Powell River, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,943
1.0 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,000/yr
Private dwellings
6,718

Powell River population

How many people live in Powell River

Powell River is home to 13,943 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.1% identify as male and 51.9% as female.

Total population
13,943
1.0% year-over-year change
Population density
482.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.1%
6,710
Female
51.9%
7,230
Value Percent
Male 6,710 48.1%
Female 7,230 51.9%
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 Powell River is 49.0. Children under 15 make up 12.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.5%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 8.7% are 25 to 34, 10.7% are 35 to 44, and 11.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 17.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 30.9%.

Average age
49
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.8%
15 to 24
8.5%
25 to 34
8.7%
35 to 44
10.7%
45 to 54
11.2%
55 to 64
17.2%
Over 65
30.9%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,780 12.8%
15 to 24 1,180 8.5%
25 to 34 1,215 8.7%
35 to 44 1,490 10.7%
45 to 54 1,565 11.2%
55 to 64 2,405 17.2%
Over 65 4,305 30.9%
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 Powell River, 86.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 12.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
86.6%
Immigrants
12.8%
Non-permanent residents
0.6%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 11,810 86.6%
Immigrants 1,745 12.8%
Non-permanent residents 85 0.6%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
6.1%
Non-minorities
93.9%
Value Percent
Minorities 830 6.1%
Non-minorities 12,805 93.9%
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 Powell River
English
97.7%
French
2%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 13,425 97.7%
French 270 2%
English and French 20 0.2%
Neither English nor French 30 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.7% of people in Powell River speak English as their primary language, 2% 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 Powell River

A peek inside Powell River households

Powell River has 6,385 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 34.7% of all homes, while 39.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 14% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
6,385
Average people per household
2.1
1 person
34.7%
2 persons
39.4%
3 persons
11.8%
4 persons
9.1%
5 or more persons
4.9%
Value Percent
1 person 2,220 34.7%
2 persons 2,525 39.4%
3 persons 755 11.8%
4 persons 585 9.1%
5 or more persons 315 4.9%
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 Powell River

The housing landscape of Powell River

Powell River has a total of 6,718 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 72% are single-detached houses, 25.1% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Powell River offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 61% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 27.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
6,718
Housing types
Single-detached homes
72%
Attached homes
25.1%
Apartments
0.3%
Movable homes
2.6%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 4,615 72%
Attached homes 1,605 25.1%
Apartments 20 0.3%
Movable homes 165 2.6%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
12%
2 or 3 bedrooms
61%
4 or more bedrooms
27.2%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 760 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms 3,890 61%
4 or more bedrooms 1,735 27.2%
Homes built since 2011
390

The age of buildings in Powell River

About 17.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 19% between 1946 and 1960. Another 15.3% went up in the 1960s, 14.6% in the 1970s, and 8.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.1% of homes were added, and 6.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,125 17.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 1,210 19%
Between 1961 and 1970 975 15.3%
Between 1971 and 1980 930 14.6%
Between 1981 and 1990 545 8.5%
Between 1991 and 2000 775 12.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 435 6.8%
After 2011 390 6.1%
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.

Powell River occupancy rates

In Powell River, there are 6,402 occupied private dwellings, of which 75.4% are owner-occupied and 24.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 316 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
6,402
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
24.6%
Owned households
75.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,570 24.6%
Owned households 4,820 75.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
316
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 Powell River, homeowners pay a median of $810 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $960. About 80.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 19.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$810
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$960
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
80.1%
≥30% on shelter
19.9%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 5,100 80.1%
≥30% on shelter 1,265 19.9%
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 Powell River

Powell River education at a glance

In Powell River, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.8% have completed high school and 12.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.7% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 15.8% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 2,010 16.9%
High school diploma 3,655 30.8%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,505 12.7%
College diploma 2,395 20.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 445 3.7%
University degree 1,875 15.8%
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 Powell River

How much people earn in Powell River

In Powell River, the median household income sits at $67,000, while the median after-tax household income is $61,200.

Median household income
$67,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$61,200/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.

Powell River income by age

Young adults in Powell River between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,000, 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 $39,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $47,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $48,000, followed by $42,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $33,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,000
25 - 34 39,200
35 - 44 47,600
45 - 54 48,000
55 - 64 42,400
Over 65 33,200

Employment in Powell River

Workforce and job sectors in Powell River

In Powell River, 6,075 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.7%. 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
6,075
Unemployment rate
7.7%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 45 0.8%
Business, finance and administration 755 12.6%
Natural and applied sciences 240 4%
Health 655 10.9%
Education, law, community and government services 770 12.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 260 4.3%
Sales and service 1,610 26.9%
Trades and transport 1,195 20%
Natural resources and agriculture 225 3.8%
Manufacturing and utilities 230 3.8%
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 Powell River

How people get around in Powell River

In Powell River, the average commute is 13 minutes. About 87% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2% rely on public transit and 8.9% 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
71.8%
15 to 29 minutes
17.9%
30 to 44 minutes
5.7%
45 to 59 minutes
1.6%
More than 60 minutes
3%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 3,535 71.8%
15 to 29 minutes 880 17.9%
30 to 44 minutes 280 5.7%
45 to 59 minutes 80 1.6%
More than 60 minutes 150 3%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 4,295 87%
By public transit 100 2%
By bicycle/by walking 440 8.9%
By other methods 100 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 Powell River demographics 

What is the current total population in Powell River?

Powell River has a population of 13,943, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.0% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Powell River?  

Powell River has a population density of 482.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Powell River?

Powell River has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.1% males (6,710 residents)  
  • 51.9% females (7,230 residents)

What is the age distribution of Powell River residents?  

The age distribution of Powell River residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 12.8% (1,780 residents)   
  • 15-24: 8.5% (1,180 residents)   
  • 25-34: 8.7% (1,215 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.7% (1,490 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.2% (1,565 residents)   
  • 55-64: 17.2% (2,405 residents)   
  • Over 64: 30.9% (4,305 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Powell River? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Powell River: 
  • 86.6% non-immigrants (11,810 residents)  
  • 12.8% immigrants (1,745 residents)  
  • 0.6% non-permanent residents (85 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Powell River?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Powell River: 
  • English: 97.7% 
  • French: 2% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Powell River?  

The typical household size in Powell River is 2.1 people. 

What is the median household income in Powell River?  

The median household income in Powell River is $67,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Powell River residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Powell River is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 16.9% (2,010 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 30.8% (3,655 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 12.7% (1,505 residents) 
  • College diploma: 20.2% (2,395 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.7% (445 residents) 
  • University degree: 15.8% (1,875 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Powell River?  

The most common occupations in Powell River fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 4.3% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 12.6% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 12.9% 
  • Health: 10.9% 
  • Management: 0.8% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3.8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.8% 
  • Sales and service: 26.9% 
  • Trades and transport: 20% 

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