Cranbrook, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
20,499
1.6 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,000/yr
Private dwellings
9,058

Cranbrook population

How many people live in Cranbrook

Cranbrook is home to 20,499 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.9% identify as male and 51.1% as female.

Total population
20,499
1.6% year-over-year change
Population density
641.2/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
10,025
Female
51.1%
10,480
Value Percent
Male 10,025 48.9%
Female 10,480 51.1%
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 Cranbrook is 44.4. Children under 15 make up 14.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.4% are 25 to 34, 11.9% are 35 to 44, and 11.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 23.8%.

Average age
44.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.7%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 34
12.4%
35 to 44
11.9%
45 to 54
11.8%
55 to 64
14.5%
Over 65
23.8%
Value Percent
Under 15 3,010 14.7%
15 to 24 2,240 10.9%
25 to 34 2,535 12.4%
35 to 44 2,445 11.9%
45 to 54 2,420 11.8%
55 to 64 2,970 14.5%
Over 65 4,880 23.8%
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 Cranbrook, 89.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 8.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
89.4%
Immigrants
8.7%
Non-permanent residents
1.9%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 17,735 89.4%
Immigrants 1,735 8.7%
Non-permanent residents 375 1.9%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
6.9%
Non-minorities
93.1%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,375 6.9%
Non-minorities 18,465 93.1%
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 Cranbrook
English
98.9%
French
0.8%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 19,755 98.9%
French 170 0.8%
English and French 15 0.1%
Neither English nor French 30 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.9% of people in Cranbrook speak English as their primary language, 0.8% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.2% 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 Cranbrook

A peek inside Cranbrook households

Cranbrook has 8,780 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 29.6% of all homes, while 40% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 16.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
8,780
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
29.6%
2 persons
40%
3 persons
13.8%
4 persons
10.7%
5 or more persons
5.9%
Value Percent
1 person 2,595 29.6%
2 persons 3,510 40%
3 persons 1,215 13.8%
4 persons 940 10.7%
5 or more persons 520 5.9%
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 Cranbrook

The housing landscape of Cranbrook

Cranbrook has a total of 9,058 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Cranbrook offers a variety of home sizes: 9% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 56% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 34.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
9,058
Housing types
Single-detached homes
65.2%
Attached homes
29.6%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
5.2%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 5,725 65.2%
Attached homes 2,605 29.6%
Movable homes 455 5.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
9%
2 or 3 bedrooms
56%
4 or more bedrooms
34.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 785 9%
2 or 3 bedrooms 4,930 56%
4 or more bedrooms 3,065 34.9%
Homes built since 2011
705

The age of buildings in Cranbrook

About 7.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 9.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.8% went up in the 1960s, 25.5% in the 1970s, and 10.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 15.5% of homes were added, and 9.3% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 625 7.1%
Between 1946 and 1960 870 9.9%
Between 1961 and 1970 1,210 13.8%
Between 1971 and 1980 2,240 25.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 950 10.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 1,365 15.5%
Between 2001 and 2010 820 9.3%
After 2011 705 8%
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.

Cranbrook occupancy rates

In Cranbrook, there are 8,780 occupied private dwellings, of which 73.6% are owner-occupied and 26.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 278 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
8,780
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
26.4%
Owned households
73.6%
Value Percent
Rented households 2,320 26.4%
Owned households 6,455 73.6%
Unoccupied dwellings
278
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 Cranbrook, homeowners pay a median of $960 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $980. About 84.8% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 15.2% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$960
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$980
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
84.8%
≥30% on shelter
15.2%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 7,430 84.8%
≥30% on shelter 1,330 15.2%
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 Cranbrook

Cranbrook education at a glance

In Cranbrook, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 33.4% have completed high school and 10.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 23.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 14.5% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 2,620 15.6%
High school diploma 5,630 33.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,805 10.7%
College diploma 3,930 23.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 425 2.5%
University degree 2,435 14.5%
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 Cranbrook

How much people earn in Cranbrook

In Cranbrook, the median household income sits at $80,000, while the median after-tax household income is $72,500.

Median household income
$80,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$72,500/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.

Cranbrook income by age

Young adults in Cranbrook between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,800, 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 $43,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $56,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $55,600, followed by $48,400 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 19,800
25 - 34 43,200
35 - 44 56,400
45 - 54 55,600
55 - 64 48,400
Over 65 35,200

Employment in Cranbrook

Workforce and job sectors in Cranbrook

In Cranbrook, 10,400 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.4%. 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
10,400
Unemployment rate
7.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 75 0.7%
Business, finance and administration 1,460 14.3%
Natural and applied sciences 475 4.6%
Health 855 8.4%
Education, law, community and government services 1,115 10.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 270 2.6%
Sales and service 2,970 29.1%
Trades and transport 2,360 23.1%
Natural resources and agriculture 340 3.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 285 2.8%
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 Cranbrook

How people get around in Cranbrook

In Cranbrook, the average commute is 18 minutes. About 87.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.8% rely on public transit and 10.1% walk or bike. The remaining 1.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
18 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
67.9%
15 to 29 minutes
15.6%
30 to 44 minutes
6%
45 to 59 minutes
3.4%
More than 60 minutes
7.1%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 5,920 67.9%
15 to 29 minutes 1,360 15.6%
30 to 44 minutes 525 6%
45 to 59 minutes 295 3.4%
More than 60 minutes 620 7.1%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 7,620 87.3%
By public transit 70 0.8%
By bicycle/by walking 880 10.1%
By other methods 160 1.8%
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 Cranbrook demographics 

What is the current total population in Cranbrook?

Cranbrook has a population of 20,499, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.6% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Cranbrook?  

Cranbrook has a population density of 641.2 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Cranbrook?

Cranbrook has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.9% males (10,025 residents)  
  • 51.1% females (10,480 residents)

What is the age distribution of Cranbrook residents?  

The age distribution of Cranbrook residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.7% (3,010 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.9% (2,240 residents)   
  • 25-34: 12.4% (2,535 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.9% (2,445 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.8% (2,420 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.5% (2,970 residents)   
  • Over 64: 23.8% (4,880 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Cranbrook? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Cranbrook: 
  • 89.4% non-immigrants (17,735 residents)  
  • 8.7% immigrants (1,735 residents)  
  • 1.9% non-permanent residents (375 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Cranbrook?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Cranbrook: 
  • English: 98.9% 
  • French: 0.8% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Cranbrook?  

The typical household size in Cranbrook is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Cranbrook?  

The median household income in Cranbrook is $80,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Cranbrook residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Cranbrook is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 15.6% (2,620 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 33.4% (5,630 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.7% (1,805 residents) 
  • College diploma: 23.3% (3,930 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.5% (425 residents) 
  • University degree: 14.5% (2,435 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Cranbrook?  

The most common occupations in Cranbrook fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.6% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 10.9% 
  • Health: 8.4% 
  • Management: 0.7% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.3% 
  • Sales and service: 29.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 23.1% 

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