Total population

9,303

-0.6 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$76,500/yr

Private dwellings

4,763

Qualicum Beach population

How many people live in Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach is home to 9,303 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 45.1% identify as male and 54.9% as female.

Total population

9,303

-0.6% year-over-year change

Population density

517.5/km2

Gender ratio

Male

45.1%

4,195

Female

54.9%

5,110

	Value	Percent
Male	4,195	45.1%
Female	5,110	54.9%

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 Qualicum Beach is 61.2. Children under 15 make up 6.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 4.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 3.7% are 25 to 34, 5.7% are 35 to 44, and 7.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 56.3%.

Average age

61.2

Age breakdown

Under 15: 6.8%
15 to 24: 4.2%
25 to 34: 3.7%
35 to 44: 5.7%
45 to 54: 7.4%
55 to 64: 15.9%
Over 65: 56.3%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	635	6.8%
15 to 24	390	4.2%
25 to 34	345	3.7%
35 to 44	530	5.7%
45 to 54	690	7.4%
55 to 64	1,475	15.9%
Over 65	5,235	56.3%

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 Qualicum Beach, 79.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 20.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 79.4%
Immigrants: 20.5%
Non-permanent residents: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	6,970	79.4%
Immigrants	1,795	20.5%
Non-permanent residents	15	0.2%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 3.3%
Non-minorities: 96.7%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	290	3.3%
Non-minorities	8,485	96.7%

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 Qualicum Beach

English: 98.4%
French: 1.3%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
English	8,785	98.4%
French	120	1.3%
English and French	5	0.1%
Neither English nor French	15	0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.4% of people in Qualicum Beach speak English as their primary language, 1.3% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% 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 Qualicum Beach

A peek inside Qualicum Beach households

Qualicum Beach has 4,435 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 29.3% of all homes, while 54.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 8%, and homes with four or more people account for 7.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

4,435

Average people per household

1 person: 29.3%
2 persons: 54.9%
3 persons: 8%
4 persons: 5.1%
5 or more persons: 2.7%

	Value	Percent
1 person	1,300	29.3%
2 persons	2,435	54.9%
3 persons	355	8%
4 persons	225	5.1%
5 or more persons	120	2.7%

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 Qualicum Beach

The housing landscape of Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach has a total of 4,763 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Qualicum Beach offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 78% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 16.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

4,763

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 79.3%
Attached homes: 19.7%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 1%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	3,515	79.3%
Attached homes	875	19.7%
Movable homes	45	1%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 78%
4 or more bedrooms: 16.2%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	245	6%
2 or 3 bedrooms	3,470	78%
4 or more bedrooms	720	16.2%

Homes built since 2011

320

The age of buildings in Qualicum Beach

About 3.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 3.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 4.5% went up in the 1960s, 16.5% in the 1970s, and 20.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 33.8% of homes were added, and 11.3% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	140	3.2%
Between 1946 and 1960	140	3.2%
Between 1961 and 1970	200	4.5%
Between 1971 and 1980	730	16.5%
Between 1981 and 1990	905	20.4%
Between 1991 and 2000	1,495	33.8%
Between 2001 and 2010	500	11.3%
After 2011	320	7.2%

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.

Qualicum Beach occupancy rates

In Qualicum Beach, there are 4,435 occupied private dwellings, of which 86.9% are owner-occupied and 13.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 328 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

4,435

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 13.1%
Owned households: 86.9%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	580	13.1%
Owned households	3,855	86.9%

Unoccupied dwellings

328

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 Qualicum Beach, homeowners pay a median of $640 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,360. About 82.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$640

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,360

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 82.6%
≥30% on shelter: 17.4%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	3,645	82.6%
≥30% on shelter	770	17.4%

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 Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach education at a glance

In Qualicum Beach, educational attainment varies across the community. About 8.1% of residents have no formal diploma, while 27.6% have completed high school and 8.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 25% have graduated from college. Finally, 4.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 26.3% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	660	8.1%
High school diploma	2,245	27.6%
Apprenticeship diploma	725	8.9%
College diploma	2,040	25%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	335	4.1%
University degree	2,145	26.3%

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 Qualicum Beach

How much people earn in Qualicum Beach

In Qualicum Beach, the median household income sits at $76,500, while the median after-tax household income is $69,000.

