Ladysmith, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,990
2.9 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,000/yr
Private dwellings
4,079

Ladysmith population

How many people live in Ladysmith

Ladysmith is home to 8,990 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.6% identify as male and 52.4% as female.

Total population
8,990
2.9% year-over-year change
Population density
746.5/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
4,275
Female
52.4%
4,715
Value Percent
Male 4,275 47.6%
Female 4,715 52.4%
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 Ladysmith is 48.6. Children under 15 make up 13.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 7.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9% are 25 to 34, 11.4% are 35 to 44, and 11.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 30.9%.

Average age
48.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.4%
15 to 24
7.7%
25 to 34
9%
35 to 44
11.4%
45 to 54
11.2%
55 to 64
16.5%
Over 65
30.9%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,200 13.4%
15 to 24 690 7.7%
25 to 34 810 9%
35 to 44 1,020 11.4%
45 to 54 1,005 11.2%
55 to 64 1,485 16.5%
Over 65 2,780 30.9%
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 Ladysmith, 86.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 12.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.7% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
86.6%
Immigrants
12.7%
Non-permanent residents
0.7%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 7,620 86.6%
Immigrants 1,120 12.7%
Non-permanent residents 60 0.7%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
5.4%
Non-minorities
94.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 475 5.4%
Non-minorities 8,325 94.6%
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 Ladysmith
English
98.7%
French
1%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 8,775 98.7%
French 90 1%
English and French 5 0.1%
Neither English nor French 20 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.7% of people in Ladysmith speak English as their primary language, 1% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% 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 Ladysmith

A peek inside Ladysmith households

Ladysmith has 3,925 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 28.3% of all homes, while 43.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 16% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
3,925
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
28.3%
2 persons
43.1%
3 persons
12.7%
4 persons
10.6%
5 or more persons
5.4%
Value Percent
1 person 1,110 28.3%
2 persons 1,690 43.1%
3 persons 500 12.7%
4 persons 415 10.6%
5 or more persons 210 5.4%
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 Ladysmith

The housing landscape of Ladysmith

Ladysmith has a total of 4,079 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Ladysmith offers a variety of home sizes: 8% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 66% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 25.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
4,079
Housing types
Single-detached homes
67.4%
Attached homes
27.1%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
5.5%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 2,650 67.4%
Attached homes 1,065 27.1%
Movable homes 215 5.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
8%
2 or 3 bedrooms
66%
4 or more bedrooms
25.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 300 8%
2 or 3 bedrooms 2,610 66%
4 or more bedrooms 1,015 25.9%
Homes built since 2011
465

The age of buildings in Ladysmith

About 13.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 8.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 6% went up in the 1960s, 16.7% in the 1970s, and 9.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 19.3% of homes were added, and 15.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 515 13.1%
Between 1946 and 1960 340 8.6%
Between 1961 and 1970 235 6%
Between 1971 and 1980 655 16.7%
Between 1981 and 1990 365 9.3%
Between 1991 and 2000 760 19.3%
Between 2001 and 2010 595 15.1%
After 2011 465 11.8%
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.

Ladysmith occupancy rates

In Ladysmith, there are 3,926 occupied private dwellings, of which 80.8% are owner-occupied and 19.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 153 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
3,926
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
19.2%
Owned households
80.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 755 19.2%
Owned households 3,170 80.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
153
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 Ladysmith, homeowners pay a median of $1,070 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,120. About 82.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,070
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,120
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
82.4%
≥30% on shelter
17.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 3,220 82.4%
≥30% on shelter 690 17.6%
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 Ladysmith

Ladysmith education at a glance

In Ladysmith, educational attainment varies across the community. About 13% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31% have completed high school and 10.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 4.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 20.2% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 990 13%
High school diploma 2,360 31%
Apprenticeship diploma 820 10.8%
College diploma 1,570 20.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 330 4.3%
University degree 1,535 20.2%
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 Ladysmith

How much people earn in Ladysmith

In Ladysmith, the median household income sits at $81,000, while the median after-tax household income is $72,500.

Median household income
$81,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$72,500/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.

Ladysmith income by age

Young adults in Ladysmith 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 $42,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $54,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $58,800, followed by $46,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,000
25 - 34 42,000
35 - 44 54,800
45 - 54 58,800
55 - 64 46,400
Over 65 34,800

Employment in Ladysmith

Workforce and job sectors in Ladysmith

In Ladysmith, 4,085 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
4,085
Unemployment rate
8%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 25 0.6%
Business, finance and administration 535 13.3%
Natural and applied sciences 230 5.7%
Health 295 7.3%
Education, law, community and government services 555 13.8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 90 2.2%
Sales and service 1,055 26.2%
Trades and transport 920 22.9%
Natural resources and agriculture 115 2.9%
Manufacturing and utilities 200 5%
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 Ladysmith

How people get around in Ladysmith

In Ladysmith, the average commute is 22 minutes. The remaining 2.2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
22 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
36.9%
15 to 29 minutes
33.6%
30 to 44 minutes
22%
45 to 59 minutes
2%
More than 60 minutes
5.5%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,180 36.9%
15 to 29 minutes 1,075 33.6%
30 to 44 minutes 705 22%
45 to 59 minutes 65 2%
More than 60 minutes 175 5.5%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,890 90.3%
By bicycle/by walking 240 7.5%
By other methods 70 2.2%
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 Ladysmith demographics 

What is the current total population in Ladysmith?

Ladysmith has a population of 8,990, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.9% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Ladysmith?  

Ladysmith has a population density of 746.5 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Ladysmith?

Ladysmith has the following gender distribution:
  • 47.6% males (4,275 residents)  
  • 52.4% females (4,715 residents)

What is the age distribution of Ladysmith residents?  

The age distribution of Ladysmith residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 13.4% (1,200 residents)   
  • 15-24: 7.7% (690 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9% (810 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.4% (1,020 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.2% (1,005 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.5% (1,485 residents)   
  • Over 64: 30.9% (2,780 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Ladysmith? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Ladysmith: 
  • 86.6% non-immigrants (7,620 residents)  
  • 12.7% immigrants (1,120 residents)  
  • 0.7% non-permanent residents (60 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Ladysmith?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Ladysmith: 
  • English: 98.7% 
  • French: 1% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Ladysmith?  

The typical household size in Ladysmith is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Ladysmith?  

The median household income in Ladysmith is $81,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Ladysmith residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Ladysmith is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 13% (990 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 31% (2,360 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.8% (820 residents) 
  • College diploma: 20.6% (1,570 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 4.3% (330 residents) 
  • University degree: 20.2% (1,535 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Ladysmith?  

The most common occupations in Ladysmith fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 13.8% 
  • Health: 7.3% 
  • Management: 0.6% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 5% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.7% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.9% 
  • Sales and service: 26.2% 
  • Trades and transport: 22.9% 

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