Salmon Arm, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
19,432
-0.0 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$75,000/yr
Private dwellings
8,517

Salmon Arm population

How many people live in Salmon Arm

Salmon Arm is home to 19,432 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.4% identify as male and 52.6% as female.

Total population
19,432
-0.0% year-over-year change
Population density
125.2/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
9,215
Female
52.6%
10,215
Value Percent
Male 9,215 47.4%
Female 10,215 52.6%
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 Salmon Arm is 47.9. Children under 15 make up 14.5% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.1% are 25 to 34, 10.6% are 35 to 44, and 10.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 30.4%.

Average age
47.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.5%
15 to 24
9%
25 to 34
9.1%
35 to 44
10.6%
45 to 54
10.8%
55 to 64
15.5%
Over 65
30.4%
Value Percent
Under 15 2,815 14.5%
15 to 24 1,760 9%
25 to 34 1,775 9.1%
35 to 44 2,055 10.6%
45 to 54 2,105 10.8%
55 to 64 3,020 15.5%
Over 65 5,910 30.4%
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 Salmon Arm, 89.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 10.2% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.7% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
89.2%
Immigrants
10.2%
Non-permanent residents
0.7%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 16,600 89.2%
Immigrants 1,895 10.2%
Non-permanent residents 125 0.7%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
5.5%
Non-minorities
94.5%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,020 5.5%
Non-minorities 17,595 94.5%
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 Salmon Arm
English
98.7%
French
0.9%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.3%
Value Percent
English 18,850 98.7%
French 165 0.9%
English and French 20 0.1%
Neither English nor French 55 0.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.7% of people in Salmon Arm speak English as their primary language, 0.9% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.3% 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 Salmon Arm

A peek inside Salmon Arm households

Salmon Arm has 8,105 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 29.4% of all homes, while 39.8% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13%, and homes with four or more people account for 17.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
8,105
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
29.4%
2 persons
39.8%
3 persons
13%
4 persons
11%
5 or more persons
6.8%
Value Percent
1 person 2,380 29.4%
2 persons 3,225 39.8%
3 persons 1,055 13%
4 persons 890 11%
5 or more persons 550 6.8%
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 Salmon Arm

The housing landscape of Salmon Arm

Salmon Arm has a total of 8,517 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 62.3% are single-detached houses, 32.6% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.1% are apartments. When it comes to space, Salmon Arm offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 57% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 33.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
8,517
Housing types
Single-detached homes
62.3%
Attached homes
32.6%
Apartments
0.1%
Movable homes
5.1%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 5,055 62.3%
Attached homes 2,640 32.6%
Apartments 5 0.1%
Movable homes 410 5.1%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
10%
2 or 3 bedrooms
57%
4 or more bedrooms
33.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 770 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms 4,590 57%
4 or more bedrooms 2,735 33.8%
Homes built since 2011
1,185

The age of buildings in Salmon Arm

About 4.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 5.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 8.8% went up in the 1960s, 19.3% in the 1970s, and 12.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 20.5% of homes were added, and 13.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 385 4.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 470 5.8%
Between 1961 and 1970 710 8.8%
Between 1971 and 1980 1,565 19.3%
Between 1981 and 1990 1,025 12.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 1,665 20.5%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,100 13.6%
After 2011 1,185 14.6%
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.

Salmon Arm occupancy rates

In Salmon Arm, there are 8,106 occupied private dwellings, of which 77.7% are owner-occupied and 22.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 411 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
8,106
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
22.3%
Owned households
77.7%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,810 22.3%
Owned households 6,300 77.7%
Unoccupied dwellings
411
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 Salmon Arm, homeowners pay a median of $830 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,010. About 81.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 18.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$830
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,010
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
81.9%
≥30% on shelter
18.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 6,530 81.9%
≥30% on shelter 1,440 18.1%
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 Salmon Arm

Salmon Arm education at a glance

In Salmon Arm, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 29.6% have completed high school and 10.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 18.7% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 2,455 15.5%
High school diploma 4,680 29.6%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,625 10.3%
College diploma 3,605 22.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 495 3.1%
University degree 2,955 18.7%
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 Salmon Arm

How much people earn in Salmon Arm

In Salmon Arm, the median household income sits at $75,000, while the median after-tax household income is $68,000.

Median household income
$75,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$68,000/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.

Salmon Arm income by age

Young adults in Salmon Arm between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,200, 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 $40,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $53,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $55,200, followed by $42,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $33,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 16,200
25 - 34 40,800
35 - 44 53,200
45 - 54 55,200
55 - 64 42,800
Over 65 33,600

Employment in Salmon Arm

Workforce and job sectors in Salmon Arm

In Salmon Arm, 9,000 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.9%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
9,000
Unemployment rate
7.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 90 1%
Business, finance and administration 1,260 14.2%
Natural and applied sciences 515 5.8%
Health 850 9.6%
Education, law, community and government services 1,030 11.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 280 3.2%
Sales and service 2,340 26.4%
Trades and transport 1,680 18.9%
Natural resources and agriculture 470 5.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 365 4.1%
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 Salmon Arm

How people get around in Salmon Arm

In Salmon Arm, the average commute is 16 minutes. About 88.6% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.9% rely on public transit and 8.6% walk or bike. The remaining 1.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
16 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
63.9%
15 to 29 minutes
21%
30 to 44 minutes
6.7%
45 to 59 minutes
3.5%
More than 60 minutes
4.8%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 4,545 63.9%
15 to 29 minutes 1,495 21%
30 to 44 minutes 475 6.7%
45 to 59 minutes 250 3.5%
More than 60 minutes 345 4.8%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 6,300 88.6%
By public transit 65 0.9%
By bicycle/by walking 615 8.6%
By other methods 130 1.8%
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

FAQs about Salmon Arm demographics 

What is the current total population in Salmon Arm?

Salmon Arm has a population of 19,432, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -0.0% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Salmon Arm?  

Salmon Arm has a population density of 125.2 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Salmon Arm?

Salmon Arm has the following gender distribution:
  • 47.4% males (9,215 residents)  
  • 52.6% females (10,215 residents)

What is the age distribution of Salmon Arm residents?  

The age distribution of Salmon Arm residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.5% (2,815 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9% (1,760 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9.1% (1,775 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.6% (2,055 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.8% (2,105 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.5% (3,020 residents)   
  • Over 64: 30.4% (5,910 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Salmon Arm? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Salmon Arm: 
  • 89.2% non-immigrants (16,600 residents)  
  • 10.2% immigrants (1,895 residents)  
  • 0.7% non-permanent residents (125 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Salmon Arm?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Salmon Arm: 
  • English: 98.7% 
  • French: 0.9% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.3% 

What is the typical household size in Salmon Arm?  

The typical household size in Salmon Arm is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Salmon Arm?  

The median household income in Salmon Arm is $75,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Salmon Arm residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Salmon Arm is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 15.5% (2,455 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 29.6% (4,680 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.3% (1,625 residents) 
  • College diploma: 22.8% (3,605 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.1% (495 residents) 
  • University degree: 18.7% (2,955 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Salmon Arm?  

The most common occupations in Salmon Arm fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.6% 
  • Health: 9.6% 
  • Management: 1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.1% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 5.3% 
  • Sales and service: 26.4% 
  • Trades and transport: 18.9% 

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