50,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $50,800, followed by $42,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $35,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,400
25 - 34 41,200
35 - 44 50,400
45 - 54 50,800
55 - 64 42,000
Over 65 35,600

Employment in Courtenay

Workforce and job sectors in Courtenay

In Courtenay, 13,315 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.5%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
13,315
Unemployment rate
8.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 80 0.6%
Business, finance and administration 1,595 12.2%
Natural and applied sciences 730 5.6%
Health 1,255 9.6%
Education, law, community and government services 1,755 13.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 420 3.2%
Sales and service 4,245 32.5%
Trades and transport 2,210 16.9%
Natural resources and agriculture 430 3.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 325 2.5%
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 Courtenay

How people get around in Courtenay

In Courtenay, the average commute is 18 minutes. About 84.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2.6% rely on public transit and 9.9% walk or bike. The remaining 3.2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
18 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
56.5%
15 to 29 minutes
28.6%
30 to 44 minutes
6.1%
45 to 59 minutes
3.8%
More than 60 minutes
4.9%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 5,895 56.5%
15 to 29 minutes 2,985 28.6%
30 to 44 minutes 640 6.1%
45 to 59 minutes 400 3.8%
More than 60 minutes 515 4.9%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 8,795 84.3%
By public transit 270 2.6%
By bicycle/by walking 1,035 9.9%
By other methods 330 3.2%
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 Courtenay demographics 

What is the current total population in Courtenay?

Courtenay has a population of 28,420, 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 Courtenay?  

Courtenay has a population density of 876.7 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Courtenay?

Courtenay has the following gender distribution:
  • 47.5% males (13,490 residents)  
  • 52.5% females (14,925 residents)

What is the age distribution of Courtenay residents?  

The age distribution of Courtenay residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 13.6% (3,850 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.2% (2,605 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.4% (3,250 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.7% (3,325 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.1% (3,150 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.8% (4,210 residents)   
  • Over 64: 28.2% (8,030 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Courtenay? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Courtenay: 
  • 85% non-immigrants (23,635 residents)  
  • 13.6% immigrants (3,795 residents)  
  • 1.4% non-permanent residents (390 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Courtenay?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Courtenay: 
  • English: 97.2% 
  • French: 2.2% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.5% 

What is the typical household size in Courtenay?  

The typical household size in Courtenay is 2.1 people. 

What is the median household income in Courtenay?  

The median household income in Courtenay is $72,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Courtenay residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Courtenay is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 14% (3,370 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 31.4% (7,525 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 9.5% (2,275 residents) 
  • College diploma: 21% (5,040 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.1% (745 residents) 
  • University degree: 21% (5,025 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Courtenay?  

The most common occupations in Courtenay fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 12.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 13.4% 
  • Health: 9.6% 
  • Management: 0.6% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.5% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.3% 
  • Sales and service: 32.5% 
  • Trades and transport: 16.9% 

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