Total population

17,990

-0.1 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$107,000/yr

Private dwellings

8,168

Oak Bay population

How many people live in Oak Bay

Oak Bay is home to 17,990 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 46.2% identify as male and 53.8% as female.

Total population

17,990

-0.1% year-over-year change

Population density

1,710.1/km2

Gender ratio

Male

46.2%

8,320

Female

53.8%

9,670

	Value	Percent
Male	8,320	46.2%
Female	9,670	53.8%

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 Oak Bay is 49.7. Children under 15 make up 12.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 6.4% are 25 to 34, 8.3% are 35 to 44, and 12.3% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 34.2%.

Average age

49.7

Age breakdown

Under 15: 12.8%
15 to 24: 11%
25 to 34: 6.4%
35 to 44: 8.3%
45 to 54: 12.3%
55 to 64: 15%
Over 65: 34.2%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	2,295	12.8%
15 to 24	1,985	11%
25 to 34	1,150	6.4%
35 to 44	1,490	8.3%
45 to 54	2,210	12.3%
55 to 64	2,700	15%
Over 65	6,150	34.2%

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 Oak Bay, 76.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 21.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 76.3%
Immigrants: 21.8%
Non-permanent residents: 1.8%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	13,465	76.3%
Immigrants	3,855	21.8%
Non-permanent residents	320	1.8%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 12.8%
Non-minorities: 87.2%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	2,260	12.8%
Non-minorities	15,385	87.2%

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 Oak Bay

English: 97.7%
French: 1.4%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.5%

	Value	Percent
English	17,580	97.7%
French	255	1.4%
English and French	60	0.3%
Neither English nor French	95	0.5%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.7% of people in Oak Bay speak English as their primary language, 1.4% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% are bilingual, and 0.5% 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 Oak Bay

A peek inside Oak Bay households

Oak Bay has 7,810 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 31.1% of all homes, while 38.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12%, and homes with four or more people account for 18.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

7,810

Average people per household

2.3

1 person: 31.1%
2 persons: 38.3%
3 persons: 12%
4 persons: 12.9%
5 or more persons: 5.7%

	Value	Percent
1 person	2,430	31.1%
2 persons	2,990	38.3%
3 persons	935	12%
4 persons	1,010	12.9%
5 or more persons	445	5.7%

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 Oak Bay

The housing landscape of Oak Bay

Oak Bay has a total of 8,168 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 63% are single-detached houses, 31.7% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 5.3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Oak Bay offers a variety of home sizes: 16% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 47% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 36.7% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

8,168

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 63%
Attached homes: 31.7%
Apartments: 5.3%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	4,915	63%
Attached homes	2,475	31.7%
Apartments	410	5.3%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 16%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 47%
4 or more bedrooms: 36.7%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	1,255	16%
2 or 3 bedrooms	3,680	47%
4 or more bedrooms	2,865	36.7%

Homes built since 2011

415

The age of buildings in Oak Bay

About 33.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 25.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.3% went up in the 1960s, 10.8% in the 1970s, and 6.2% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 2.9% of homes were added, and 2.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	2,600	33.3%
Between 1946 and 1960	2,010	25.8%
Between 1961 and 1970	1,035	13.3%
Between 1971 and 1980	845	10.8%
Between 1981 and 1990	485	6.2%
Between 1991 and 2000	225	2.9%
Between 2001 and 2010	185	2.4%
After 2011	415	5.3%

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.

