Port Hardy, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,902
-0.4 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$69,000/yr
Private dwellings
1,984

Port Hardy population

How many people live in Port Hardy

Port Hardy is home to 3,902 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.9% identify as male and 49.1% as female.

Total population
3,902
-0.4% year-over-year change
Population density
101.2/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50.9%
1,985
Female
49.1%
1,915
Value Percent
Male 1,985 50.9%
Female 1,915 49.1%
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 Port Hardy is 42.2. Children under 15 make up 16.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.5% are 25 to 34, 12.4% are 35 to 44, and 11.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 19.6%.

Average age
42.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.7%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 34
13.5%
35 to 44
12.4%
45 to 54
11.8%
55 to 64
16.2%
Over 65
19.6%
Value Percent
Under 15 650 16.7%
15 to 24 380 9.8%
25 to 34 525 13.5%
35 to 44 485 12.4%
45 to 54 460 11.8%
55 to 64 630 16.2%
Over 65 765 19.6%
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 Port Hardy, 90.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 9.3% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
90.1%
Immigrants
9.3%
Non-permanent residents
0.6%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 3,475 90.1%
Immigrants 360 9.3%
Non-permanent residents 25 0.6%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
7%
Non-minorities
93%
Value Percent
Minorities 270 7%
Non-minorities 3,585 93%
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 Port Hardy
English
98.6%
French
1%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.3%
Value Percent
English 3,855 98.6%
French 40 1%
English and French 5 0.1%
Neither English nor French 10 0.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.6% of people in Port Hardy speak English as their primary language, 1% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.3% 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 Port Hardy

A peek inside Port Hardy households

Port Hardy has 1,795 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 37% of all homes, while 34.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 14.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
1,795
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
37%
2 persons
34.7%
3 persons
13.7%
4 persons
9%
5 or more persons
5.6%
Value Percent
1 person 660 37%
2 persons 620 34.7%
3 persons 245 13.7%
4 persons 160 9%
5 or more persons 100 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 Port Hardy

The housing landscape of Port Hardy

Port Hardy has a total of 1,984 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 56.3% are single-detached houses, 37% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.8% are apartments. When it comes to space, Port Hardy offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 64% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 23.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
1,984
Housing types
Single-detached homes
56.3%
Attached homes
37%
Apartments
0.8%
Movable homes
5.8%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,010 56.3%
Attached homes 665 37%
Apartments 15 0.8%
Movable homes 105 5.8%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
12%
2 or 3 bedrooms
64%
4 or more bedrooms
23.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 225 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,150 64%
4 or more bedrooms 420 23.4%
Homes built since 2011
15

The age of buildings in Port Hardy

About 1.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 5.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 17.4% went up in the 1960s, 47.9% in the 1970s, and 16.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.8% of homes were added, and 2.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 20 1.1%
Between 1946 and 1960 100 5.6%
Between 1961 and 1970 310 17.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 855 47.9%
Between 1981 and 1990 300 16.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 140 7.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 45 2.5%
After 2011 15 0.8%
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.

Port Hardy occupancy rates

In Port Hardy, there are 1,791 occupied private dwellings, of which 67.6% are owner-occupied and 32.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 193 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
1,791
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
32.4%
Owned households
67.6%
Value Percent
Rented households 580 32.4%
Owned households 1,210 67.6%
Unoccupied dwellings
193
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 Port Hardy, homeowners pay a median of $870 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $790. About 84.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 15.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$870
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$790
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
84.6%
≥30% on shelter
15.4%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,515 84.6%
≥30% on shelter 275 15.4%
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 Port Hardy

Port Hardy education at a glance

In Port Hardy, educational attainment varies across the community. About 25.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 29.5% have completed high school and 10.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 16.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 14.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 825 25.6%
High school diploma 950 29.5%
Apprenticeship diploma 325 10.1%
College diploma 540 16.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 115 3.6%
University degree 470 14.6%
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 Port Hardy

How much people earn in Port Hardy

In Port Hardy, the median household income sits at $69,000, while the median after-tax household income is $62,800.

Median household income
$69,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$62,800/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.

Port Hardy income by age

Young adults in Port Hardy between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,400, 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 $52,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $50,800, followed by $42,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $32,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,400
25 - 34 46,000
35 - 44 52,400
45 - 54 50,800
55 - 64 42,400
Over 65 32,000

Employment in Port Hardy

Workforce and job sectors in Port Hardy

In Port Hardy, 2,045 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.3%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, 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
2,045
Unemployment rate
10.3%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 20 1%
Business, finance and administration 185 9.2%
Natural and applied sciences 110 5.5%
Health 140 7%
Education, law, community and government services 300 15%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 45 2.2%
Sales and service 500 25%
Trades and transport 420 21%
Natural resources and agriculture 150 7.5%
Manufacturing and utilities 130 6.5%
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 Port Hardy

How people get around in Port Hardy

In Port Hardy, the average commute is 13 minutes. About 89.7% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.6% rely on public transit and 7.6% walk or bike. The remaining 2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
13 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
69.6%
15 to 29 minutes
17.5%
30 to 44 minutes
7.3%
45 to 59 minutes
2.3%
More than 60 minutes
3.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,190 69.6%
15 to 29 minutes 300 17.5%
30 to 44 minutes 125 7.3%
45 to 59 minutes 40 2.3%
More than 60 minutes 55 3.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 1,530 89.7%
By public transit 10 0.6%
By bicycle/by walking 130 7.6%
By other methods 35 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 Port Hardy demographics 

What is the current total population in Port Hardy?

Port Hardy has a population of 3,902, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -0.4% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Port Hardy?  

Port Hardy has a population density of 101.2 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Port Hardy?

Port Hardy has the following gender distribution:
  • 50.9% males (1,985 residents)  
  • 49.1% females (1,915 residents)

What is the age distribution of Port Hardy residents?  

The age distribution of Port Hardy residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 16.7% (650 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.8% (380 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13.5% (525 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.4% (485 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.8% (460 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.2% (630 residents)   
  • Over 64: 19.6% (765 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Port Hardy? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Port Hardy: 
  • 90.1% non-immigrants (3,475 residents)  
  • 9.3% immigrants (360 residents)  
  • 0.6% non-permanent residents (25 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Port Hardy?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Port Hardy: 
  • English: 98.6% 
  • French: 1% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.3% 

What is the typical household size in Port Hardy?  

The typical household size in Port Hardy is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Port Hardy?  

The median household income in Port Hardy is $69,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Port Hardy residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Port Hardy is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 25.6% (825 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 29.5% (950 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.1% (325 residents) 
  • College diploma: 16.7% (540 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.6% (115 residents) 
  • University degree: 14.6% (470 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Port Hardy?  

The most common occupations in Port Hardy fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 9.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 15% 
  • Health: 7% 
  • Management: 1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 6.5% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.5% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 7.5% 
  • Sales and service: 25% 
  • Trades and transport: 21% 

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