Total population

10,847

0.6 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$73,500/yr

Private dwellings

5,738

Sechelt population

How many people live in Sechelt

Sechelt is home to 10,847 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.1% identify as male and 52.9% as female.

Total population

10,847

0.6% year-over-year change

Population density

278/km2

Gender ratio

Male

47.1%

5,110

Female

52.9%

5,735

	Value	Percent
Male	5,110	47.1%
Female	5,735	52.9%

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 Sechelt is 51.6. Children under 15 make up 11.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 6.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 7.5% are 25 to 34, 10.6% are 35 to 44, and 10.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 36.7%.

Average age

51.6

Age breakdown

Under 15: 11.9%
15 to 24: 6.3%
25 to 34: 7.5%
35 to 44: 10.6%
45 to 54: 10.7%
55 to 64: 16.3%
Over 65: 36.7%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	1,290	11.9%
15 to 24	685	6.3%
25 to 34	810	7.5%
35 to 44	1,150	10.6%
45 to 54	1,160	10.7%
55 to 64	1,765	16.3%
Over 65	3,975	36.7%

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 Sechelt, 75.7% of residents were born in Canada, while 22.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 75.7%
Immigrants: 22.7%
Non-permanent residents: 1.6%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	8,035	75.7%
Immigrants	2,410	22.7%
Non-permanent residents	165	1.6%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 12.1%
Non-minorities: 87.9%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	1,280	12.1%
Non-minorities	9,330	87.9%

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 Sechelt

English: 97.8%
French: 1.5%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.6%

	Value	Percent
English	10,460	97.8%
French	160	1.5%
English and French	20	0.2%
Neither English nor French	60	0.6%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.8% of people in Sechelt speak English as their primary language, 1.5% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 0.6% 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 Sechelt

A peek inside Sechelt households

Sechelt has 5,130 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 34.7% of all homes, while 42.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 10.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 12.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

5,130

Average people per household

2.1

1 person: 34.7%
2 persons: 42.4%
3 persons: 10.4%
4 persons: 8.3%
5 or more persons: 4.2%

	Value	Percent
1 person	1,780	34.7%
2 persons	2,175	42.4%
3 persons	535	10.4%
4 persons	425	8.3%
5 or more persons	215	4.2%

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 Sechelt

The housing landscape of Sechelt

Sechelt has a total of 5,738 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 75.3% are single-detached houses, 17% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 2.7% are apartments. When it comes to space, Sechelt offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 69% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 20.7% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

5,738

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 75.3%
Attached homes: 17%
Apartments: 2.7%
Movable homes: 5%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	3,865	75.3%
Attached homes	870	17%
Apartments	140	2.7%
Movable homes	255	5%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 69%
4 or more bedrooms: 20.7%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	530	10%
2 or 3 bedrooms	3,540	69%
4 or more bedrooms	1,060	20.7%

Homes built since 2011

845

The age of buildings in Sechelt

About 2.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 3.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 6.1% went up in the 1960s, 15.8% in the 1970s, and 16.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 20.6% of homes were added, and 18.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	125	2.4%
Between 1946 and 1960	195	3.8%
Between 1961 and 1970	315	6.1%
Between 1971 and 1980	810	15.8%
Between 1981 and 1990	825	16.1%
Between 1991 and 2000	1,055	20.6%
Between 2001 and 2010	965	18.8%
After 2011	845	16.5%

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.

Sechelt occupancy rates

In Sechelt, there are 5,128 occupied private dwellings, of which 80.7% are owner-occupied and 19.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 610 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

5,128

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 19.3%
Owned households: 80.7%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	990	19.3%
Owned households	4,140	80.7%

Unoccupied dwellings

610

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 Sechelt, homeowners pay a median of $860 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,350. About 78% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 22% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$860

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,350

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 78%
≥30% on shelter: 22%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	3,990	78%
≥30% on shelter	1,125	22%

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 Sechelt

Sechelt education at a glance

In Sechelt, educational attainment varies across the community. About 11.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 29.5% have completed high school and 9.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.9% have graduated from college. Finally, 4.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 23.6% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	1,110	11.9%
High school diploma	2,755	29.5%
Apprenticeship diploma	870	9.3%
College diploma	1,950	20.9%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	450	4.8%
University degree	2,205	23.6%

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 Sechelt

How much people earn in Sechelt

In Sechelt, the median household income sits at $73,500, while the median after-tax household income is $66,000.

Median household income

$73,500/year

Median after-tax household income

$66,000/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.

Sechelt income by age

Young adults in Sechelt 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 $41,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $51,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $52,400, followed by $43,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,800.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,800
25 - 34	41,600
35 - 44	51,200
45 - 54	52,400
55 - 64	43,200
Over 65	36,800

Employment in Sechelt

Workforce and job sectors in Sechelt

In Sechelt, 4,855 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.5%. 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

4,855

Unemployment rate

6.5%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	50	1%
Business, finance and administration	665	13.9%
Natural and applied sciences	290	6.1%
Health	430	9%
Education, law, community and government services	520	10.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	260	5.4%
Sales and service	1,425	29.8%
Trades and transport	855	17.9%
Natural resources and agriculture	185	3.9%
Manufacturing and utilities	105	2.2%

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 Sechelt

How people get around in Sechelt

In Sechelt, the average commute is 18 minutes. About 86.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2.3% rely on public transit and 9.1% walk or bike. The remaining 2.3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

18 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 55.8%
15 to 29 minutes: 22.5%
30 to 44 minutes: 12.6%
45 to 59 minutes: 4.3%
More than 60 minutes: 4.8%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	2,020	55.8%
15 to 29 minutes	815	22.5%
30 to 44 minutes	455	12.6%
45 to 59 minutes	155	4.3%
More than 60 minutes	175	4.8%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	3,130	86.2%
By public transit	85	2.3%
By bicycle/by walking	330	9.1%
By other methods	85	2.3%

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 Sechelt demographics

What is the current total population in Sechelt?

Sechelt has a population of 10,847, 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 Sechelt?

Sechelt has a population density of 278 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Sechelt?

Sechelt has the following gender distribution:

47.1% males (5,110 residents)
52.9% females (5,735 residents)

What is the age distribution of Sechelt residents?

The age distribution of Sechelt residents is as follows:

Under 15: 11.9% (1,290 residents)
15-24: 6.3% (685 residents)
25-34: 7.5% (810 residents)
35-44: 10.6% (1,150 residents)
45-54: 10.7% (1,160 residents)
55-64: 16.3% (1,765 residents)
Over 64: 36.7% (3,975 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Sechelt?

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

75.7% non-immigrants (8,035 residents)
22.7% immigrants (2,410 residents)
1.6% non-permanent residents (165 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Sechelt?

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

English: 97.8%
French: 1.5%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.6%

What is the typical household size in Sechelt?

The typical household size in Sechelt is 2.1 people.

What is the median household income in Sechelt?

The median household income in Sechelt is $73,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Sechelt residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Sechelt is as follows:

No diploma: 11.9% (1,110 residents)
High school diploma: 29.5% (2,755 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 9.3% (870 residents)
College diploma: 20.9% (1,950 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 4.8% (450 residents)
University degree: 23.6% (2,205 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Sechelt?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 5.4%
Business, finance and administration: 13.9%
Education, law, community and government services: 10.9%
Health: 9%
Management: 1%
Manufacturing and utilities: 2.2%
Natural and applied sciences: 6.1%
Natural resources and agriculture: 3.9%
Sales and service: 29.8%
Trades and transport: 17.9%

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

Sechelt, BC demographics:population, income, and more