Total population

99,863

2.2 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$75,500/yr

Private dwellings

45,138

Nanaimo population

How many people live in Nanaimo

Nanaimo is home to 99,863 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.3% identify as male and 51.7% as female.

Total population

99,863

2.2% year-over-year change

Population density

1,104.1/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.3%

48,220

Female

51.7%

51,640

	Value	Percent
Male	48,220	48.3%
Female	51,640	51.7%

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 Nanaimo is 44.8. Children under 15 make up 14.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.8% are 25 to 34, 12.6% are 35 to 44, and 11.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 24.6%.

Average age

44.8

Age breakdown

Under 15: 14.2%
15 to 24: 10.3%
25 to 34: 12.8%
35 to 44: 12.6%
45 to 54: 11.6%
55 to 64: 14%
Over 65: 24.6%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	14,135	14.2%
15 to 24	10,285	10.3%
25 to 34	12,770	12.8%
35 to 44	12,635	12.6%
45 to 54	11,580	11.6%
55 to 64	13,940	14%
Over 65	24,520	24.6%

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 Nanaimo, 82% of residents were born in Canada, while 16.1% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 82%
Immigrants: 16.1%
Non-permanent residents: 1.9%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	79,545	82%
Immigrants	15,620	16.1%
Non-permanent residents	1,850	1.9%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 13.7%
Non-minorities: 86.3%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	13,300	13.7%
Non-minorities	83,720	86.3%

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 Nanaimo

English: 98%
French: 1.2%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.7%

	Value	Percent
English	96,480	98%
French	1,130	1.2%
English and French	155	0.2%
Neither English nor French	650	0.7%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98% of people in Nanaimo speak English as their primary language, 1.2% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 0.7% 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 Nanaimo

A peek inside Nanaimo households

Nanaimo has 43,165 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 31.3% of all homes, while 38.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 16.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

43,165

Average people per household

2.3

1 person: 31.3%
2 persons: 38.3%
3 persons: 13.8%
4 persons: 10.6%
5 or more persons: 6.1%

	Value	Percent
1 person	13,510	31.3%
2 persons	16,535	38.3%
3 persons	5,940	13.8%
4 persons	4,565	10.6%
5 or more persons	2,615	6.1%

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 Nanaimo

The housing landscape of Nanaimo

Nanaimo has a total of 45,138 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 51.5% are single-detached houses, 42.8% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 3.2% are apartments. When it comes to space, Nanaimo offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 60% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 25.7% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

45,138

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 51.5%
Attached homes: 42.8%
Apartments: 3.2%
Movable homes: 2.5%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	22,215	51.5%
Attached homes	18,475	42.8%
Apartments	1,385	3.2%
Movable homes	1,085	2.5%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 60%
4 or more bedrooms: 25.7%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	6,210	14%
2 or 3 bedrooms	25,880	60%
4 or more bedrooms	11,080	25.7%

Homes built since 2011

6,735

The age of buildings in Nanaimo

About 5.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 7.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 9.2% went up in the 1960s, 17% in the 1970s, and 14.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 18.4% of homes were added, and 12.3% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	2,505	5.8%
Between 1946 and 1960	3,105	7.2%
Between 1961 and 1970	3,955	9.2%
Between 1971 and 1980	7,330	17%
Between 1981 and 1990	6,300	14.6%
Between 1991 and 2000	7,945	18.4%
Between 2001 and 2010	5,290	12.3%
After 2011	6,735	15.6%

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.