Median household income

$76,500/year

Median after-tax household income

$69,000/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.

Qualicum Beach income by age

Young adults in Qualicum Beach between 15 and 24 have a median income of $15,900, 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 $35,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $49,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $48,800, followed by $42,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $40,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	15,900
25 - 34	35,200
35 - 44	49,600
45 - 54	48,800
55 - 64	42,800
Over 65	40,000

Employment in Qualicum Beach

Workforce and job sectors in Qualicum Beach

In Qualicum Beach, 2,810 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, business, finance and administration, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

2,810

Unemployment rate

7.7%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	30	1.1%
Business, finance and administration	515	18.6%
Natural and applied sciences	210	7.6%
Health	255	9.2%
Education, law, community and government services	300	10.8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	125	4.5%
Sales and service	705	25.4%
Trades and transport	485	17.5%
Natural resources and agriculture	100	3.6%
Manufacturing and utilities	45	1.6%

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 Qualicum Beach

How people get around in Qualicum Beach

In Qualicum Beach, the average commute is 20 minutes. About 86% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.3% rely on public transit and 7.8% walk or bike. The remaining 4.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

20 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 44.3%
15 to 29 minutes: 31.2%
30 to 44 minutes: 13.5%
45 to 59 minutes: 7.3%
More than 60 minutes: 3.6%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	850	44.3%
15 to 29 minutes	600	31.2%
30 to 44 minutes	260	13.5%
45 to 59 minutes	140	7.3%
More than 60 minutes	70	3.6%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	1,660	86%
By public transit	25	1.3%
By bicycle/by walking	150	7.8%
By other methods	95	4.9%

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.

Explore more communities

Nearby locations

Big cities by the numbers

FAQs about Qualicum Beach demographics

What is the current total population in Qualicum Beach?

Qualicum Beach has a population of 9,303, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -0.6% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Qualicum Beach?

Qualicum Beach has a population density of 517.5 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Qualicum Beach?

Qualicum Beach has the following gender distribution:

45.1% males (4,195 residents)
54.9% females (5,110 residents)

What is the age distribution of Qualicum Beach residents?

The age distribution of Qualicum Beach residents is as follows:

Under 15: 6.8% (635 residents)
15-24: 4.2% (390 residents)
25-34: 3.7% (345 residents)
35-44: 5.7% (530 residents)
45-54: 7.4% (690 residents)
55-64: 15.9% (1,475 residents)
Over 64: 56.3% (5,235 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Qualicum Beach?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Qualicum Beach:

79.4% non-immigrants (6,970 residents)
20.5% immigrants (1,795 residents)
0.2% non-permanent residents (15 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Qualicum Beach?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Qualicum Beach:

English: 98.4%
French: 1.3%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

What is the typical household size in Qualicum Beach?

The typical household size in Qualicum Beach is 2 people.

What is the median household income in Qualicum Beach?

The median household income in Qualicum Beach is $76,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Qualicum Beach residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Qualicum Beach is as follows:

No diploma: 8.1% (660 residents)
High school diploma: 27.6% (2,245 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 8.9% (725 residents)
College diploma: 25% (2,040 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 4.1% (335 residents)
University degree: 26.3% (2,145 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Qualicum Beach?

The most common occupations in Qualicum Beach fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 4.5%
Business, finance and administration: 18.6%
Education, law, community and government services: 10.8%
Health: 9.2%
Management: 1.1%
Manufacturing and utilities: 1.6%
Natural and applied sciences: 7.6%
Natural resources and agriculture: 3.6%
Sales and service: 25.4%
Trades and transport: 17.5%

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

Qualicum Beach, BC demographics:population, income, and more