Fort St. James, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,386
-5.3 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$91,000/yr
Private dwellings
671

Fort St. James population

How many people live in Fort St. James

Fort St. James is home to 1,386 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.4% identify as male and 49.6% as female.

Total population
1,386
-5.3% year-over-year change
Population density
59.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
700
Female
49.6%
690
Value Percent
Male 700 50.4%
Female 690 49.6%
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 Fort St. James is 39.5. Children under 15 make up 19.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.8% are 25 to 34, 12.7% are 35 to 44, and 13.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 15.6%.

Average age
39.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.3%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 34
13.8%
35 to 44
12.7%
45 to 54
13.1%
55 to 64
14.6%
Over 65
15.6%
Value Percent
Under 15 265 19.3%
15 to 24 150 10.9%
25 to 34 190 13.8%
35 to 44 175 12.7%
45 to 54 180 13.1%
55 to 64 200 14.6%
Over 65 215 15.6%
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 Fort St. James, 89.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 10.9% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
89.1%
Immigrants
10.9%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 1,180 89.1%
Immigrants 145 10.9%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
7.5%
Non-minorities
92.5%
Value Percent
Minorities 100 7.5%
Non-minorities 1,225 92.5%
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 Fort St. James
English
99.3%
French
0.7%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 1,370 99.3%
French 10 0.7%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.3% of people in Fort St. James speak English as their primary language, 0.7% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 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 Fort St. James

A peek inside Fort St. James households

Fort St. James has 590 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 31.4% of all homes, while 36.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 17.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
590
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
31.4%
2 persons
36.4%
3 persons
14.4%
4 persons
9.3%
5 or more persons
8.5%
Value Percent
1 person 185 31.4%
2 persons 215 36.4%
3 persons 85 14.4%
4 persons 55 9.3%
5 or more persons 50 8.5%
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 Fort St. James

The housing landscape of Fort St. James

Fort St. James has a total of 671 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Fort St. James offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 63% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 24.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
671
Housing types
Single-detached homes
73.5%
Attached homes
22.2%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
4.3%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 430 73.5%
Attached homes 130 22.2%
Movable homes 25 4.3%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
12%
2 or 3 bedrooms
63%
4 or more bedrooms
24.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 70 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms 370 63%
4 or more bedrooms 145 24.8%
Homes built since 2011
40

The age of buildings in Fort St. James

Another 18.1% went up in the 1960s, 37.1% in the 1970s, and 15.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13.8% of homes were added, and 2.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Between 1946 and 1960 35 6%
Between 1961 and 1970 105 18.1%
Between 1971 and 1980 215 37.1%
Between 1981 and 1990 90 15.5%
Between 1991 and 2000 80 13.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 15 2.6%
After 2011 40 6.9%
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.

Fort St. James occupancy rates

In Fort St. James, there are 586 occupied private dwellings, of which 67.5% are owner-occupied and 32.5% are rented. Meanwhile, 85 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
586
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
32.5%
Owned households
67.5%
Value Percent
Rented households 190 32.5%
Owned households 395 67.5%
Unoccupied dwellings
85
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 Fort St. James, homeowners pay a median of $920 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $850. About 87.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 12.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$920
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$850
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
87.9%
≥30% on shelter
12.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 510 87.9%
≥30% on shelter 70 12.1%
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 Fort St. James

Fort St. James education at a glance

In Fort St. James, educational attainment varies across the community. About 18.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 38.6% have completed high school and 8.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17.1% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 15.2% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 195 18.6%
High school diploma 405 38.6%
Apprenticeship diploma 85 8.1%
College diploma 180 17.1%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 25 2.4%
University degree 160 15.2%
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 Fort St. James

How much people earn in Fort St. James

In Fort St. James, the median household income sits at $91,000, while the median after-tax household income is $78,500.

Median household income
$91,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$78,500/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.

Fort St. James income by age

Young adults in Fort St. James between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,600, 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 $49,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $56,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $67,000, followed by $65,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $31,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,600
25 - 34 49,200
35 - 44 56,800
45 - 54 67,000
55 - 64 65,000
Over 65 31,000

Employment in Fort St. James

Workforce and job sectors in Fort St. James

In Fort St. James, 680 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.6%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, education, law, community and government services, trades and transport, and sales and service employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
680
Unemployment rate
9.6%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 15 2.3%
Business, finance and administration 45 6.9%
Natural and applied sciences 20 3%
Health 45 6.9%
Education, law, community and government services 155 23.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 10 1.5%
Sales and service 125 19.1%
Trades and transport 135 20.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 35 5.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 70 10.7%
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 Fort St. James

How people get around in Fort St. James

In Fort St. James, the average commute is 19 minutes. About 77.5% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 4.5% rely on public transit and 12.6% walk or bike. The remaining 5.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
19 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
73.2%
15 to 29 minutes
8.9%
30 to 44 minutes
1.8%
45 to 59 minutes
4.5%
More than 60 minutes
11.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 410 73.2%
15 to 29 minutes 50 8.9%
30 to 44 minutes 10 1.8%
45 to 59 minutes 25 4.5%
More than 60 minutes 65 11.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 430 77.5%
By public transit 25 4.5%
By bicycle/by walking 70 12.6%
By other methods 30 5.4%
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 Fort St. James demographics 

What is the current total population in Fort St. James?

Fort St. James has a population of 1,386, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -5.3% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Fort St. James?  

Fort St. James has a population density of 59.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Fort St. James?

Fort St. James has the following gender distribution:
  • 50.4% males (700 residents)  
  • 49.6% females (690 residents)

What is the age distribution of Fort St. James residents?  

The age distribution of Fort St. James residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 19.3% (265 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.9% (150 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13.8% (190 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.7% (175 residents)   
  • 45-54: 13.1% (180 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.6% (200 residents)   
  • Over 64: 15.6% (215 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Fort St. James? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Fort St. James: 
  • 89.1% non-immigrants (1,180 residents)  
  • 10.9% immigrants (145 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Fort St. James?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Fort St. James: 
  • English: 99.3% 
  • French: 0.7% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Fort St. James?  

The typical household size in Fort St. James is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Fort St. James?  

The median household income in Fort St. James is $91,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Fort St. James residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Fort St. James is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 18.6% (195 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 38.6% (405 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 8.1% (85 residents) 
  • College diploma: 17.1% (180 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.4% (25 residents) 
  • University degree: 15.2% (160 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Fort St. James?  

The most common occupations in Fort St. James fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.5% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 6.9% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 23.7% 
  • Health: 6.9% 
  • Management: 2.3% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 10.7% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 3% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 5.3% 
  • Sales and service: 19.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 20.6% 

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