Nanaimo occupancy rates

In Nanaimo, there are 43,164 occupied private dwellings, of which 66.7% are owner-occupied and 33.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,974 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

43,164

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 33.3%
Owned households: 66.7%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	14,385	33.3%
Owned households	28,780	66.7%

Unoccupied dwellings

1,974

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 Nanaimo, homeowners pay a median of $1,170 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,250. About 75.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 24.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,170

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,250

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 75.6%
≥30% on shelter: 24.4%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	32,520	75.6%
≥30% on shelter	10,500	24.4%

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 Nanaimo

Nanaimo education at a glance

In Nanaimo, educational attainment varies across the community. About 13.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.5% have completed high school and 9.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 23.4% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	11,200	13.5%
High school diploma	25,285	30.5%
Apprenticeship diploma	7,770	9.4%
College diploma	15,115	18.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	4,150	5%
University degree	19,390	23.4%

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 Nanaimo

How much people earn in Nanaimo

In Nanaimo, the median household income sits at $75,500, while the median after-tax household income is $68,500.

Median household income

$75,500/year

Median after-tax household income

$68,500/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.

Nanaimo income by age

Young adults in Nanaimo between 15 and 24 have a median income of $20,000, 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 $41,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $52,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $53,200, followed by $44,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	20,000
25 - 34	41,200
35 - 44	52,800
45 - 54	53,200
55 - 64	44,400
Over 65	36,000

Employment in Nanaimo

Workforce and job sectors in Nanaimo

In Nanaimo, 49,970 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.4%. 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

49,970

Unemployment rate

8.4%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	415	0.8%
Business, finance and administration	7,090	14.5%
Natural and applied sciences	3,145	6.4%
Health	4,885	10%
Education, law, community and government services	5,985	12.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	1,530	3.1%
Sales and service	14,775	30.2%
Trades and transport	8,805	18%
Natural resources and agriculture	1,170	2.4%
Manufacturing and utilities	1,135	2.3%

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 Nanaimo

How people get around in Nanaimo

In Nanaimo, the average commute is 19 minutes. About 86.8% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 4% rely on public transit and 6.6% walk or bike. The remaining 2.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

19 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 45.9%
15 to 29 minutes: 36%
30 to 44 minutes: 10.4%
45 to 59 minutes: 3%
More than 60 minutes: 4.7%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	17,275	45.9%
15 to 29 minutes	13,555	36%
30 to 44 minutes	3,905	10.4%
45 to 59 minutes	1,115	3%
More than 60 minutes	1,760	4.7%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	32,640	86.8%
By public transit	1,520	4%
By bicycle/by walking	2,500	6.6%
By other methods	960	2.6%

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 Nanaimo demographics

What is the current total population in Nanaimo?

Nanaimo has a population of 99,863, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.2% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Nanaimo?

Nanaimo has a population density of 1,104.1 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Nanaimo?

Nanaimo has the following gender distribution:

48.3% males (48,220 residents)
51.7% females (51,640 residents)

What is the age distribution of Nanaimo residents?

The age distribution of Nanaimo residents is as follows:

Under 15: 14.2% (14,135 residents)
15-24: 10.3% (10,285 residents)
25-34: 12.8% (12,770 residents)
35-44: 12.6% (12,635 residents)
45-54: 11.6% (11,580 residents)
55-64: 14% (13,940 residents)
Over 64: 24.6% (24,520 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Nanaimo?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Nanaimo:

82% non-immigrants (79,545 residents)
16.1% immigrants (15,620 residents)
1.9% non-permanent residents (1,850 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Nanaimo?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Nanaimo:

English: 98%
French: 1.2%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.7%

What is the typical household size in Nanaimo?

The typical household size in Nanaimo is 2.3 people.

What is the median household income in Nanaimo?

The median household income in Nanaimo is $75,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Nanaimo residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Nanaimo is as follows:

No diploma: 13.5% (11,200 residents)
High school diploma: 30.5% (25,285 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 9.4% (7,770 residents)
College diploma: 18.2% (15,115 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 5% (4,150 residents)
University degree: 23.4% (19,390 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Nanaimo?

The most common occupations in Nanaimo fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.1%
Business, finance and administration: 14.5%
Education, law, community and government services: 12.2%
Health: 10%
Management: 0.8%
Manufacturing and utilities: 2.3%
Natural and applied sciences: 6.4%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.4%
Sales and service: 30.2%
Trades and transport: 18%

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

Nanaimo, BC demographics:population, income, and more