Total population

117,735

0.6 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$93,000/yr

Private dwellings

50,064

Saanich population

How many people live in Saanich

Saanich is home to 117,735 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.8% identify as male and 51.2% as female.

Total population

117,735

0.6% year-over-year change

Population density

1,136.6/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.8%

57,450

Female

51.2%

60,285

	Value	Percent
Male	57,450	48.8%
Female	60,285	51.2%

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 Saanich is 44.3. Children under 15 make up 12.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 13.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.3% are 25 to 34, 12.3% are 35 to 44, and 12.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 23.1%.

Average age

44.3

Age breakdown

Under 15: 12.9%
15 to 24: 13.2%
25 to 34: 12.3%
35 to 44: 12.3%
45 to 54: 12.4%
55 to 64: 13.9%
Over 65: 23.1%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	15,200	12.9%
15 to 24	15,500	13.2%
25 to 34	14,465	12.3%
35 to 44	14,450	12.3%
45 to 54	14,650	12.4%
55 to 64	16,315	13.9%
Over 65	27,165	23.1%

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 Saanich, 74.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 22.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 3.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 74.2%
Immigrants: 22.5%
Non-permanent residents: 3.2%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	85,745	74.2%
Immigrants	26,045	22.5%
Non-permanent residents	3,720	3.2%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 25%
Non-minorities: 75%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	28,845	25%
Non-minorities	86,660	75%

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 Saanich

English: 97%
French: 1.1%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 1.6%

	Value	Percent
English	112,475	97%
French	1,320	1.1%
English and French	355	0.3%
Neither English nor French	1,820	1.6%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97% of people in Saanich speak English as their primary language, 1.1% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% are bilingual, and 1.6% 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 Saanich

A peek inside Saanich households

Saanich has 48,045 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 27.4% of all homes, while 36.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 20.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

48,045

Average people per household

2.4

1 person: 27.4%
2 persons: 36.9%
3 persons: 15.3%
4 persons: 13.1%
5 or more persons: 7.3%

	Value	Percent
1 person	13,175	27.4%
2 persons	17,710	36.9%
3 persons	7,330	15.3%
4 persons	6,305	13.1%
5 or more persons	3,525	7.3%

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 Saanich

The housing landscape of Saanich

Saanich has a total of 50,064 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 46.6% are single-detached houses, 52.1% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 1.3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Saanich offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 54% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 31.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

50,064

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 46.6%
Attached homes: 52.1%
Apartments: 1.3%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	22,380	46.6%
Attached homes	25,025	52.1%
Apartments	630	1.3%
Movable homes	10	0%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 54%
4 or more bedrooms: 31.8%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	6,640	14%
2 or 3 bedrooms	26,125	54%
4 or more bedrooms	15,285	31.8%

Homes built since 2011

3,175

The age of buildings in Saanich

About 8.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 15.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 12.4% went up in the 1960s, 20% in the 1970s, and 17.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.2% of homes were added, and 7.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	4,140	8.6%
Between 1946 and 1960	7,325	15.2%
Between 1961 and 1970	5,970	12.4%
Between 1971 and 1980	9,630	20%
Between 1981 and 1990	8,300	17.3%
Between 1991 and 2000	5,870	12.2%
Between 2001 and 2010	3,625	7.6%
After 2011	3,175	6.6%

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.

Saanich occupancy rates

In Saanich, there are 48,048 occupied private dwellings, of which 69.2% are owner-occupied and 30.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 2,016 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

48,048

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 30.8%
Owned households: 69.2%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	14,775	30.8%
Owned households	33,270	69.2%

Unoccupied dwellings

2,016

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 Saanich, homeowners pay a median of $1,290 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,400. About 76.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 23.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,290

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,400

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 76.5%
≥30% on shelter: 23.5%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	36,530	76.5%
≥30% on shelter	11,245	23.5%

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 Saanich

Saanich education at a glance

In Saanich, educational attainment varies across the community. About 10.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 28.2% have completed high school and 6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 16.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 35.8% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	10,430	10.4%
High school diploma	28,330	28.2%
Apprenticeship diploma	6,035	6%
College diploma	16,385	16.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	3,210	3.2%
University degree	35,920	35.8%

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 Saanich

How much people earn in Saanich

In Saanich, the median household income sits at $93,000, while the median after-tax household income is $83,000.

Median household income

$93,000/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.

Saanich income by age

Young adults in Saanich between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,800, 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 $42,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $60,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $65,000, followed by $54,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $43,200.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,800
25 - 34	42,000
35 - 44	60,400
45 - 54	65,000
55 - 64	54,400
Over 65	43,200

Employment in Saanich

Workforce and job sectors in Saanich

In Saanich, 62,535 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.8%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, 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

62,535

Unemployment rate

6.8%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	820	1.3%
Business, finance and administration	10,710	17.4%
Natural and applied sciences	6,060	9.8%
Health	5,905	9.6%
Education, law, community and government services	9,455	15.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	2,505	4.1%
Sales and service	15,450	25.1%
Trades and transport	8,280	13.5%
Natural resources and agriculture	1,315	2.1%
Manufacturing and utilities	1,005	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 Saanich

How people get around in Saanich

In Saanich, the average commute is 18 minutes. About 77.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 8.8% rely on public transit and 11.4% walk or bike. The remaining 2.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

18 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 32.8%
15 to 29 minutes: 50.1%
30 to 44 minutes: 12.8%
45 to 59 minutes: 2.3%
More than 60 minutes: 2.1%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	13,860	32.8%
15 to 29 minutes	21,215	50.1%
30 to 44 minutes	5,400	12.8%
45 to 59 minutes	955	2.3%
More than 60 minutes	895	2.1%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	32,655	77.2%
By public transit	3,710	8.8%
By bicycle/by walking	4,820	11.4%
By other methods	1,140	2.7%

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.

Find your place

Explore more communities

Nearby locations

Big cities by the numbers

FAQs about Saanich demographics

What is the current total population in Saanich?

Saanich has a population of 117,735, 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 Saanich?

Saanich has a population density of 1,136.6 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Saanich?

Saanich has the following gender distribution:

48.8% males (57,450 residents)
51.2% females (60,285 residents)

What is the age distribution of Saanich residents?

The age distribution of Saanich residents is as follows:

Under 15: 12.9% (15,200 residents)
15-24: 13.2% (15,500 residents)
25-34: 12.3% (14,465 residents)
35-44: 12.3% (14,450 residents)
45-54: 12.4% (14,650 residents)
55-64: 13.9% (16,315 residents)
Over 64: 23.1% (27,165 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Saanich?

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

74.2% non-immigrants (85,745 residents)
22.5% immigrants (26,045 residents)
3.2% non-permanent residents (3,720 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Saanich?

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

English: 97%
French: 1.1%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 1.6%

What is the typical household size in Saanich?

The typical household size in Saanich is 2.4 people.

What is the median household income in Saanich?

The median household income in Saanich is $93,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Saanich residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Saanich is as follows:

No diploma: 10.4% (10,430 residents)
High school diploma: 28.2% (28,330 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 6% (6,035 residents)
College diploma: 16.3% (16,385 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.2% (3,210 residents)
University degree: 35.8% (35,920 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Saanich?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 4.1%
Business, finance and administration: 17.4%
Education, law, community and government services: 15.4%
Health: 9.6%
Management: 1.3%
Manufacturing and utilities: 1.6%
Natural and applied sciences: 9.8%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.1%
Sales and service: 25.1%
Trades and transport: 13.5%

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

Saanich, BC demographics:population, income, and more