Total population

12,235

-0.1 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$121,000/yr

Private dwellings

5,235

North Saanich population

How many people live in North Saanich

North Saanich is home to 12,235 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.9% identify as male and 51.1% as female.

Total population

12,235

-0.1% year-over-year change

Population density

329.2/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.9%

5,985

Female

51.1%

6,255

	Value	Percent
Male	5,985	48.9%
Female	6,255	51.1%

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 North Saanich is 51.0. Children under 15 make up 11.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 6.8% are 25 to 34, 9% are 35 to 44, and 11.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 18.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 34.7%.

Average age

Age breakdown

Under 15: 11.4%
15 to 24: 8.3%
25 to 34: 6.8%
35 to 44: 9%
45 to 54: 11.5%
55 to 64: 18.4%
Over 65: 34.7%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	1,395	11.4%
15 to 24	1,010	8.3%
25 to 34	825	6.8%
35 to 44	1,100	9%
45 to 54	1,405	11.5%
55 to 64	2,255	18.4%
Over 65	4,240	34.7%

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 North Saanich, 82.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 16.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.7% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 82.6%
Immigrants: 16.7%
Non-permanent residents: 0.7%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	10,075	82.6%
Immigrants	2,030	16.7%
Non-permanent residents	90	0.7%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 6.5%
Non-minorities: 93.5%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	790	6.5%
Non-minorities	11,400	93.5%

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 North Saanich

English: 98.6%
French: 1%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
English	12,055	98.6%
French	125	1%
English and French	20	0.2%
Neither English nor French	20	0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.6% of people in North Saanich speak English as their primary language, 1% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% 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 North Saanich

A peek inside North Saanich households

North Saanich has 5,010 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 18.9% of all homes, while 48.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 19.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

5,010

Average people per household

2.4

1 person: 18.9%
2 persons: 48.6%
3 persons: 13.3%
4 persons: 13%
5 or more persons: 6.3%

	Value	Percent
1 person	945	18.9%
2 persons	2,430	48.6%
3 persons	665	13.3%
4 persons	650	13%
5 or more persons	315	6.3%

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 North Saanich

The housing landscape of North Saanich

North Saanich has a total of 5,235 private dwellings. When it comes to space, North Saanich offers a variety of home sizes: 5% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 58% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 37.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

5,235

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 79.3%
Attached homes: 20.6%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 0.1%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	3,970	79.3%
Attached homes	1,030	20.6%
Movable homes	5	0.1%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 5%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 58%
4 or more bedrooms: 37.1%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	255	5%
2 or 3 bedrooms	2,895	58%
4 or more bedrooms	1,855	37.1%

Homes built since 2011

570

The age of buildings in North Saanich

About 5.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 5.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 8.1% went up in the 1960s, 22.3% in the 1970s, and 25.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13.4% of homes were added, and 7.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	295	5.9%
Between 1946 and 1960	290	5.8%
Between 1961 and 1970	405	8.1%
Between 1971 and 1980	1,120	22.3%
Between 1981 and 1990	1,285	25.6%
Between 1991 and 2000	670	13.4%
Between 2001 and 2010	385	7.7%
After 2011	570	11.4%

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.

North Saanich occupancy rates

In North Saanich, there are 5,010 occupied private dwellings, of which 87.9% are owner-occupied and 12.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 225 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

5,010

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 12.1%
Owned households: 87.9%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	605	12.1%
Owned households	4,405	87.9%

Unoccupied dwellings

225

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 North Saanich, homeowners pay a median of $1,010 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,210. About 85% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 15% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,010

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,210

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 85%
≥30% on shelter: 15%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	4,225	85%
≥30% on shelter	745	15%

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 North Saanich

North Saanich education at a glance

In North Saanich, educational attainment varies across the community. About 7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 25.2% have completed high school and 9.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 19.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 35.8% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	755	7%
High school diploma	2,725	25.2%
Apprenticeship diploma	995	9.2%
College diploma	2,095	19.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	365	3.4%
University degree	3,870	35.8%

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 North Saanich

How much people earn in North Saanich

In North Saanich, the median household income sits at $121,000, while the median after-tax household income is $104,000.

Median household income

$121,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$104,000/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.

North Saanich income by age

Young adults in North Saanich between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,400, 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 $46,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $68,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $72,000, followed by $61,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $50,800.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	16,400
25 - 34	46,000
35 - 44	68,000
45 - 54	72,000
55 - 64	61,200
Over 65	50,800

Employment in North Saanich

Workforce and job sectors in North Saanich

In North Saanich, 5,960 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 5.9%. 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

5,960

Unemployment rate

5.9%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	170	2.9%
Business, finance and administration	1,075	18.2%
Natural and applied sciences	480	8.1%
Health	460	7.8%
Education, law, community and government services	825	14%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	290	4.9%
Sales and service	1,300	22%
Trades and transport	1,005	17%
Natural resources and agriculture	210	3.6%
Manufacturing and utilities	100	1.7%

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 North Saanich

How people get around in North Saanich

In North Saanich, the average commute is 20 minutes. About 89.6% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2.4% rely on public transit and 5.3% walk or bike. The remaining 2.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

20 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 43.1%
15 to 29 minutes: 28.7%
30 to 44 minutes: 21.5%
45 to 59 minutes: 4.5%
More than 60 minutes: 2.2%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	1,680	43.1%
15 to 29 minutes	1,120	28.7%
30 to 44 minutes	840	21.5%
45 to 59 minutes	175	4.5%
More than 60 minutes	85	2.2%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	3,495	89.6%
By public transit	95	2.4%
By bicycle/by walking	205	5.3%
By other methods	105	2.7%

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.

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FAQs about North Saanich demographics

What is the current total population in North Saanich?

North Saanich has a population of 12,235, 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 North Saanich?

North Saanich has a population density of 329.2 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in North Saanich?

North Saanich has the following gender distribution:

48.9% males (5,985 residents)
51.1% females (6,255 residents)

What is the age distribution of North Saanich residents?

The age distribution of North Saanich residents is as follows:

Under 15: 11.4% (1,395 residents)
15-24: 8.3% (1,010 residents)
25-34: 6.8% (825 residents)
35-44: 9% (1,100 residents)
45-54: 11.5% (1,405 residents)
55-64: 18.4% (2,255 residents)
Over 64: 34.7% (4,240 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in North Saanich?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in North Saanich:

82.6% non-immigrants (10,075 residents)
16.7% immigrants (2,030 residents)
0.7% non-permanent residents (90 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in North Saanich?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in North Saanich:

English: 98.6%
French: 1%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

What is the typical household size in North Saanich?

The typical household size in North Saanich is 2.4 people.

What is the median household income in North Saanich?

The median household income in North Saanich is $121,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of North Saanich residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in North Saanich is as follows:

No diploma: 7% (755 residents)
High school diploma: 25.2% (2,725 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 9.2% (995 residents)
College diploma: 19.4% (2,095 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.4% (365 residents)
University degree: 35.8% (3,870 residents)

What are the most common occupations in North Saanich?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 4.9%
Business, finance and administration: 18.2%
Education, law, community and government services: 14%
Health: 7.8%
Management: 2.9%
Manufacturing and utilities: 1.7%
Natural and applied sciences: 8.1%
Natural resources and agriculture: 3.6%
Sales and service: 22%
Trades and transport: 17%

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

North Saanich, BC demographics:population, income, and more