Oak Bay occupancy rates

In Oak Bay, there are 7,807 occupied private dwellings, of which 74.5% are owner-occupied and 25.5% are rented. Meanwhile, 361 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

7,807

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 25.5%
Owned households: 74.5%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	1,990	25.5%
Owned households	5,820	74.5%

Unoccupied dwellings

361

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 Oak Bay, homeowners pay a median of $1,210 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,300. About 76.7% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 23.3% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,210

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,300

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 76.7%
≥30% on shelter: 23.3%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	5,970	76.7%
≥30% on shelter	1,810	23.3%

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 Oak Bay

Oak Bay education at a glance

In Oak Bay, educational attainment varies across the community. About 7.3% of residents have no formal diploma, while 19.7% have completed high school and 3.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 13% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 53.1% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	1,115	7.3%
High school diploma	3,020	19.7%
Apprenticeship diploma	585	3.8%
College diploma	1,995	13%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	480	3.1%
University degree	8,145	53.1%

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 Oak Bay

How much people earn in Oak Bay

In Oak Bay, the median household income sits at $107,000, while the median after-tax household income is $93,000.

Median household income

$107,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$93,000/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.

Oak Bay income by age

Young adults in Oak Bay between 15 and 24 have a median income of $14,200, 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 $38,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $74,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $83,000, followed by $68,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $54,400.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	14,200
25 - 34	38,400
35 - 44	74,000
45 - 54	83,000
55 - 64	68,000
Over 65	54,400

Employment in Oak Bay

Workforce and job sectors in Oak Bay

In Oak Bay, 8,170 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, 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

8,170

Unemployment rate

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	360	4.5%
Business, finance and administration	1,620	20.1%
Natural and applied sciences	765	9.5%
Health	975	12.1%
Education, law, community and government services	1,405	17.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	415	5.2%
Sales and service	1,640	20.3%
Trades and transport	705	8.7%
Natural resources and agriculture	135	1.7%
Manufacturing and utilities	45	0.6%

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 Oak Bay

How people get around in Oak Bay

In Oak Bay, the average commute is 19 minutes. About 69.6% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 5.7% rely on public transit and 21% walk or bike. The remaining 3.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

19 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 38.8%
15 to 29 minutes: 42.6%
30 to 44 minutes: 13.6%
45 to 59 minutes: 2.2%
More than 60 minutes: 2.8%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	1,820	38.8%
15 to 29 minutes	2,000	42.6%
30 to 44 minutes	640	13.6%
45 to 59 minutes	105	2.2%
More than 60 minutes	130	2.8%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	3,270	69.6%
By public transit	270	5.7%
By bicycle/by walking	985	21%
By other methods	175	3.7%

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 Oak Bay demographics

What is the current total population in Oak Bay?

Oak Bay has a population of 17,990, 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 Oak Bay?

Oak Bay has a population density of 1,710.1 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Oak Bay?

Oak Bay has the following gender distribution:

46.2% males (8,320 residents)
53.8% females (9,670 residents)

What is the age distribution of Oak Bay residents?

The age distribution of Oak Bay residents is as follows:

Under 15: 12.8% (2,295 residents)
15-24: 11% (1,985 residents)
25-34: 6.4% (1,150 residents)
35-44: 8.3% (1,490 residents)
45-54: 12.3% (2,210 residents)
55-64: 15% (2,700 residents)
Over 64: 34.2% (6,150 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Oak Bay?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Oak Bay:

76.3% non-immigrants (13,465 residents)
21.8% immigrants (3,855 residents)
1.8% non-permanent residents (320 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Oak Bay?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Oak Bay:

English: 97.7%
French: 1.4%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.5%

What is the typical household size in Oak Bay?

The typical household size in Oak Bay is 2.3 people.

What is the median household income in Oak Bay?

The median household income in Oak Bay is $107,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Oak Bay residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Oak Bay is as follows:

No diploma: 7.3% (1,115 residents)
High school diploma: 19.7% (3,020 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 3.8% (585 residents)
College diploma: 13% (1,995 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.1% (480 residents)
University degree: 53.1% (8,145 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Oak Bay?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 5.2%
Business, finance and administration: 20.1%
Education, law, community and government services: 17.4%
Health: 12.1%
Management: 4.5%
Manufacturing and utilities: 0.6%
Natural and applied sciences: 9.5%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.7%
Sales and service: 20.3%
Trades and transport: 8.7%

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

Oak Bay, BC demographics:population, income, and more