Total population

5,378

0.1 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$85,000/yr

Private dwellings

2,411

Smithers population

How many people live in Smithers

Smithers is home to 5,378 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.3% identify as male and 51.7% as female.

Total population

5,378

0.1% year-over-year change

Population density

352.4/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.3%

2,600

Female

51.7%

2,780

	Value	Percent
Male	2,600	48.3%
Female	2,780	51.7%

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 Smithers is 40.6. Children under 15 make up 18.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.5% are 25 to 34, 14% are 35 to 44, and 11.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 18.3%.

Average age

40.6

Age breakdown

Under 15: 18.2%
15 to 24: 10.9%
25 to 34: 14.5%
35 to 44: 14%
45 to 54: 11.7%
55 to 64: 12.4%
Over 65: 18.3%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	980	18.2%
15 to 24	585	10.9%
25 to 34	780	14.5%
35 to 44	750	14%
45 to 54	630	11.7%
55 to 64	665	12.4%
Over 65	985	18.3%

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 Smithers, 84.5% of residents were born in Canada, while 12.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 84.5%
Immigrants: 12.6%
Non-permanent residents: 2.9%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	4,445	84.5%
Immigrants	665	12.6%
Non-permanent residents	155	2.9%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 10%
Non-minorities: 90%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	525	10%
Non-minorities	4,735	90%

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 Smithers

English: 98.4%
French: 1.1%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.3%

	Value	Percent
English	5,205	98.4%
French	60	1.1%
English and French	10	0.2%
Neither English nor French	15	0.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.4% of people in Smithers speak English as their primary language, 1.1% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% 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 Smithers

A peek inside Smithers households

Smithers has 2,315 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 33.8% of all homes, while 33.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 19.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

2,315

Average people per household

2.3

1 person: 33.8%
2 persons: 33.4%
3 persons: 13.4%
4 persons: 12.4%
5 or more persons: 6.9%

	Value	Percent
1 person	780	33.8%
2 persons	770	33.4%
3 persons	310	13.4%
4 persons	285	12.4%
5 or more persons	160	6.9%

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 Smithers

The housing landscape of Smithers

Smithers has a total of 2,411 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Smithers offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 55% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 33% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

2,411

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 62.6%
Attached homes: 30.9%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 6.5%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	1,450	62.6%
Attached homes	715	30.9%
Movable homes	150	6.5%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 55%
4 or more bedrooms: 33%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	290	12%
2 or 3 bedrooms	1,265	55%
4 or more bedrooms	765	33%

Homes built since 2011

205

The age of buildings in Smithers

About 4.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 11% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.6% went up in the 1960s, 22.7% in the 1970s, and 18% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 15.4% of homes were added, and 6.3% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	95	4.1%
Between 1946 and 1960	255	11%
Between 1961 and 1970	315	13.6%
Between 1971 and 1980	525	22.7%
Between 1981 and 1990	415	18%
Between 1991 and 2000	355	15.4%
Between 2001 and 2010	145	6.3%
After 2011	205	8.9%

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.

Smithers occupancy rates

In Smithers, there are 2,313 occupied private dwellings, of which 70.6% are owner-occupied and 29.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 98 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

2,313

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 29.4%
Owned households: 70.6%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	680	29.4%
Owned households	1,630	70.6%

Unoccupied dwellings

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 Smithers, homeowners pay a median of $950 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,000. About 87.7% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 12.3% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$950

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,000

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 87.7%
≥30% on shelter: 12.3%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	2,030	87.7%
≥30% on shelter	285	12.3%

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 Smithers

Smithers education at a glance

In Smithers, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16.3% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.5% have completed high school and 8.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 23.1% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	700	16.3%
High school diploma	1,350	31.5%
Apprenticeship diploma	370	8.6%
College diploma	765	17.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	110	2.6%
University degree	990	23.1%

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 Smithers

How much people earn in Smithers

In Smithers, the median household income sits at $85,000, while the median after-tax household income is $75,000.

Median household income

$85,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$75,000/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.

Smithers income by age

Young adults in Smithers 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 $50,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $60,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $62,400, followed by $50,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $38,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	19,200
25 - 34	50,400
35 - 44	60,800
45 - 54	62,400
55 - 64	50,000
Over 65	38,000

Employment in Smithers

Workforce and job sectors in Smithers

In Smithers, 3,020 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6%. 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

3,020

Unemployment rate

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	20	0.7%
Business, finance and administration	410	13.8%
Natural and applied sciences	225	7.6%
Health	225	7.6%
Education, law, community and government services	435	14.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	90	3%
Sales and service	800	27%
Trades and transport	595	20.1%
Natural resources and agriculture	85	2.9%
Manufacturing and utilities	75	2.5%

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 Smithers

How people get around in Smithers

In Smithers, the average commute is 12 minutes. About 71.5% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1% rely on public transit and 26% walk or bike. The remaining 1.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

12 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 78.9%
15 to 29 minutes: 13.4%
30 to 44 minutes: 3.2%
45 to 59 minutes: 1%
More than 60 minutes: 3.5%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	1,940	78.9%
15 to 29 minutes	330	13.4%
30 to 44 minutes	80	3.2%
45 to 59 minutes	25	1%
More than 60 minutes	85	3.5%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	1,760	71.5%
By public transit	25	1%
By bicycle/by walking	640	26%
By other methods	35	1.4%

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 Smithers demographics

What is the current total population in Smithers?

Smithers has a population of 5,378, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.1% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Smithers?

Smithers has a population density of 352.4 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Smithers?

Smithers has the following gender distribution:

48.3% males (2,600 residents)
51.7% females (2,780 residents)

What is the age distribution of Smithers residents?

The age distribution of Smithers residents is as follows:

Under 15: 18.2% (980 residents)
15-24: 10.9% (585 residents)
25-34: 14.5% (780 residents)
35-44: 14% (750 residents)
45-54: 11.7% (630 residents)
55-64: 12.4% (665 residents)
Over 64: 18.3% (985 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Smithers?

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

84.5% non-immigrants (4,445 residents)
12.6% immigrants (665 residents)
2.9% non-permanent residents (155 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Smithers?

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

English: 98.4%
French: 1.1%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.3%

What is the typical household size in Smithers?

The typical household size in Smithers is 2.3 people.

What is the median household income in Smithers?

The median household income in Smithers is $85,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Smithers residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Smithers is as follows:

No diploma: 16.3% (700 residents)
High school diploma: 31.5% (1,350 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 8.6% (370 residents)
College diploma: 17.8% (765 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2.6% (110 residents)
University degree: 23.1% (990 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Smithers?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3%
Business, finance and administration: 13.8%
Education, law, community and government services: 14.7%
Health: 7.6%
Management: 0.7%
Manufacturing and utilities: 2.5%
Natural and applied sciences: 7.6%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.9%
Sales and service: 27%
Trades and transport: 20.1%

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

Smithers, BC demographics:population, income, and more