Esquimalt, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,533
0.9 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$76,000/yr
Private dwellings
8,995

Esquimalt population

How many people live in Esquimalt

Esquimalt is home to 17,533 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.3% identify as male and 49.7% as female.

Total population
17,533
0.9% year-over-year change
Population density
2,476.7/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
8,810
Female
49.7%
8,720
Value Percent
Male 8,810 50.3%
Female 8,720 49.7%
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 Esquimalt is 44.1. Children under 15 make up 12.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.6%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 15.9% are 25 to 34, 15.6% are 35 to 44, and 12% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 20.7%.

Average age
44.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.2%
15 to 24
8.6%
25 to 34
15.9%
35 to 44
15.6%
45 to 54
12%
55 to 64
15%
Over 65
20.7%
Value Percent
Under 15 2,135 12.2%
15 to 24 1,505 8.6%
25 to 34 2,790 15.9%
35 to 44 2,745 15.6%
45 to 54 2,110 12%
55 to 64 2,625 15%
Over 65 3,625 20.7%
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 Esquimalt, 83% of residents were born in Canada, while 15.3% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
83%
Immigrants
15.3%
Non-permanent residents
1.6%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 14,355 83%
Immigrants 2,640 15.3%
Non-permanent residents 285 1.6%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
13.7%
Non-minorities
86.3%
Value Percent
Minorities 2,365 13.7%
Non-minorities 14,925 86.3%
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 Esquimalt
English
95.8%
French
3.2%
English and French
0.4%
Neither English nor French
0.6%
Value Percent
English 16,645 95.8%
French 560 3.2%
English and French 70 0.4%
Neither English nor French 95 0.6%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 95.8% of people in Esquimalt speak English as their primary language, 3.2% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% are bilingual, and 0.6% 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 Esquimalt

A peek inside Esquimalt households

Esquimalt has 8,565 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 38.8% of all homes, while 37.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.1%, and homes with four or more people account for 11.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
8,565
Average people per household
2
1 person
38.8%
2 persons
37.4%
3 persons
12.1%
4 persons
8.1%
5 or more persons
3.6%
Value Percent
1 person 3,325 38.8%
2 persons 3,200 37.4%
3 persons 1,040 12.1%
4 persons 690 8.1%
5 or more persons 310 3.6%
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 Esquimalt

The housing landscape of Esquimalt

Esquimalt has a total of 8,995 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 23.2% are single-detached houses, 69.9% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 6.9% are apartments. When it comes to space, Esquimalt offers a variety of home sizes: 27% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 60% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 12.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
8,995
Housing types
Single-detached homes
23.2%
Attached homes
69.9%
Apartments
6.9%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,990 23.2%
Attached homes 5,985 69.9%
Apartments 590 6.9%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
27%
2 or 3 bedrooms
60%
4 or more bedrooms
12.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 2,335 27%
2 or 3 bedrooms 5,125 60%
4 or more bedrooms 1,105 12.9%
Homes built since 2011
460

The age of buildings in Esquimalt

About 13.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 16.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 17.4% went up in the 1960s, 23.5% in the 1970s, and 8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 8.9% of homes were added, and 7.3% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,150 13.4%
Between 1946 and 1960 1,380 16.1%
Between 1961 and 1970 1,490 17.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 2,010 23.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 680 8%
Between 1991 and 2000 760 8.9%
Between 2001 and 2010 625 7.3%
After 2011 460 5.4%
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.

Esquimalt occupancy rates

In Esquimalt, there are 8,565 occupied private dwellings, of which 48.9% are owner-occupied and 51.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 430 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
8,565
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
51.1%
Owned households
48.9%
Value Percent
Rented households 4,380 51.1%
Owned households 4,185 48.9%
Unoccupied dwellings
430
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 Esquimalt, homeowners pay a median of $1,440 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,230. About 71.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 28.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,440
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,230
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
71.9%
≥30% on shelter
28.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 6,145 71.9%
≥30% on shelter 2,400 28.1%
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 Esquimalt

Esquimalt education at a glance

In Esquimalt, educational attainment varies across the community. About 11.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 29.9% have completed high school and 7.5% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 19.5% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 28.3% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,810 11.9%
High school diploma 4,525 29.9%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,135 7.5%
College diploma 2,955 19.5%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 445 2.9%
University degree 4,285 28.3%
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 Esquimalt

How much people earn in Esquimalt

In Esquimalt, the median household income sits at $76,000, while the median after-tax household income is $67,500.

Median household income
$76,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$67,500/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.

Esquimalt income by age

Young adults in Esquimalt between 15 and 24 have a median income of $21,800, 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 $45,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $57,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $58,000, followed by $46,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $38,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 21,800
25 - 34 45,600
35 - 44 57,200
45 - 54 58,000
55 - 64 46,400
Over 65 38,800

Employment in Esquimalt

Workforce and job sectors in Esquimalt

In Esquimalt, 9,980 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.9%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, 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
9,980
Unemployment rate
7.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 105 1.1%
Business, finance and administration 1,670 17.1%
Natural and applied sciences 765 7.8%
Health 780 8%
Education, law, community and government services 1,645 16.8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 345 3.5%
Sales and service 2,590 26.5%
Trades and transport 1,525 15.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 155 1.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 210 2.2%
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 Esquimalt

How people get around in Esquimalt

In Esquimalt, the average commute is 20 minutes. About 65.6% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 12.3% rely on public transit and 18.4% walk or bike. The remaining 3.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
20 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
35.8%
15 to 29 minutes
45.1%
30 to 44 minutes
12.7%
45 to 59 minutes
3.3%
More than 60 minutes
3.1%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,570 35.8%
15 to 29 minutes 3,235 45.1%
30 to 44 minutes 915 12.7%
45 to 59 minutes 240 3.3%
More than 60 minutes 220 3.1%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 4,710 65.6%
By public transit 880 12.3%
By bicycle/by walking 1,320 18.4%
By other methods 265 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 Esquimalt demographics 

What is the current total population in Esquimalt?

Esquimalt has a population of 17,533, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.9% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Esquimalt?  

Esquimalt has a population density of 2,476.7 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Esquimalt?

Esquimalt has the following gender distribution:
  • 50.3% males (8,810 residents)  
  • 49.7% females (8,720 residents)

What is the age distribution of Esquimalt residents?  

The age distribution of Esquimalt residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 12.2% (2,135 residents)   
  • 15-24: 8.6% (1,505 residents)   
  • 25-34: 15.9% (2,790 residents)   
  • 35-44: 15.6% (2,745 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12% (2,110 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15% (2,625 residents)   
  • Over 64: 20.7% (3,625 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Esquimalt? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Esquimalt: 
  • 83% non-immigrants (14,355 residents)  
  • 15.3% immigrants (2,640 residents)  
  • 1.6% non-permanent residents (285 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Esquimalt?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Esquimalt: 
  • English: 95.8% 
  • French: 3.2% 
  • English and French: 0.4% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.6% 

What is the typical household size in Esquimalt?  

The typical household size in Esquimalt is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Esquimalt?  

The median household income in Esquimalt is $76,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Esquimalt residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Esquimalt is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 11.9% (1,810 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 29.9% (4,525 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.5% (1,135 residents) 
  • College diploma: 19.5% (2,955 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.9% (445 residents) 
  • University degree: 28.3% (4,285 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Esquimalt?  

The most common occupations in Esquimalt fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.5% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 17.1% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 16.8% 
  • Health: 8% 
  • Management: 1.1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.2% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 7.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.6% 
  • Sales and service: 26.5% 
  • Trades and transport: 15.6% 

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