Sidney, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,318
0.5 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,000/yr
Private dwellings
6,321

Sidney population

How many people live in Sidney

Sidney is home to 12,318 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 44.8% identify as male and 55.2% as female.

Total population
12,318
0.5% year-over-year change
Population density
2,412.8/km2
Gender ratio
Male
44.8%
5,525
Female
55.2%
6,795
Value Percent
Male 5,525 44.8%
Female 6,795 55.2%
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 Sidney is 56.0. Children under 15 make up 8.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 6.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 7% are 25 to 34, 8.6% are 35 to 44, and 9.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 45%.

Average age
56
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.8%
15 to 24
6.4%
25 to 34
7%
35 to 44
8.6%
45 to 54
9.2%
55 to 64
14.9%
Over 65
45%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,090 8.8%
15 to 24 785 6.4%
25 to 34 865 7%
35 to 44 1,055 8.6%
45 to 54 1,135 9.2%
55 to 64 1,840 14.9%
Over 65 5,545 45%
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 Sidney, 76.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 22.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
76.8%
Immigrants
22.7%
Non-permanent residents
0.5%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 9,045 76.8%
Immigrants 2,675 22.7%
Non-permanent residents 60 0.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
8.9%
Non-minorities
91.1%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,045 8.9%
Non-minorities 10,730 91.1%
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 Sidney
English
98.2%
French
1.4%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0.3%
Value Percent
English 11,805 98.2%
French 170 1.4%
English and French 5 0%
Neither English nor French 35 0.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.2% of people in Sidney speak English as their primary language, 1.4% communicate mainly in French, 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 Sidney

A peek inside Sidney households

Sidney has 5,980 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 38.7% of all homes, while 41.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 9.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 10.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
5,980
Average people per household
2
1 person
38.7%
2 persons
41.7%
3 persons
9.4%
4 persons
6.5%
5 or more persons
3.8%
Value Percent
1 person 2,310 38.7%
2 persons 2,490 41.7%
3 persons 560 9.4%
4 persons 390 6.5%
5 or more persons 225 3.8%
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 Sidney

The housing landscape of Sidney

Sidney has a total of 6,321 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 34.8% are single-detached houses, 61.6% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 3.5% are apartments. When it comes to space, Sidney offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 69% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 16.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
6,321
Housing types
Single-detached homes
34.8%
Attached homes
61.6%
Apartments
3.5%
Movable homes
0.1%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 2,080 34.8%
Attached homes 3,685 61.6%
Apartments 210 3.5%
Movable homes 5 0.1%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
14%
2 or 3 bedrooms
69%
4 or more bedrooms
16.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 835 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms 4,140 69%
4 or more bedrooms 1,005 16.8%
Homes built since 2011
715

The age of buildings in Sidney

About 2.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 2.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.8% went up in the 1960s, 26.8% in the 1970s, and 21.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13.4% of homes were added, and 9.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 145 2.4%
Between 1946 and 1960 165 2.8%
Between 1961 and 1970 705 11.8%
Between 1971 and 1980 1,600 26.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 1,285 21.5%
Between 1991 and 2000 800 13.4%
Between 2001 and 2010 565 9.4%
After 2011 715 12%
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.

Sidney occupancy rates

In Sidney, there are 5,981 occupied private dwellings, of which 76.8% are owner-occupied and 23.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 340 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
5,981
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
23.2%
Owned households
76.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,385 23.2%
Owned households 4,595 76.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
340
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 Sidney, homeowners pay a median of $910 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,500. About 78.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 21.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$910
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,500
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
78.3%
≥30% on shelter
21.7%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 4,680 78.3%
≥30% on shelter 1,295 21.7%
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 Sidney

Sidney education at a glance

In Sidney, educational attainment varies across the community. About 9.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 29.1% have completed high school and 9.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 23.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 24.5% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,040 9.7%
High school diploma 3,110 29.1%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,030 9.6%
College diploma 2,490 23.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 405 3.8%
University degree 2,615 24.5%
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 Sidney

How much people earn in Sidney

In Sidney, the median household income sits at $77,000, while the median after-tax household income is $68,500.

Median household income
$77,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$68,500/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.

Sidney income by age

Young adults in Sidney 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 $45,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $57,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $58,400, followed by $50,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $41,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,800
25 - 34 45,600
35 - 44 57,200
45 - 54 58,400
55 - 64 50,000
Over 65 41,200

Employment in Sidney

Workforce and job sectors in Sidney

In Sidney, 5,020 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. 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
5,020
Unemployment rate
4.7%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 55 1.1%
Business, finance and administration 935 18.8%
Natural and applied sciences 365 7.3%
Health 420 8.4%
Education, law, community and government services 550 11.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 140 2.8%
Sales and service 1,420 28.6%
Trades and transport 890 17.9%
Natural resources and agriculture 75 1.5%
Manufacturing and utilities 120 2.4%
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 Sidney

How people get around in Sidney

In Sidney, the average commute is 18 minutes. About 77% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 3.3% rely on public transit and 16.5% walk or bike. The remaining 3.3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
18 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
48.5%
15 to 29 minutes
29.6%
30 to 44 minutes
16.5%
45 to 59 minutes
3.3%
More than 60 minutes
2.1%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,850 48.5%
15 to 29 minutes 1,130 29.6%
30 to 44 minutes 630 16.5%
45 to 59 minutes 125 3.3%
More than 60 minutes 80 2.1%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,945 77%
By public transit 125 3.3%
By bicycle/by walking 630 16.5%
By other methods 125 3.3%
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 Sidney demographics 

What is the current total population in Sidney?

Sidney has a population of 12,318, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.5% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Sidney?  

Sidney has a population density of 2,412.8 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Sidney?

Sidney has the following gender distribution:
  • 44.8% males (5,525 residents)  
  • 55.2% females (6,795 residents)

What is the age distribution of Sidney residents?  

The age distribution of Sidney residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 8.8% (1,090 residents)   
  • 15-24: 6.4% (785 residents)   
  • 25-34: 7% (865 residents)   
  • 35-44: 8.6% (1,055 residents)   
  • 45-54: 9.2% (1,135 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.9% (1,840 residents)   
  • Over 64: 45% (5,545 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Sidney? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Sidney: 
  • 76.8% non-immigrants (9,045 residents)  
  • 22.7% immigrants (2,675 residents)  
  • 0.5% non-permanent residents (60 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Sidney?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Sidney: 
  • English: 98.2% 
  • French: 1.4% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.3% 

What is the typical household size in Sidney?  

The typical household size in Sidney is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Sidney?  

The median household income in Sidney is $77,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Sidney residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Sidney is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 9.7% (1,040 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 29.1% (3,110 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 9.6% (1,030 residents) 
  • College diploma: 23.3% (2,490 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.8% (405 residents) 
  • University degree: 24.5% (2,615 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Sidney?  

The most common occupations in Sidney fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.8% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 18.8% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.1% 
  • Health: 8.4% 
  • Management: 1.1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.4% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 7.3% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.5% 
  • Sales and service: 28.6% 
  • 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