Total population

78,916

4.3 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$82,000/yr

Private dwellings

37,737

New Westminster population

How many people live in New Westminster

New Westminster is home to 78,916 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.3% identify as male and 50.7% as female.

Total population

78,916

4.3% year-over-year change

Population density

5,052.4/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.3%

38,875

Female

50.7%

40,045

	Value	Percent
Male	38,875	49.3%
Female	40,045	50.7%

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 New Westminster is 41.9. Children under 15 make up 12.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 18.3% are 25 to 34, 16.3% are 35 to 44, and 13.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.7% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 16.1%.

Average age

41.9

Age breakdown

Under 15: 12.6%
15 to 24: 9.4%
25 to 34: 18.3%
35 to 44: 16.3%
45 to 54: 13.6%
55 to 64: 13.7%
Over 65: 16.1%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	9,925	12.6%
15 to 24	7,415	9.4%
25 to 34	14,465	18.3%
35 to 44	12,870	16.3%
45 to 54	10,735	13.6%
55 to 64	10,815	13.7%
Over 65	12,680	16.1%

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 New Westminster, 57.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 37.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 5.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 57.3%
Immigrants: 37.5%
Non-permanent residents: 5.2%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	44,760	57.3%
Immigrants	29,265	37.5%
Non-permanent residents	4,040	5.2%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 46.8%
Non-minorities: 53.2%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	36,550	46.8%
Non-minorities	41,510	53.2%

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 New Westminster

English: 95.7%
French: 1%
English and French: 0.6%
Neither English nor French: 2.8%

	Value	Percent
English	74,875	95.7%
French	755	1%
English and French	465	0.6%
Neither English nor French	2,170	2.8%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 95.7% of people in New Westminster speak English as their primary language, 1% communicate mainly in French, 0.6% are bilingual, and 2.8% 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 New Westminster

A peek inside New Westminster households

New Westminster has 36,095 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 36.8% of all homes, while 34.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

36,095

Average people per household

2.2

1 person: 36.8%
2 persons: 34.2%
3 persons: 13.7%
4 persons: 10%
5 or more persons: 5.3%

	Value	Percent
1 person	13,275	36.8%
2 persons	12,340	34.2%
3 persons	4,935	13.7%
4 persons	3,620	10%
5 or more persons	1,920	5.3%

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 New Westminster

The housing landscape of New Westminster

New Westminster has a total of 37,737 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 13.8% are single-detached houses, 51.4% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 34.7% are apartments. When it comes to space, New Westminster offers a variety of home sizes: 37% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 51% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 12.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

37,737

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 13.8%
Attached homes: 51.4%
Apartments: 34.7%
Movable homes: 0.1%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	4,995	13.8%
Attached homes	18,545	51.4%
Apartments	12,525	34.7%
Movable homes	25	0.1%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 37%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 51%
4 or more bedrooms: 12.4%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	13,240	37%
2 or 3 bedrooms	18,385	51%
4 or more bedrooms	4,470	12.4%

Homes built since 2011

6,505

The age of buildings in New Westminster

About 10.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 8.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 10% went up in the 1960s, 12.5% in the 1970s, and 12.2% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 14.7% of homes were added, and 14% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	3,735	10.3%
Between 1946 and 1960	2,980	8.2%
Between 1961 and 1970	3,600	10%
Between 1971 and 1980	4,500	12.5%
Between 1981 and 1990	4,400	12.2%
Between 1991 and 2000	5,320	14.7%
Between 2001 and 2010	5,065	14%
After 2011	6,505	18%

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.

