Oliver, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,094
-0.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,500/yr
Private dwellings
2,445

Oliver population

How many people live in Oliver

Oliver is home to 5,094 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.8% identify as male and 52.2% as female.

Total population
5,094
-0.1% year-over-year change
Population density
927.9/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47.8%
2,435
Female
52.2%
2,660
Value Percent
Male 2,435 47.8%
Female 2,660 52.2%
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 Oliver is 51.8. Children under 15 make up 11.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 6.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 7.1% are 25 to 34, 10.3% are 35 to 44, and 10% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 37.5%.

Average age
51.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.6%
15 to 24
6.9%
25 to 34
7.1%
35 to 44
10.3%
45 to 54
10%
55 to 64
16.5%
Over 65
37.5%
Value Percent
Under 15 590 11.6%
15 to 24 350 6.9%
25 to 34 360 7.1%
35 to 44 525 10.3%
45 to 54 510 10%
55 to 64 840 16.5%
Over 65 1,905 37.5%
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 Oliver, 79.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 18.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
79.6%
Immigrants
18.8%
Non-permanent residents
1.5%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 3,950 79.6%
Immigrants 935 18.8%
Non-permanent residents 75 1.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
15.4%
Non-minorities
84.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 765 15.4%
Non-minorities 4,200 84.6%
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 Oliver
English
96.1%
French
1.4%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
2.3%
Value Percent
English 4,850 96.1%
French 70 1.4%
English and French 10 0.2%
Neither English nor French 115 2.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.1% of people in Oliver speak English as their primary language, 1.4% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 2.3% 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 Oliver

A peek inside Oliver households

Oliver has 2,310 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 30.4% of all homes, while 46.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 10.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 12.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,310
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
30.4%
2 persons
46.3%
3 persons
10.6%
4 persons
7.1%
5 or more persons
5.6%
Value Percent
1 person 705 30.4%
2 persons 1,075 46.3%
3 persons 245 10.6%
4 persons 165 7.1%
5 or more persons 130 5.6%
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 Oliver

The housing landscape of Oliver

Oliver has a total of 2,445 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Oliver offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 71% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 19.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
2,445
Housing types
Single-detached homes
66.8%
Attached homes
29.3%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
3.9%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,540 66.8%
Attached homes 675 29.3%
Movable homes 90 3.9%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
10%
2 or 3 bedrooms
71%
4 or more bedrooms
19.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 220 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,635 71%
4 or more bedrooms 460 19.9%
Homes built since 2011
235

The age of buildings in Oliver

About 7.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 11.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 7.8% went up in the 1960s, 17.3% in the 1970s, and 13.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 16.4% of homes were added, and 16.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 165 7.1%
Between 1946 and 1960 260 11.2%
Between 1961 and 1970 180 7.8%
Between 1971 and 1980 400 17.3%
Between 1981 and 1990 320 13.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 380 16.4%
Between 2001 and 2010 375 16.2%
After 2011 235 10.2%
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.

Oliver occupancy rates

In Oliver, there are 2,312 occupied private dwellings, of which 78.1% are owner-occupied and 21.9% are rented. Meanwhile, 133 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,312
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
21.9%
Owned households
78.1%
Value Percent
Rented households 505 21.9%
Owned households 1,805 78.1%
Unoccupied dwellings
133
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 Oliver, homeowners pay a median of $790 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,000. About 82.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$790
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,000
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
82.4%
≥30% on shelter
17.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,895 82.4%
≥30% on shelter 405 17.6%
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 Oliver

Oliver education at a glance

In Oliver, educational attainment varies across the community. About 19.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 33% have completed high school and 10.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.7% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 14.1% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 865 19.7%
High school diploma 1,450 33%
Apprenticeship diploma 450 10.2%
College diploma 885 20.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 120 2.7%
University degree 620 14.1%
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 Oliver

How much people earn in Oliver

In Oliver, the median household income sits at $68,500, while the median after-tax household income is $62,400.

Median household income
$68,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$62,400/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.

Oliver income by age

Young adults in Oliver between 15 and 24 have a median income of $15,500, 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 $40,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $49,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $48,800, followed by $41,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $30,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 15,500
25 - 34 40,000
35 - 44 49,600
45 - 54 48,800
55 - 64 41,200
Over 65 30,800

Employment in Oliver

Workforce and job sectors in Oliver

In Oliver, 2,205 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
2,205
Unemployment rate
8.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 15 0.7%
Business, finance and administration 285 13.4%
Natural and applied sciences 55 2.6%
Health 155 7.3%
Education, law, community and government services 270 12.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 25 1.2%
Sales and service 715 33.5%
Trades and transport 340 15.9%
Natural resources and agriculture 155 7.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 120 5.6%
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 Oliver

How people get around in Oliver

In Oliver, the average commute is 15 minutes. About 87.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.5% rely on public transit and 11.4% walk or bike. The remaining 0.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
15 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
66.6%
15 to 29 minutes
15.6%
30 to 44 minutes
11.3%
45 to 59 minutes
3.8%
More than 60 minutes
2.7%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,235 66.6%
15 to 29 minutes 290 15.6%
30 to 44 minutes 210 11.3%
45 to 59 minutes 70 3.8%
More than 60 minutes 50 2.7%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 1,605 87.2%
By public transit 10 0.5%
By bicycle/by walking 210 11.4%
By other methods 15 0.8%
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 Oliver demographics 

What is the current total population in Oliver?

Oliver has a population of 5,094, 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 Oliver?  

Oliver has a population density of 927.9 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Oliver?

Oliver has the following gender distribution:
  • 47.8% males (2,435 residents)  
  • 52.2% females (2,660 residents)

What is the age distribution of Oliver residents?  

The age distribution of Oliver residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 11.6% (590 residents)   
  • 15-24: 6.9% (350 residents)   
  • 25-34: 7.1% (360 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.3% (525 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10% (510 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.5% (840 residents)   
  • Over 64: 37.5% (1,905 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Oliver? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Oliver: 
  • 79.6% non-immigrants (3,950 residents)  
  • 18.8% immigrants (935 residents)  
  • 1.5% non-permanent residents (75 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Oliver?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Oliver: 
  • English: 96.1% 
  • French: 1.4% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 2.3% 

What is the typical household size in Oliver?  

The typical household size in Oliver is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Oliver?  

The median household income in Oliver is $68,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Oliver residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Oliver is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 19.7% (865 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 33% (1,450 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.2% (450 residents) 
  • College diploma: 20.2% (885 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.7% (120 residents) 
  • University degree: 14.1% (620 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Oliver?  

The most common occupations in Oliver fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13.4% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 12.6% 
  • Health: 7.3% 
  • Management: 0.7% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 5.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 2.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 7.3% 
  • Sales and service: 33.5% 
  • Trades and transport: 15.9% 

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