Grand Forks, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,112
0.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,600/yr
Private dwellings
1,969

Grand Forks population

How many people live in Grand Forks

Grand Forks is home to 4,112 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.2% identify as male and 51.8% as female.

Total population
4,112
0.1% year-over-year change
Population density
396.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
1,985
Female
51.8%
2,130
Value Percent
Male 1,985 48.2%
Female 2,130 51.8%
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 Grand Forks is 50.9. Children under 15 make up 11.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.5%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9% are 25 to 34, 8.8% are 35 to 44, and 10.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.7% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 34.8%.

Average age
50.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.4%
15 to 24
8.5%
25 to 34
9%
35 to 44
8.8%
45 to 54
10.7%
55 to 64
16.7%
Over 65
34.8%
Value Percent
Under 15 470 11.4%
15 to 24 350 8.5%
25 to 34 370 9%
35 to 44 360 8.8%
45 to 54 440 10.7%
55 to 64 685 16.7%
Over 65 1,430 34.8%
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 Grand Forks, 89.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 9.1% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
89.4%
Immigrants
9.1%
Non-permanent residents
1.8%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 3,470 89.4%
Immigrants 355 9.1%
Non-permanent residents 70 1.8%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
6.1%
Non-minorities
93.9%
Value Percent
Minorities 235 6.1%
Non-minorities 3,645 93.9%
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 Grand Forks
English
99%
French
0.6%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0.4%
Value Percent
English 3,900 99%
French 25 0.6%
Neither English nor French 15 0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99% of people in Grand Forks speak English as their primary language, 0.6% communicate mainly in French, 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 Grand Forks

A peek inside Grand Forks households

Grand Forks has 1,870 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 33.3% of all homes, while 42.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.5%, and homes with four or more people account for 12.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
1,870
Average people per household
2.1
1 person
33.3%
2 persons
42.9%
3 persons
11.5%
4 persons
8.5%
5 or more persons
3.7%
Value Percent
1 person 625 33.3%
2 persons 805 42.9%
3 persons 215 11.5%
4 persons 160 8.5%
5 or more persons 70 3.7%
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 Grand Forks

The housing landscape of Grand Forks

Grand Forks has a total of 1,969 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Grand Forks offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 67% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 23.3% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
1,969
Housing types
Single-detached homes
76.1%
Attached homes
22%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
1.9%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,420 76.1%
Attached homes 410 22%
Movable homes 35 1.9%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
10%
2 or 3 bedrooms
67%
4 or more bedrooms
23.3%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 180 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,250 67%
4 or more bedrooms 435 23.3%
Homes built since 2011
140

The age of buildings in Grand Forks

About 14.7% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.1% went up in the 1960s, 17.4% in the 1970s, and 13.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 15.8% of homes were added, and 8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 275 14.7%
Between 1946 and 1960 195 10.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 245 13.1%
Between 1971 and 1980 325 17.4%
Between 1981 and 1990 245 13.1%
Between 1991 and 2000 295 15.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 150 8%
After 2011 140 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.

Grand Forks occupancy rates

In Grand Forks, there are 1,871 occupied private dwellings, of which 74.1% are owner-occupied and 25.9% are rented. Meanwhile, 98 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
1,871
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
25.9%
Owned households
74.1%
Value Percent
Rented households 485 25.9%
Owned households 1,385 74.1%
Unoccupied dwellings
98
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 Grand Forks, homeowners pay a median of $710 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $900. About 82% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 18% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$710
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$900
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
82%
≥30% on shelter
18%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,530 82%
≥30% on shelter 335 18%
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 Grand Forks

Grand Forks education at a glance

In Grand Forks, educational attainment varies across the community. About 20.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.2% have completed high school and 10.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 11.1% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 695 20.4%
High school diploma 1,065 31.2%
Apprenticeship diploma 365 10.7%
College diploma 775 22.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 130 3.8%
University degree 380 11.1%
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 Grand Forks

How much people earn in Grand Forks

In Grand Forks, the median household income sits at $61,600, while the median after-tax household income is $56,800.

Median household income
$61,600/year
Median after-tax household income
$56,800/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.

Grand Forks income by age

Young adults in Grand Forks between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,000, 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 $38,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $44,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $50,400, followed by $38,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $27,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,000
25 - 34 38,000
35 - 44 44,000
45 - 54 50,400
55 - 64 38,800
Over 65 27,600

Employment in Grand Forks

Workforce and job sectors in Grand Forks

In Grand Forks, 1,730 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.6%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and health employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
1,730
Unemployment rate
6.6%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 160 9.3%
Natural and applied sciences 60 3.5%
Health 195 11.3%
Education, law, community and government services 180 10.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 25 1.4%
Sales and service 575 33.4%
Trades and transport 385 22.4%
Natural resources and agriculture 65 3.8%
Manufacturing and utilities 75 4.4%
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 Grand Forks

How people get around in Grand Forks

In Grand Forks, the average commute is 11 minutes. The remaining 2.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
11 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
75.4%
15 to 29 minutes
16.6%
30 to 44 minutes
3.8%
45 to 59 minutes
2.1%
More than 60 minutes
2.1%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,090 75.4%
15 to 29 minutes 240 16.6%
30 to 44 minutes 55 3.8%
45 to 59 minutes 30 2.1%
More than 60 minutes 30 2.1%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 1,160 80%
By bicycle/by walking 255 17.6%
By other methods 35 2.4%
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 Grand Forks demographics 

What is the current total population in Grand Forks?

Grand Forks has a population of 4,112, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.1% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Grand Forks?  

Grand Forks has a population density of 396.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Grand Forks?

Grand Forks has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.2% males (1,985 residents)  
  • 51.8% females (2,130 residents)

What is the age distribution of Grand Forks residents?  

The age distribution of Grand Forks residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 11.4% (470 residents)   
  • 15-24: 8.5% (350 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9% (370 residents)   
  • 35-44: 8.8% (360 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.7% (440 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.7% (685 residents)   
  • Over 64: 34.8% (1,430 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Grand Forks? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Grand Forks: 
  • 89.4% non-immigrants (3,470 residents)  
  • 9.1% immigrants (355 residents)  
  • 1.8% non-permanent residents (70 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Grand Forks?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Grand Forks: 
  • English: 99% 
  • French: 0.6% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.4% 

What is the typical household size in Grand Forks?  

The typical household size in Grand Forks is 2.1 people. 

What is the median household income in Grand Forks?  

The median household income in Grand Forks is $61,600 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Grand Forks residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Grand Forks is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 20.4% (695 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 31.2% (1,065 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.7% (365 residents) 
  • College diploma: 22.7% (775 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.8% (130 residents) 
  • University degree: 11.1% (380 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Grand Forks?  

The most common occupations in Grand Forks fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.4% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 9.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 10.5% 
  • Health: 11.3% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.4% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 3.5% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.8% 
  • Sales and service: 33.4% 
  • Trades and transport: 22.4% 

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