New Westminster occupancy rates

In New Westminster, there are 36,099 occupied private dwellings, of which 54.7% are owner-occupied and 45.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,638 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

36,099

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 45.3%
Owned households: 54.7%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	16,360	45.3%
Owned households	19,740	54.7%

Unoccupied dwellings

1,638

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 New Westminster, homeowners pay a median of $1,700 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,350. About 70.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 29.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,700

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,350

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 70.5%
≥30% on shelter: 29.5%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	25,350	70.5%
≥30% on shelter	10,630	29.5%

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 New Westminster

New Westminster education at a glance

In New Westminster, educational attainment varies across the community. About 10.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 26.4% have completed high school and 6.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 35.1% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	7,100	10.4%
High school diploma	17,960	26.4%
Apprenticeship diploma	4,375	6.4%
College diploma	12,080	17.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	2,725	4%
University degree	23,890	35.1%

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 New Westminster

How much people earn in New Westminster

In New Westminster, the median household income sits at $82,000, while the median after-tax household income is $72,500.

Median household income

$82,000/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.

New Westminster income by age

Young adults in New Westminster between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,200, 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 $47,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $57,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $57,600, followed by $49,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $33,600.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	19,200
25 - 34	47,200
35 - 44	57,200
45 - 54	57,600
55 - 64	49,600
Over 65	33,600

Employment in New Westminster

Workforce and job sectors in New Westminster

In New Westminster, 47,565 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.3%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

47,565

Unemployment rate

8.3%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	375	0.8%
Business, finance and administration	9,205	19.8%
Natural and applied sciences	5,205	11.2%
Health	3,500	7.5%
Education, law, community and government services	5,450	11.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	2,550	5.5%
Sales and service	11,050	23.7%
Trades and transport	7,485	16.1%
Natural resources and agriculture	435	0.9%
Manufacturing and utilities	1,360	2.9%

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 New Westminster

How people get around in New Westminster

In New Westminster, the average commute is 29 minutes. About 68.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 22.5% rely on public transit and 7.2% walk or bike. The remaining 2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

29 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 16.7%
15 to 29 minutes: 33.3%
30 to 44 minutes: 28.6%
45 to 59 minutes: 12.8%
More than 60 minutes: 8.5%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	5,340	16.7%
15 to 29 minutes	10,650	33.3%
30 to 44 minutes	9,160	28.6%
45 to 59 minutes	4,105	12.8%
More than 60 minutes	2,720	8.5%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	21,830	68.3%
By public transit	7,180	22.5%
By bicycle/by walking	2,315	7.2%
By other methods	650	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 New Westminster demographics

What is the current total population in New Westminster?

New Westminster has a population of 78,916, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +4.3% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of New Westminster?

New Westminster has a population density of 5,052.4 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in New Westminster?

New Westminster has the following gender distribution:

49.3% males (38,875 residents)
50.7% females (40,045 residents)

What is the age distribution of New Westminster residents?

The age distribution of New Westminster residents is as follows:

Under 15: 12.6% (9,925 residents)
15-24: 9.4% (7,415 residents)
25-34: 18.3% (14,465 residents)
35-44: 16.3% (12,870 residents)
45-54: 13.6% (10,735 residents)
55-64: 13.7% (10,815 residents)
Over 64: 16.1% (12,680 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in New Westminster?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in New Westminster:

57.3% non-immigrants (44,760 residents)
37.5% immigrants (29,265 residents)
5.2% non-permanent residents (4,040 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in New Westminster?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in New Westminster:

English: 95.7%
French: 1%
English and French: 0.6%
Neither English nor French: 2.8%

What is the typical household size in New Westminster?

The typical household size in New Westminster is 2.2 people.

What is the median household income in New Westminster?

The median household income in New Westminster is $82,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of New Westminster residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in New Westminster is as follows:

No diploma: 10.4% (7,100 residents)
High school diploma: 26.4% (17,960 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 6.4% (4,375 residents)
College diploma: 17.7% (12,080 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 4% (2,725 residents)
University degree: 35.1% (23,890 residents)

What are the most common occupations in New Westminster?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 5.5%
Business, finance and administration: 19.8%
Education, law, community and government services: 11.7%
Health: 7.5%
Management: 0.8%
Manufacturing and utilities: 2.9%
Natural and applied sciences: 11.2%
Natural resources and agriculture: 0.9%
Sales and service: 23.7%
Trades and transport: 16.1%

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

New Westminster, BC demographics:population, income, and more