Total population

15,086

1.4 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$90,000/yr

Private dwellings

6,431

Sooke population

How many people live in Sooke

Sooke is home to 15,086 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.1% identify as male and 50.9% as female.

Total population

15,086

1.4% year-over-year change

Population density

266.6/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.1%

7,400

Female

50.9%

7,685

	Value	Percent
Male	7,400	49.1%
Female	7,685	50.9%

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 Sooke is 43.3. Children under 15 make up 15.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.7% are 25 to 34, 14.5% are 35 to 44, and 13.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 20.2%.

Average age

43.3

Age breakdown

Under 15: 15.9%
15 to 24: 9%
25 to 34: 10.7%
35 to 44: 14.5%
45 to 54: 13.8%
55 to 64: 15.9%
Over 65: 20.2%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	2,405	15.9%
15 to 24	1,350	9%
25 to 34	1,615	10.7%
35 to 44	2,185	14.5%
45 to 54	2,075	13.8%
55 to 64	2,400	15.9%
Over 65	3,055	20.2%

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 Sooke, 88% of residents were born in Canada, while 11.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 88%
Immigrants: 11.7%
Non-permanent residents: 0.3%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	13,175	88%
Immigrants	1,750	11.7%
Non-permanent residents	50	0.3%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 5.2%
Non-minorities: 94.8%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	775	5.2%
Non-minorities	14,200	94.8%

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 Sooke

English: 98%
French: 1.9%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0%

	Value	Percent
English	14,695	98%
French	280	1.9%
English and French	20	0.1%
Neither English nor French	5	0%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98% of people in Sooke speak English as their primary language, 1.9% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 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 Sooke

A peek inside Sooke households

Sooke has 6,130 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 24.4% of all homes, while 39.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 20.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

6,130

Average people per household

2.4

1 person: 24.4%
2 persons: 39.2%
3 persons: 15.7%
4 persons: 13.2%
5 or more persons: 7.5%

	Value	Percent
1 person	1,495	24.4%
2 persons	2,400	39.2%
3 persons	960	15.7%
4 persons	810	13.2%
5 or more persons	460	7.5%

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 Sooke

The housing landscape of Sooke

Sooke has a total of 6,431 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 62.3% are single-detached houses, 31.6% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Sooke offers a variety of home sizes: 8% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 64% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 26.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

6,431

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 62.3%
Attached homes: 31.6%
Apartments: 0.3%
Movable homes: 5.8%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	3,820	62.3%
Attached homes	1,940	31.6%
Apartments	20	0.3%
Movable homes	355	5.8%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 8%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 64%
4 or more bedrooms: 26.9%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	525	8%
2 or 3 bedrooms	3,960	64%
4 or more bedrooms	1,650	26.9%

Homes built since 2011

1,545

The age of buildings in Sooke

About 3.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 3.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 6.2% went up in the 1960s, 18.1% in the 1970s, and 12.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.1% of homes were added, and 19.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	220	3.6%
Between 1946 and 1960	220	3.6%
Between 1961 and 1970	380	6.2%
Between 1971 and 1980	1,105	18.1%
Between 1981 and 1990	740	12.1%
Between 1991 and 2000	740	12.1%
Between 2001 and 2010	1,170	19.1%
After 2011	1,545	25.2%

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.

Sooke occupancy rates

In Sooke, there are 6,129 occupied private dwellings, of which 80.3% are owner-occupied and 19.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 302 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

6,129

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 19.7%
Owned households: 80.3%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	1,205	19.7%
Owned households	4,925	80.3%

Unoccupied dwellings

302

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 Sooke, homeowners pay a median of $1,540 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,400. 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

$1,540

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,400

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 78.3%
≥30% on shelter: 21.7%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	4,780	78.3%
≥30% on shelter	1,325	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 Sooke

Sooke education at a glance

In Sooke, educational attainment varies across the community. About 14.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.2% have completed high school and 10.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17.6% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	1,845	14.7%
High school diploma	3,925	31.2%
Apprenticeship diploma	1,365	10.8%
College diploma	2,845	22.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	375	3%
University degree	2,220	17.6%

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 Sooke

How much people earn in Sooke

In Sooke, the median household income sits at $90,000, while the median after-tax household income is $79,500.

Median household income

$90,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$79,500/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.

Sooke income by age

Young adults in Sooke between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,400, 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 $43,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $56,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $57,600, followed by $48,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $35,200.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	18,400
25 - 34	43,600
35 - 44	56,400
45 - 54	57,600
55 - 64	48,800
Over 65	35,200

Employment in Sooke

Workforce and job sectors in Sooke

In Sooke, 7,760 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.7%. 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

7,760

Unemployment rate

6.7%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	85	1.1%
Business, finance and administration	1,120	14.6%
Natural and applied sciences	515	6.7%
Health	525	6.9%
Education, law, community and government services	1,110	14.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	240	3.1%
Sales and service	1,910	25%
Trades and transport	1,800	23.5%
Natural resources and agriculture	185	2.4%
Manufacturing and utilities	165	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 Sooke

How people get around in Sooke

In Sooke, the average commute is 32 minutes. About 88.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 3.7% rely on public transit and 5.4% walk or bike. The remaining 2.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

32 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 26.2%
15 to 29 minutes: 15.1%
30 to 44 minutes: 25.9%
45 to 59 minutes: 19%
More than 60 minutes: 13.8%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	1,495	26.2%
15 to 29 minutes	860	15.1%
30 to 44 minutes	1,480	25.9%
45 to 59 minutes	1,085	19%
More than 60 minutes	785	13.8%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	5,040	88.4%
By public transit	210	3.7%
By bicycle/by walking	305	5.4%
By other methods	145	2.5%

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 Sooke demographics

What is the current total population in Sooke?

Sooke has a population of 15,086, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.4% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Sooke?

Sooke has a population density of 266.6 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Sooke?

Sooke has the following gender distribution:

49.1% males (7,400 residents)
50.9% females (7,685 residents)

What is the age distribution of Sooke residents?

The age distribution of Sooke residents is as follows:

Under 15: 15.9% (2,405 residents)
15-24: 9% (1,350 residents)
25-34: 10.7% (1,615 residents)
35-44: 14.5% (2,185 residents)
45-54: 13.8% (2,075 residents)
55-64: 15.9% (2,400 residents)
Over 64: 20.2% (3,055 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Sooke?

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

88% non-immigrants (13,175 residents)
11.7% immigrants (1,750 residents)
0.3% non-permanent residents (50 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Sooke?

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

English: 98%
French: 1.9%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0%

What is the typical household size in Sooke?

The typical household size in Sooke is 2.4 people.

What is the median household income in Sooke?

The median household income in Sooke is $90,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Sooke residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Sooke is as follows:

No diploma: 14.7% (1,845 residents)
High school diploma: 31.2% (3,925 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 10.8% (1,365 residents)
College diploma: 22.6% (2,845 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3% (375 residents)
University degree: 17.6% (2,220 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Sooke?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.1%
Business, finance and administration: 14.6%
Education, law, community and government services: 14.5%
Health: 6.9%
Management: 1.1%
Manufacturing and utilities: 2.2%
Natural and applied sciences: 6.7%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.4%
Sales and service: 25%
Trades and transport: 23.5%

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

Sooke, BC demographics:population, income, and more