Total population

9,889

1.0 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$67,000/yr

Private dwellings

4,766

Quesnel population

How many people live in Quesnel

Quesnel is home to 9,889 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.9% identify as male and 51.1% as female.

Total population

9,889

1.0% year-over-year change

Population density

279.8/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.9%

4,835

Female

51.1%

5,055

	Value	Percent
Male	4,835	48.9%
Female	5,055	51.1%

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 Quesnel is 44.0. Children under 15 make up 15.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.9% are 25 to 34, 10.8% are 35 to 44, and 12.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 22.8%.

Average age

Age breakdown

Under 15: 15.4%
15 to 24: 11.3%
25 to 34: 11.9%
35 to 44: 10.8%
45 to 54: 12.4%
55 to 64: 15.4%
Over 65: 22.8%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	1,520	15.4%
15 to 24	1,120	11.3%
25 to 34	1,175	11.9%
35 to 44	1,070	10.8%
45 to 54	1,225	12.4%
55 to 64	1,520	15.4%
Over 65	2,260	22.8%

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 Quesnel, 90.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 8.3% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 90.8%
Immigrants: 8.3%
Non-permanent residents: 0.9%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	8,795	90.8%
Immigrants	805	8.3%
Non-permanent residents	85	0.9%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 7.2%
Non-minorities: 92.8%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	700	7.2%
Non-minorities	8,985	92.8%

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 Quesnel

English: 98.8%
French: 0.7%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

	Value	Percent
English	9,650	98.8%
French	70	0.7%
English and French	10	0.1%
Neither English nor French	35	0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.8% of people in Quesnel speak English as their primary language, 0.7% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.4% 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 Quesnel

A peek inside Quesnel households

Quesnel has 4,505 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 37.5% of all homes, while 34.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

4,505

Average people per household

2.2

1 person: 37.5%
2 persons: 34.4%
3 persons: 12.7%
4 persons: 9.3%
5 or more persons: 6%

	Value	Percent
1 person	1,695	37.5%
2 persons	1,555	34.4%
3 persons	575	12.7%
4 persons	420	9.3%
5 or more persons	270	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 Quesnel

The housing landscape of Quesnel

Quesnel has a total of 4,766 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Quesnel offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 56% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 30.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

4,766

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 59.7%
Attached homes: 35.7%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 4.6%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	2,690	59.7%
Attached homes	1,610	35.7%
Movable homes	205	4.6%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 56%
4 or more bedrooms: 30.6%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	620	14%
2 or 3 bedrooms	2,505	56%
4 or more bedrooms	1,375	30.6%

Homes built since 2011

195

The age of buildings in Quesnel

About 2.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 13.5% between 1946 and 1960. Another 14.9% went up in the 1960s, 31.5% in the 1970s, and 12.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 16.3% of homes were added, and 4.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	105	2.3%
Between 1946 and 1960	610	13.5%
Between 1961 and 1970	670	14.9%
Between 1971 and 1980	1,420	31.5%
Between 1981 and 1990	560	12.4%
Between 1991 and 2000	735	16.3%
Between 2001 and 2010	215	4.8%
After 2011	195	4.3%

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.

Quesnel occupancy rates

In Quesnel, there are 4,508 occupied private dwellings, of which 62% are owner-occupied and 38% are rented. Meanwhile, 258 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

4,508

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 38%
Owned households: 62%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	1,710	38%
Owned households	2,795	62%

Unoccupied dwellings

258

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 Quesnel, homeowners pay a median of $685 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $840. About 84.8% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 15.2% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$685

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$840

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 84.8%
≥30% on shelter: 15.2%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	3,820	84.8%
≥30% on shelter	685	15.2%

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 Quesnel

Quesnel education at a glance

In Quesnel, educational attainment varies across the community. About 23.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 34% have completed high school and 9.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 12.1% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	1,955	23.9%
High school diploma	2,780	34%
Apprenticeship diploma	770	9.4%
College diploma	1,445	17.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	235	2.9%
University degree	985	12.1%

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 Quesnel

How much people earn in Quesnel

In Quesnel, the median household income sits at $67,000, while the median after-tax household income is $61,600.

Median household income

$67,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$61,600/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.

Quesnel income by age

Young adults in Quesnel between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,200, 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 $39,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $51,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $55,600, followed by $42,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $31,400.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	19,200
25 - 34	39,600
35 - 44	51,600
45 - 54	55,600
55 - 64	42,800
Over 65	31,400

Employment in Quesnel

Workforce and job sectors in Quesnel

In Quesnel, 4,440 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.5%. 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

4,440

Unemployment rate

10.5%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	35	0.8%
Business, finance and administration	480	11.1%
Natural and applied sciences	175	4.1%
Health	350	8.1%
Education, law, community and government services	625	14.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	75	1.7%
Sales and service	1,165	27%
Trades and transport	890	20.6%
Natural resources and agriculture	175	4.1%
Manufacturing and utilities	345	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 Quesnel

How people get around in Quesnel

In Quesnel, the average commute is 13 minutes. About 91.6% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1% rely on public transit and 6.2% walk or bike. The remaining 1.2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

13 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 71.7%
15 to 29 minutes: 19.5%
30 to 44 minutes: 3.2%
45 to 59 minutes: 2.2%
More than 60 minutes: 3.4%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	2,645	71.7%
15 to 29 minutes	720	19.5%
30 to 44 minutes	120	3.2%
45 to 59 minutes	80	2.2%
More than 60 minutes	125	3.4%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	3,380	91.6%
By public transit	35	1%
By bicycle/by walking	230	6.2%
By other methods	45	1.2%

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 Quesnel demographics

What is the current total population in Quesnel?

Quesnel has a population of 9,889, 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 Quesnel?

Quesnel has a population density of 279.8 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Quesnel?

Quesnel has the following gender distribution:

48.9% males (4,835 residents)
51.1% females (5,055 residents)

What is the age distribution of Quesnel residents?

The age distribution of Quesnel residents is as follows:

Under 15: 15.4% (1,520 residents)
15-24: 11.3% (1,120 residents)
25-34: 11.9% (1,175 residents)
35-44: 10.8% (1,070 residents)
45-54: 12.4% (1,225 residents)
55-64: 15.4% (1,520 residents)
Over 64: 22.8% (2,260 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Quesnel?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Quesnel:

90.8% non-immigrants (8,795 residents)
8.3% immigrants (805 residents)
0.9% non-permanent residents (85 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Quesnel?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Quesnel:

English: 98.8%
French: 0.7%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

What is the typical household size in Quesnel?

The typical household size in Quesnel is 2.2 people.

What is the median household income in Quesnel?

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

What is the educational attainment level of Quesnel residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Quesnel is as follows:

No diploma: 23.9% (1,955 residents)
High school diploma: 34% (2,780 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 9.4% (770 residents)
College diploma: 17.7% (1,445 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2.9% (235 residents)
University degree: 12.1% (985 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Quesnel?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.7%
Business, finance and administration: 11.1%
Education, law, community and government services: 14.5%
Health: 8.1%
Management: 0.8%
Manufacturing and utilities: 8%
Natural and applied sciences: 4.1%
Natural resources and agriculture: 4.1%
Sales and service: 27%
Trades and transport: 20.6%

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

Quesnel, BC demographics:population, income, and more