Nakusp, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,589
2.3 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,500/yr
Private dwellings
831

Nakusp population

How many people live in Nakusp

Nakusp is home to 1,589 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.5% identify as male and 52.5% as female.

Total population
1,589
2.3% year-over-year change
Population density
197.7/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47.5%
755
Female
52.5%
835
Value Percent
Male 755 47.5%
Female 835 52.5%
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 Nakusp is 48.6. Children under 15 make up 11.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.1% are 25 to 34, 11% are 35 to 44, and 11.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.7% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 32.3%.

Average age
48.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.6%
15 to 24
9.7%
25 to 34
9.1%
35 to 44
11%
45 to 54
11.6%
55 to 64
14.7%
Over 65
32.3%
Value Percent
Under 15 185 11.6%
15 to 24 155 9.7%
25 to 34 145 9.1%
35 to 44 175 11%
45 to 54 185 11.6%
55 to 64 235 14.7%
Over 65 515 32.3%
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 Nakusp, 90.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 9.1% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
90.9%
Immigrants
9.1%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 1,400 90.9%
Immigrants 140 9.1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
1.6%
Non-minorities
98.4%
Value Percent
Minorities 25 1.6%
Non-minorities 1,515 98.4%
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 Nakusp
English
99%
French
1%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 1,555 99%
French 15 1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99% of people in Nakusp speak English as their primary language, 1% 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 Nakusp

A peek inside Nakusp households

Nakusp has 760 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 36.8% of all homes, while 42.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 8.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 12.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
760
Average people per household
2
1 person
36.8%
2 persons
42.1%
3 persons
8.6%
4 persons
7.9%
5 or more persons
4.6%
Value Percent
1 person 280 36.8%
2 persons 320 42.1%
3 persons 65 8.6%
4 persons 60 7.9%
5 or more persons 35 4.6%
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 Nakusp

The housing landscape of Nakusp

Nakusp has a total of 831 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Nakusp offers a variety of home sizes: 13% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 56% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 30.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
831
Housing types
Single-detached homes
81.5%
Attached homes
14.6%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
4%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 615 81.5%
Attached homes 110 14.6%
Movable homes 30 4%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
13%
2 or 3 bedrooms
56%
4 or more bedrooms
30.5%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 100 13%
2 or 3 bedrooms 425 56%
4 or more bedrooms 230 30.5%
Homes built since 2011
85

The age of buildings in Nakusp

About 11.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 21.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 12.6% went up in the 1960s, 17.2% in the 1970s, and 8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 9.3% of homes were added, and 8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 90 11.9%
Between 1946 and 1960 165 21.8%
Between 1961 and 1970 95 12.6%
Between 1971 and 1980 130 17.2%
Between 1981 and 1990 60 8%
Between 1991 and 2000 70 9.3%
Between 2001 and 2010 60 8%
After 2011 85 11.3%
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.

Nakusp occupancy rates

In Nakusp, there are 760 occupied private dwellings, of which 76.5% are owner-occupied and 23.5% are rented. Meanwhile, 71 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
760
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
23.5%
Owned households
76.5%
Value Percent
Rented households 180 23.5%
Owned households 585 76.5%
Unoccupied dwellings
71
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 Nakusp, homeowners pay a median of $700 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $950. About 82.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$700
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$950
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
82.2%
≥30% on shelter
17.8%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 625 82.2%
≥30% on shelter 135 17.8%
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 Nakusp

Nakusp education at a glance

In Nakusp, educational attainment varies across the community. About 14.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 35.4% have completed high school and 11% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 21.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 14.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 200 14.6%
High school diploma 485 35.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 150 11%
College diploma 290 21.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 45 3.3%
University degree 200 14.6%
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 Nakusp

How much people earn in Nakusp

In Nakusp, the median household income sits at $64,500, while the median after-tax household income is $59,200.

Median household income
$64,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$59,200/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.

Nakusp income by age

Young adults in Nakusp between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,600, 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 $44,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $46,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $48,400, followed by $38,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $28,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,600
25 - 34 44,000
35 - 44 46,000
45 - 54 48,400
55 - 64 38,000
Over 65 28,800

Employment in Nakusp

Workforce and job sectors in Nakusp

In Nakusp, 790 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 15.2%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and natural resources and agriculture employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
790
Unemployment rate
15.2%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 75 9.6%
Natural and applied sciences 30 3.8%
Health 60 7.7%
Education, law, community and government services 85 10.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 10 1.3%
Sales and service 195 25%
Trades and transport 185 23.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 120 15.4%
Manufacturing and utilities 20 2.6%
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 Nakusp

How people get around in Nakusp

In Nakusp, the average commute is 21 minutes.

Average commute time
21 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
72.8%
15 to 29 minutes
5.6%
30 to 44 minutes
3.2%
45 to 59 minutes
3.2%
More than 60 minutes
15.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 455 72.8%
15 to 29 minutes 35 5.6%
30 to 44 minutes 20 3.2%
45 to 59 minutes 20 3.2%
More than 60 minutes 95 15.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 490 80.3%
By bicycle/by walking 120 19.7%
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.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Nakusp demographics 

What is the current total population in Nakusp?

Nakusp has a population of 1,589, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.3% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Nakusp?  

Nakusp has a population density of 197.7 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Nakusp?

Nakusp has the following gender distribution:
  • 47.5% males (755 residents)  
  • 52.5% females (835 residents)

What is the age distribution of Nakusp residents?  

The age distribution of Nakusp residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 11.6% (185 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.7% (155 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9.1% (145 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11% (175 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.6% (185 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.7% (235 residents)   
  • Over 64: 32.3% (515 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Nakusp? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Nakusp: 
  • 90.9% non-immigrants (1,400 residents)  
  • 9.1% immigrants (140 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Nakusp?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Nakusp: 
  • English: 99% 
  • French: 1% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Nakusp?  

The typical household size in Nakusp is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Nakusp?  

The median household income in Nakusp is $64,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Nakusp residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Nakusp is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 14.6% (200 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 35.4% (485 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 11% (150 residents) 
  • College diploma: 21.2% (290 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.3% (45 residents) 
  • University degree: 14.6% (200 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Nakusp?  

The most common occupations in Nakusp fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.3% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 9.6% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 10.9% 
  • Health: 7.7% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 3.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 15.4% 
  • Sales and service: 25% 
  • Trades and transport: 23.7% 

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