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

Total population
21,465
3.0 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$102,000/yr
Private dwellings
10,004

Fort St. John population

How many people live in Fort St. John

Fort St. John is home to 21,465 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 51.3% identify as male and 48.7% as female.

Total population
21,465
3.0% year-over-year change
Population density
656.9/km2
Gender ratio
Male
51.3%
11,010
Female
48.7%
10,455
Value Percent
Male 11,010 51.3%
Female 10,455 48.7%
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 Fort St. John is 34.1. Children under 15 make up 21.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 13.5%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 20.1% are 25 to 34, 16% are 35 to 44, and 11.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 9.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 8.3%.

Average age
34.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.3%
15 to 24
13.5%
25 to 34
20.1%
35 to 44
16%
45 to 54
11.4%
55 to 64
9.4%
Over 65
8.3%
Value Percent
Under 15 4,580 21.3%
15 to 24 2,895 13.5%
25 to 34 4,310 20.1%
35 to 44 3,435 16%
45 to 54 2,450 11.4%
55 to 64 2,020 9.4%
Over 65 1,780 8.3%
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. John, 84.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 12.4% have settled here from abroad. Another 3.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
84.2%
Immigrants
12.4%
Non-permanent residents
3.4%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 17,825 84.2%
Immigrants 2,630 12.4%
Non-permanent residents 715 3.4%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
16.2%
Non-minorities
83.8%
Value Percent
Minorities 3,430 16.2%
Non-minorities 17,740 83.8%
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. John
English
98.6%
French
0.9%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.4%
Value Percent
English 20,960 98.6%
French 185 0.9%
English and French 30 0.1%
Neither English nor French 80 0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.6% of people in Fort St. John speak English as their primary language, 0.9% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.4% 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. John

A peek inside Fort St. John households

Fort St. John has 8,780 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 30.5% of all homes, while 31.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 21.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
8,780
Average people per household
2.4
1 person
30.5%
2 persons
31.3%
3 persons
16.6%
4 persons
13.4%
5 or more persons
8.1%
Value Percent
1 person 2,680 30.5%
2 persons 2,745 31.3%
3 persons 1,460 16.6%
4 persons 1,180 13.4%
5 or more persons 715 8.1%
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. John

The housing landscape of Fort St. John

Fort St. John has a total of 10,004 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 49.8% are single-detached houses, 43.4% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 1.6% are apartments. When it comes to space, Fort St. John offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 57% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 32.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
10,004
Housing types
Single-detached homes
49.8%
Attached homes
43.4%
Apartments
1.6%
Movable homes
5.1%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 4,375 49.8%
Attached homes 3,815 43.4%
Apartments 145 1.6%
Movable homes 450 5.1%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
10%
2 or 3 bedrooms
57%
4 or more bedrooms
32.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 875 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms 5,020 57%
4 or more bedrooms 2,880 32.8%
Homes built since 2011
1,825

The age of buildings in Fort St. John

About 1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 5.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.2% went up in the 1960s, 24.2% in the 1970s, and 9.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.3% of homes were added, and 16.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 85 1%
Between 1946 and 1960 495 5.6%
Between 1961 and 1970 980 11.2%
Between 1971 and 1980 2,130 24.2%
Between 1981 and 1990 820 9.3%
Between 1991 and 2000 990 11.3%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,465 16.7%
After 2011 1,825 20.8%
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.

Fort St. John occupancy rates

In Fort St. John, there are 8,777 occupied private dwellings, of which 57.7% are owner-occupied and 42.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,227 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
8,777
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
42.3%
Owned households
57.7%
Value Percent
Rented households 3,710 42.3%
Owned households 5,070 57.7%
Unoccupied dwellings
1,227
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. John, homeowners pay a median of $1,740 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,200. About 83.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 16.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,740
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,200
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
83.6%
≥30% on shelter
16.4%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 7,320 83.6%
≥30% on shelter 1,440 16.4%
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. John

Fort St. John education at a glance

In Fort St. John, educational attainment varies across the community. About 18.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 34.1% have completed high school and 12.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 15.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.7% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 16.7% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 3,075 18.5%
High school diploma 5,650 34.1%
Apprenticeship diploma 2,030 12.2%
College diploma 2,615 15.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 455 2.7%
University degree 2,765 16.7%
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. John

How much people earn in Fort St. John

In Fort St. John, the median household income sits at $102,000, while the median after-tax household income is $89,000.

Median household income
$102,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$89,000/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.

Fort St. John income by age

Young adults in Fort St. John between 15 and 24 have a median income of $24,600, 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 $55,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $67,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $69,500, followed by $56,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $35,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 24,600
25 - 34 55,200
35 - 44 67,000
45 - 54 69,500
55 - 64 56,000
Over 65 35,600

Employment in Fort St. John

Workforce and job sectors in Fort St. John

In Fort St. John, 12,600 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.9%. 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
12,600
Unemployment rate
8.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 50 0.4%
Business, finance and administration 1,745 14.1%
Natural and applied sciences 970 7.8%
Health 595 4.8%
Education, law, community and government services 1,260 10.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 190 1.5%
Sales and service 3,435 27.7%
Trades and transport 2,900 23.4%
Natural resources and agriculture 675 5.4%
Manufacturing and utilities 575 4.6%
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 Fort St. John

How people get around in Fort St. John

In Fort St. John, the average commute is 16 minutes. About 93.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.6% rely on public transit and 5.1% walk or bike. The remaining 1% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
16 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
67%
15 to 29 minutes
19.3%
30 to 44 minutes
5.6%
45 to 59 minutes
1.9%
More than 60 minutes
6.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 6,995 67%
15 to 29 minutes 2,015 19.3%
30 to 44 minutes 585 5.6%
45 to 59 minutes 200 1.9%
More than 60 minutes 650 6.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 9,730 93.2%
By public transit 65 0.6%
By bicycle/by walking 535 5.1%
By other methods 110 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 Fort St. John demographics 

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

Fort St. John has a population of 21,465, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.0% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Fort St. John?  

Fort St. John has a population density of 656.9 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Fort St. John?

Fort St. John has the following gender distribution:
  • 51.3% males (11,010 residents)  
  • 48.7% females (10,455 residents)

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

The age distribution of Fort St. John residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 21.3% (4,580 residents)   
  • 15-24: 13.5% (2,895 residents)   
  • 25-34: 20.1% (4,310 residents)   
  • 35-44: 16% (3,435 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.4% (2,450 residents)   
  • 55-64: 9.4% (2,020 residents)   
  • Over 64: 8.3% (1,780 residents)  

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

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Fort St. John: 
  • 84.2% non-immigrants (17,825 residents)  
  • 12.4% immigrants (2,630 residents)  
  • 3.4% non-permanent residents (715 residents)  

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

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Fort St. John: 
  • English: 98.6% 
  • French: 0.9% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.4% 

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

The typical household size in Fort St. John is 2.4 people. 

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

The median household income in Fort St. John is $102,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

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

The educational attainment breakdown in Fort St. John is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 18.5% (3,075 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 34.1% (5,650 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 12.2% (2,030 residents) 
  • College diploma: 15.8% (2,615 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.7% (455 residents) 
  • University degree: 16.7% (2,765 residents) 

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

The most common occupations in Fort St. John fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.5% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.1% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 10.2% 
  • Health: 4.8% 
  • Management: 0.4% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 7.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 5.4% 
  • Sales and service: 27.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 23.4% 

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