Prince Rupert, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,300
0.2 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$95,000/yr
Private dwellings
5,747

Prince Rupert population

How many people live in Prince Rupert

Prince Rupert is home to 12,300 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 51.5% identify as male and 48.5% as female.

Total population
12,300
0.2% year-over-year change
Population density
186.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
51.5%
6,335
Female
48.5%
5,965
Value Percent
Male 6,335 51.5%
Female 5,965 48.5%
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 Prince Rupert is 40.4. Children under 15 make up 17.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 15.3% are 25 to 34, 12% are 35 to 44, and 13.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 16.2%.

Average age
40.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.2%
15 to 24
11.9%
25 to 34
15.3%
35 to 44
12%
45 to 54
13.2%
55 to 64
14.3%
Over 65
16.2%
Value Percent
Under 15 2,110 17.2%
15 to 24 1,460 11.9%
25 to 34 1,880 15.3%
35 to 44 1,470 12%
45 to 54 1,625 13.2%
55 to 64 1,755 14.3%
Over 65 1,995 16.2%
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 Prince Rupert, 84.5% of residents were born in Canada, while 13% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
84.5%
Immigrants
13%
Non-permanent residents
2.4%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 10,300 84.5%
Immigrants 1,590 13%
Non-permanent residents 295 2.4%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
15.3%
Non-minorities
84.7%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,860 15.3%
Non-minorities 10,325 84.7%
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 Prince Rupert
English
98.2%
French
0.6%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
1.1%
Value Percent
English 12,075 98.2%
French 80 0.6%
English and French 10 0.1%
Neither English nor French 130 1.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.2% of people in Prince Rupert speak English as their primary language, 0.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 1.1% 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 Prince Rupert

A peek inside Prince Rupert households

Prince Rupert has 5,085 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 31.3% of all homes, while 32.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 20.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
5,085
Average people per household
2.4
1 person
31.3%
2 persons
32.7%
3 persons
15.3%
4 persons
11.9%
5 or more persons
8.8%
Value Percent
1 person 1,585 31.3%
2 persons 1,660 32.7%
3 persons 775 15.3%
4 persons 605 11.9%
5 or more persons 445 8.8%
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 Prince Rupert

The housing landscape of Prince Rupert

Prince Rupert has a total of 5,747 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 56.8% are single-detached houses, 40.3% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 1.1% are apartments. When it comes to space, Prince Rupert offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 60% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 28.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
5,747
Housing types
Single-detached homes
56.8%
Attached homes
40.3%
Apartments
1.1%
Movable homes
1.9%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 2,875 56.8%
Attached homes 2,040 40.3%
Apartments 55 1.1%
Movable homes 95 1.9%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
12%
2 or 3 bedrooms
60%
4 or more bedrooms
28.1%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 625 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms 3,030 60%
4 or more bedrooms 1,430 28.1%
Homes built since 2011
120

The age of buildings in Prince Rupert

About 20.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 15.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 17% went up in the 1960s, 22.2% in the 1970s, and 14.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.1% of homes were added, and 1.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,055 20.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 780 15.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 865 17%
Between 1971 and 1980 1,130 22.2%
Between 1981 and 1990 715 14.1%
Between 1991 and 2000 360 7.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 55 1.1%
After 2011 120 2.4%
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.

Prince Rupert occupancy rates

In Prince Rupert, there are 5,072 occupied private dwellings, of which 62.3% are owner-occupied and 37.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 675 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
5,072
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
37.7%
Owned households
62.3%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,920 37.7%
Owned households 3,170 62.3%
Unoccupied dwellings
675
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 Prince Rupert, homeowners pay a median of $1,190 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,080. About 85.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 14.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,190
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,080
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
85.6%
≥30% on shelter
14.4%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 4,350 85.6%
≥30% on shelter 730 14.4%
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 Prince Rupert

Prince Rupert education at a glance

In Prince Rupert, educational attainment varies across the community. About 22.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 33.6% have completed high school and 11.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 14% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 16% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 2,270 22.5%
High school diploma 3,385 33.6%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,115 11.1%
College diploma 1,415 14%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 285 2.8%
University degree 1,610 16%
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 Prince Rupert

How much people earn in Prince Rupert

In Prince Rupert, the median household income sits at $95,000, while the median after-tax household income is $83,000.

Median household income
$95,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$83,000/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.

Prince Rupert income by age

Young adults in Prince Rupert between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,600, 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 $50,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $60,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $59,200, followed by $53,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $35,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,600
25 - 34 50,800
35 - 44 60,000
45 - 54 59,200
55 - 64 53,200
Over 65 35,600

Employment in Prince Rupert

Workforce and job sectors in Prince Rupert

In Prince Rupert, 6,785 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.5%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
6,785
Unemployment rate
9.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 70 1.1%
Business, finance and administration 830 12.6%
Natural and applied sciences 310 4.7%
Health 415 6.3%
Education, law, community and government services 785 11.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 160 2.4%
Sales and service 1,575 23.8%
Trades and transport 1,950 29.5%
Natural resources and agriculture 270 4.1%
Manufacturing and utilities 240 3.6%
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 Prince Rupert

How people get around in Prince Rupert

In Prince Rupert, the average commute is 11 minutes. About 85.6% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.7% rely on public transit and 11.1% walk or bike. The remaining 1.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
11 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
71.8%
15 to 29 minutes
23.2%
30 to 44 minutes
3.4%
45 to 59 minutes
0.4%
More than 60 minutes
1.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 4,055 71.8%
15 to 29 minutes 1,310 23.2%
30 to 44 minutes 190 3.4%
45 to 59 minutes 25 0.4%
More than 60 minutes 65 1.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 4,835 85.6%
By public transit 95 1.7%
By bicycle/by walking 625 11.1%
By other methods 90 1.6%
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 Prince Rupert demographics 

What is the current total population in Prince Rupert?

Prince Rupert has a population of 12,300, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.2% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Prince Rupert?  

Prince Rupert has a population density of 186.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Prince Rupert?

Prince Rupert has the following gender distribution:
  • 51.5% males (6,335 residents)  
  • 48.5% females (5,965 residents)

What is the age distribution of Prince Rupert residents?  

The age distribution of Prince Rupert residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 17.2% (2,110 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.9% (1,460 residents)   
  • 25-34: 15.3% (1,880 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12% (1,470 residents)   
  • 45-54: 13.2% (1,625 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.3% (1,755 residents)   
  • Over 64: 16.2% (1,995 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Prince Rupert? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Prince Rupert: 
  • 84.5% non-immigrants (10,300 residents)  
  • 13% immigrants (1,590 residents)  
  • 2.4% non-permanent residents (295 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Prince Rupert?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Prince Rupert: 
  • English: 98.2% 
  • French: 0.6% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 1.1% 

What is the typical household size in Prince Rupert?  

The typical household size in Prince Rupert is 2.4 people. 

What is the median household income in Prince Rupert?  

The median household income in Prince Rupert is $95,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Prince Rupert residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Prince Rupert is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 22.5% (2,270 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 33.6% (3,385 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 11.1% (1,115 residents) 
  • College diploma: 14% (1,415 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.8% (285 residents) 
  • University degree: 16% (1,610 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Prince Rupert?  

The most common occupations in Prince Rupert fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.4% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 12.6% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.9% 
  • Health: 6.3% 
  • Management: 1.1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4.7% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 4.1% 
  • Sales and service: 23.8% 
  • Trades and transport: 29.5% 

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