Fernie, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,320
3.2 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$107,000/yr
Private dwellings
3,256

Fernie population

How many people live in Fernie

Fernie is home to 6,320 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.6% identify as male and 50.4% as female.

Total population
6,320
3.2% year-over-year change
Population density
418.3/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
3,135
Female
50.4%
3,185
Value Percent
Male 3,135 49.6%
Female 3,185 50.4%
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 Fernie is 39.3. Children under 15 make up 17.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 18.1% are 25 to 34, 18% are 35 to 44, and 12.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 11.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 14.6%.

Average age
39.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
8.4%
25 to 34
18.1%
35 to 44
18%
45 to 54
12.1%
55 to 64
11.2%
Over 65
14.6%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,110 17.6%
15 to 24 530 8.4%
25 to 34 1,145 18.1%
35 to 44 1,135 18%
45 to 54 765 12.1%
55 to 64 710 11.2%
Over 65 925 14.6%
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 Fernie, 82.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 13.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 3.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
82.9%
Immigrants
13.8%
Non-permanent residents
3.2%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 5,120 82.9%
Immigrants 855 13.8%
Non-permanent residents 200 3.2%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
7.1%
Non-minorities
92.9%
Value Percent
Minorities 440 7.1%
Non-minorities 5,735 92.9%
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 Fernie
English
96.3%
French
3.3%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 6,005 96.3%
French 205 3.3%
English and French 15 0.2%
Neither English nor French 10 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.3% of people in Fernie speak English as their primary language, 3.3% 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 Fernie

A peek inside Fernie households

Fernie has 2,600 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 26.4% of all homes, while 38.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.9%, and homes with four or more people account for 20.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,600
Average people per household
2.4
1 person
26.4%
2 persons
38.4%
3 persons
14.9%
4 persons
13.9%
5 or more persons
6.4%
Value Percent
1 person 685 26.4%
2 persons 995 38.4%
3 persons 385 14.9%
4 persons 360 13.9%
5 or more persons 165 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 Fernie

The housing landscape of Fernie

Fernie has a total of 3,256 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Fernie offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 60% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 29.7% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
3,256
Housing types
Single-detached homes
62.2%
Attached homes
31.7%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
6.1%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,620 62.2%
Attached homes 825 31.7%
Movable homes 160 6.1%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
10%
2 or 3 bedrooms
60%
4 or more bedrooms
29.7%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 255 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,565 60%
4 or more bedrooms 770 29.7%
Homes built since 2011
195

The age of buildings in Fernie

About 15.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 6.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.6% went up in the 1960s, 25.6% in the 1970s, and 9.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 8.3% of homes were added, and 14.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 405 15.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 180 6.9%
Between 1961 and 1970 300 11.6%
Between 1971 and 1980 665 25.6%
Between 1981 and 1990 250 9.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 215 8.3%
Between 2001 and 2010 385 14.8%
After 2011 195 7.5%
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.

Fernie occupancy rates

In Fernie, there are 2,597 occupied private dwellings, of which 72.2% are owner-occupied and 27.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 659 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,597
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
27.8%
Owned households
72.2%
Value Percent
Rented households 720 27.8%
Owned households 1,875 72.2%
Unoccupied dwellings
659
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 Fernie, homeowners pay a median of $1,290 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,100. About 87.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 12.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,290
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,100
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
87.3%
≥30% on shelter
12.7%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 2,270 87.3%
≥30% on shelter 330 12.7%
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 Fernie

Fernie education at a glance

In Fernie, educational attainment varies across the community. About 8.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 26.9% have completed high school and 11% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.1% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 32.1% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 450 8.8%
High school diploma 1,370 26.9%
Apprenticeship diploma 560 11%
College diploma 920 18.1%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 160 3.1%
University degree 1,635 32.1%
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 Fernie

How much people earn in Fernie

In Fernie, the median household income sits at $107,000, while the median after-tax household income is $92,000.

Median household income
$107,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$92,000/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.

Fernie income by age

Young adults in Fernie between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,400, 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 $45,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $66,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $68,500, followed by $52,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $40,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 16,400
25 - 34 45,600
35 - 44 66,000
45 - 54 68,500
55 - 64 52,400
Over 65 40,000

Employment in Fernie

Workforce and job sectors in Fernie

In Fernie, 3,660 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.4%. 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
3,660
Unemployment rate
9.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 30 0.8%
Business, finance and administration 505 14%
Natural and applied sciences 335 9.3%
Health 250 6.9%
Education, law, community and government services 305 8.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 100 2.8%
Sales and service 1,070 29.6%
Trades and transport 710 19.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 190 5.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 120 3.3%
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 Fernie

How people get around in Fernie

In Fernie, the average commute is 19 minutes. About 78.1% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2.2% rely on public transit and 17.7% walk or bike. The remaining 2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
19 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
58.7%
15 to 29 minutes
18.7%
30 to 44 minutes
8.1%
45 to 59 minutes
4.3%
More than 60 minutes
10.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,635 58.7%
15 to 29 minutes 520 18.7%
30 to 44 minutes 225 8.1%
45 to 59 minutes 120 4.3%
More than 60 minutes 285 10.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,180 78.1%
By public transit 60 2.2%
By bicycle/by walking 495 17.7%
By other methods 55 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 Fernie demographics 

What is the current total population in Fernie?

Fernie has a population of 6,320, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.2% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Fernie?  

Fernie has a population density of 418.3 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Fernie?

Fernie has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.6% males (3,135 residents)  
  • 50.4% females (3,185 residents)

What is the age distribution of Fernie residents?  

The age distribution of Fernie residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 17.6% (1,110 residents)   
  • 15-24: 8.4% (530 residents)   
  • 25-34: 18.1% (1,145 residents)   
  • 35-44: 18% (1,135 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.1% (765 residents)   
  • 55-64: 11.2% (710 residents)   
  • Over 64: 14.6% (925 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Fernie? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Fernie: 
  • 82.9% non-immigrants (5,120 residents)  
  • 13.8% immigrants (855 residents)  
  • 3.2% non-permanent residents (200 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Fernie?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Fernie: 
  • English: 96.3% 
  • French: 3.3% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Fernie?  

The typical household size in Fernie is 2.4 people. 

What is the median household income in Fernie?  

The median household income in Fernie is $107,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Fernie residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Fernie is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 8.8% (450 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 26.9% (1,370 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 11% (560 residents) 
  • College diploma: 18.1% (920 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.1% (160 residents) 
  • University degree: 32.1% (1,635 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Fernie?  

The most common occupations in Fernie fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.8% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 8.4% 
  • Health: 6.9% 
  • Management: 0.8% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3.3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 9.3% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 5.3% 
  • Sales and service: 29.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 19.6% 

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