Gold River, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,246
-0.4 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,500/yr
Private dwellings
692

Gold River population

How many people live in Gold River

Gold River is home to 1,246 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 52.8% identify as male and 47.2% as female.

Total population
1,246
-0.4% year-over-year change
Population density
114.2/km2
Gender ratio
Male
52.8%
660
Female
47.2%
590
Value Percent
Male 660 52.8%
Female 590 47.2%
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 Gold River is 49.6. Children under 15 make up 12.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 6.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 8.1% are 25 to 34, 8.5% are 35 to 44, and 11.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 21.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 30.8%.

Average age
49.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.2%
15 to 24
6.9%
25 to 34
8.1%
35 to 44
8.5%
45 to 54
11.7%
55 to 64
21.9%
Over 65
30.8%
Value Percent
Under 15 150 12.2%
15 to 24 85 6.9%
25 to 34 100 8.1%
35 to 44 105 8.5%
45 to 54 145 11.7%
55 to 64 270 21.9%
Over 65 380 30.8%
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 Gold River, 88% of residents were born in Canada, while 11.2% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
88%
Immigrants
11.2%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 1,095 88%
Immigrants 140 11.2%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
3.2%
Non-minorities
96.8%
Value Percent
Minorities 40 3.2%
Non-minorities 1,205 96.8%
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 Gold River
English
98.8%
French
1.2%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 1,230 98.8%
French 15 1.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.8% of people in Gold River speak English as their primary language, 1.2% 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 Gold River

A peek inside Gold River households

Gold River has 610 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 32.8% of all homes, while 45.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.1%, and homes with four or more people account for 9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
610
Average people per household
2
1 person
32.8%
2 persons
45.1%
3 persons
13.1%
4 persons
5.7%
5 or more persons
3.3%
Value Percent
1 person 200 32.8%
2 persons 275 45.1%
3 persons 80 13.1%
4 persons 35 5.7%
5 or more persons 20 3.3%
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 Gold River

The housing landscape of Gold River

Gold River has a total of 692 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Gold River offers a variety of home sizes: 3% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 61% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 36.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
692
Housing types
Single-detached homes
69.4%
Attached homes
24%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
6.6%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 420 69.4%
Attached homes 145 24%
Movable homes 40 6.6%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
3%
2 or 3 bedrooms
61%
4 or more bedrooms
36.1%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 20 3%
2 or 3 bedrooms 370 61%
4 or more bedrooms 220 36.1%
Homes built since 2011
10

The age of buildings in Gold River

Another 44.6% went up in the 1960s, 29.8% in the 1970s, and 14% during the 1980s.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Between 1946 and 1960 20 3.3%
Between 1961 and 1970 270 44.6%
Between 1971 and 1980 180 29.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 85 14%
Between 1991 and 2000 40 6.6%
After 2011 10 1.6%
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.

Gold River occupancy rates

In Gold River, there are 610 occupied private dwellings, of which 84.4% are owner-occupied and 15.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 82 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
610
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
15.6%
Owned households
84.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 95 15.6%
Owned households 515 84.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
82
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 Gold River, homeowners pay a median of $452 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $870. About 87.8% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 12.2% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$452
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$870
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
87.8%
≥30% on shelter
12.2%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 540 87.8%
≥30% on shelter 75 12.2%
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 Gold River

Gold River education at a glance

In Gold River, educational attainment varies across the community. About 22.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 34.6% have completed high school and 11.5% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 19.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 9.2% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 245 22.6%
High school diploma 375 34.6%
Apprenticeship diploma 125 11.5%
College diploma 210 19.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 30 2.8%
University degree 100 9.2%
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 Gold River

How much people earn in Gold River

In Gold River, the median household income sits at $66,500, while the median after-tax household income is $60,400.

Median household income
$66,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$60,400/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.

Gold River income by age

Young adults in Gold River between 15 and 24 have a median income of $14,600, 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 $34,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $49,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $48,400, followed by $41,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $30,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 14,600
25 - 34 34,800
35 - 44 49,200
45 - 54 48,400
55 - 64 41,600
Over 65 30,800

Employment in Gold River

Workforce and job sectors in Gold River

In Gold River, 535 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.5%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
535
Unemployment rate
6.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 10 1.9%
Business, finance and administration 75 14.2%
Natural and applied sciences 40 7.6%
Health 15 2.8%
Education, law, community and government services 75 14.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 10 1.9%
Sales and service 100 18.9%
Trades and transport 120 22.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 65 12.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 20 3.8%
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 Gold River

How people get around in Gold River

In Gold River, the average commute is 22 minutes. The remaining 2.3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
22 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
52.8%
15 to 29 minutes
16.5%
30 to 44 minutes
11%
45 to 59 minutes
6.6%
More than 60 minutes
13.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 240 52.8%
15 to 29 minutes 75 16.5%
30 to 44 minutes 50 11%
45 to 59 minutes 30 6.6%
More than 60 minutes 60 13.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 350 80.5%
By bicycle/by walking 75 17.2%
By other methods 10 2.3%
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 Gold River demographics 

What is the current total population in Gold River?

Gold River has a population of 1,246, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -0.4% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Gold River?  

Gold River has a population density of 114.2 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Gold River?

Gold River has the following gender distribution:
  • 52.8% males (660 residents)  
  • 47.2% females (590 residents)

What is the age distribution of Gold River residents?  

The age distribution of Gold River residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 12.2% (150 residents)   
  • 15-24: 6.9% (85 residents)   
  • 25-34: 8.1% (100 residents)   
  • 35-44: 8.5% (105 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.7% (145 residents)   
  • 55-64: 21.9% (270 residents)   
  • Over 64: 30.8% (380 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Gold River? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Gold River: 
  • 88% non-immigrants (1,095 residents)  
  • 11.2% immigrants (140 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Gold River?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Gold River: 
  • English: 98.8% 
  • French: 1.2% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Gold River?  

The typical household size in Gold River is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Gold River?  

The median household income in Gold River is $66,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Gold River residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Gold River is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 22.6% (245 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 34.6% (375 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 11.5% (125 residents) 
  • College diploma: 19.4% (210 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.8% (30 residents) 
  • University degree: 9.2% (100 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Gold River?  

The most common occupations in Gold River fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.9% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 14.2% 
  • Health: 2.8% 
  • Management: 1.9% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3.8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 7.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 12.3% 
  • Sales and service: 18.9% 
  • Trades and transport: 22.6% 

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