Dawson Creek, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,323
2.5 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,000/yr
Private dwellings
6,189

Dawson Creek population

How many people live in Dawson Creek

Dawson Creek is home to 12,323 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.2% identify as male and 50.8% as female.

Total population
12,323
2.5% year-over-year change
Population density
461.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
6,060
Female
50.8%
6,260
Value Percent
Male 6,060 49.2%
Female 6,260 50.8%
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 Dawson Creek is 37.9. Children under 15 make up 18.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 13%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 17.1% are 25 to 34, 14% are 35 to 44, and 11.3% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 11.8% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 14%.

Average age
37.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.9%
15 to 24
13%
25 to 34
17.1%
35 to 44
14%
45 to 54
11.3%
55 to 64
11.8%
Over 65
14%
Value Percent
Under 15 2,325 18.9%
15 to 24 1,605 13%
25 to 34 2,110 17.1%
35 to 44 1,725 14%
45 to 54 1,390 11.3%
55 to 64 1,450 11.8%
Over 65 1,725 14%
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 Dawson Creek, 86.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 10% have settled here from abroad. Another 3.7% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
86.3%
Immigrants
10%
Non-permanent residents
3.7%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 10,420 86.3%
Immigrants 1,205 10%
Non-permanent residents 445 3.7%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
13.5%
Non-minorities
86.5%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,630 13.5%
Non-minorities 10,440 86.5%
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 Dawson Creek
English
98.9%
French
0.7%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 12,045 98.9%
French 85 0.7%
English and French 20 0.2%
Neither English nor French 25 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.9% of people in Dawson Creek speak English as their primary language, 0.7% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% 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 Dawson Creek

A peek inside Dawson Creek households

Dawson Creek has 5,405 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 36.1% of all homes, while 31.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 17.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
5,405
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
36.1%
2 persons
31.6%
3 persons
14.8%
4 persons
11.1%
5 or more persons
6.4%
Value Percent
1 person 1,950 36.1%
2 persons 1,710 31.6%
3 persons 800 14.8%
4 persons 600 11.1%
5 or more persons 345 6.4%
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 Dawson Creek

The housing landscape of Dawson Creek

Dawson Creek has a total of 6,189 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Dawson Creek offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 59% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 26.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
6,189
Housing types
Single-detached homes
61.1%
Attached homes
34.8%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
4.2%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 3,305 61.1%
Attached homes 1,880 34.8%
Movable homes 225 4.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
14%
2 or 3 bedrooms
59%
4 or more bedrooms
26.6%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 775 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms 3,195 59%
4 or more bedrooms 1,435 26.6%
Homes built since 2011
635

The age of buildings in Dawson Creek

About 3.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 20.3% between 1946 and 1960. Another 18.6% went up in the 1960s, 16.6% in the 1970s, and 8.2% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 9.5% of homes were added, and 11.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 180 3.3%
Between 1946 and 1960 1,095 20.3%
Between 1961 and 1970 1,005 18.6%
Between 1971 and 1980 895 16.6%
Between 1981 and 1990 445 8.2%
Between 1991 and 2000 515 9.5%
Between 2001 and 2010 630 11.7%
After 2011 635 11.8%
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.

Dawson Creek occupancy rates

In Dawson Creek, there are 5,405 occupied private dwellings, of which 58.2% are owner-occupied and 41.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 784 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
5,405
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
41.8%
Owned households
58.2%
Value Percent
Rented households 2,260 41.8%
Owned households 3,145 58.2%
Unoccupied dwellings
784
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 Dawson Creek, homeowners pay a median of $1,320 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,020. About 81.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 18.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,320
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,020
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
81.4%
≥30% on shelter
18.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 4,385 81.4%
≥30% on shelter 1,000 18.6%
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 Dawson Creek

Dawson Creek education at a glance

In Dawson Creek, educational attainment varies across the community. About 21.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.8% have completed high school and 12% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.9% have graduated from college. Finally, 3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 13.5% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 2,125 21.8%
High school diploma 3,005 30.8%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,170 12%
College diploma 1,845 18.9%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 295 3%
University degree 1,315 13.5%
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 Dawson Creek

How much people earn in Dawson Creek

In Dawson Creek, the median household income sits at $81,000, while the median after-tax household income is $72,500.

Median household income
$81,000/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.

Dawson Creek income by age

Young adults in Dawson Creek between 15 and 24 have a median income of $24,200, 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 $46,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $57,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $57,600, followed by $50,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 24,200
25 - 34 46,800
35 - 44 57,200
45 - 54 57,600
55 - 64 50,400
Over 65 34,000

Employment in Dawson Creek

Workforce and job sectors in Dawson Creek

In Dawson Creek, 6,790 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.8%. 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
6,790
Unemployment rate
9.8%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 40 0.6%
Business, finance and administration 785 11.8%
Natural and applied sciences 225 3.4%
Health 550 8.3%
Education, law, community and government services 900 13.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 80 1.2%
Sales and service 1,915 28.8%
Trades and transport 1,470 22.1%
Natural resources and agriculture 285 4.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 400 6%
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 Dawson Creek

How people get around in Dawson Creek

In Dawson Creek, the average commute is 15 minutes. About 91.8% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.4% rely on public transit and 6.9% walk or bike. The remaining 1% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
15 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
69%
15 to 29 minutes
15%
30 to 44 minutes
7.4%
45 to 59 minutes
3.1%
More than 60 minutes
5.5%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 3,945 69%
15 to 29 minutes 855 15%
30 to 44 minutes 425 7.4%
45 to 59 minutes 175 3.1%
More than 60 minutes 315 5.5%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 5,245 91.8%
By public transit 20 0.4%
By bicycle/by walking 395 6.9%
By other methods 55 1%
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 Dawson Creek demographics 

What is the current total population in Dawson Creek?

Dawson Creek has a population of 12,323, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.5% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Dawson Creek?  

Dawson Creek has a population density of 461.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Dawson Creek?

Dawson Creek has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.2% males (6,060 residents)  
  • 50.8% females (6,260 residents)

What is the age distribution of Dawson Creek residents?  

The age distribution of Dawson Creek residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 18.9% (2,325 residents)   
  • 15-24: 13% (1,605 residents)   
  • 25-34: 17.1% (2,110 residents)   
  • 35-44: 14% (1,725 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.3% (1,390 residents)   
  • 55-64: 11.8% (1,450 residents)   
  • Over 64: 14% (1,725 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Dawson Creek? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Dawson Creek: 
  • 86.3% non-immigrants (10,420 residents)  
  • 10% immigrants (1,205 residents)  
  • 3.7% non-permanent residents (445 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Dawson Creek?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Dawson Creek: 
  • English: 98.9% 
  • French: 0.7% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Dawson Creek?  

The typical household size in Dawson Creek is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Dawson Creek?  

The median household income in Dawson Creek is $81,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Dawson Creek residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Dawson Creek is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 21.8% (2,125 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 30.8% (3,005 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 12% (1,170 residents) 
  • College diploma: 18.9% (1,845 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3% (295 residents) 
  • University degree: 13.5% (1,315 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Dawson Creek?  

The most common occupations in Dawson Creek fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 11.8% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 13.5% 
  • Health: 8.3% 
  • Management: 0.6% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 3.4% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 4.3% 
  • Sales and service: 28.8% 
  • Trades and transport: 22.1% 

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