Total population

4,148

-0.5 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$112,000/yr

Private dwellings

2,183

Sparwood population

How many people live in Sparwood

Sparwood is home to 4,148 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 51.6% identify as male and 48.4% as female.

Total population

4,148

-0.5% year-over-year change

Population density

21.7/km2

Gender ratio

Male

51.6%

2,140

Female

48.4%

2,005

	Value	Percent
Male	2,140	51.6%
Female	2,005	48.4%

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 Sparwood is 38.9. Children under 15 make up 20% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 15% are 25 to 34, 15.7% are 35 to 44, and 12.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 14.1%.

Average age

38.9

Age breakdown

Under 15: 20%
15 to 24: 9.2%
25 to 34: 15%
35 to 44: 15.7%
45 to 54: 12.2%
55 to 64: 13.9%
Over 65: 14.1%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	830	20%
15 to 24	380	9.2%
25 to 34	620	15%
35 to 44	650	15.7%
45 to 54	505	12.2%
55 to 64	575	13.9%
Over 65	585	14.1%

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 Sparwood, 93.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 6.3% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 93.3%
Immigrants: 6.3%
Non-permanent residents: 0.5%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	3,870	93.3%
Immigrants	260	6.3%
Non-permanent residents	20	0.5%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 4%
Non-minorities: 96%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	165	4%
Non-minorities	3,985	96%

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 Sparwood

English: 98.7%
French: 1.1%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0%

	Value	Percent
English	4,100	98.7%
French	45	1.1%
English and French	10	0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.7% of people in Sparwood speak English as their primary language, 1.1% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% 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 Sparwood

A peek inside Sparwood households

Sparwood has 1,815 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 31.7% of all homes, while 35.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 20.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

1,815

Average people per household

2.3

1 person: 31.7%
2 persons: 35.3%
3 persons: 12.7%
4 persons: 14.9%
5 or more persons: 5.5%

	Value	Percent
1 person	575	31.7%
2 persons	640	35.3%
3 persons	230	12.7%
4 persons	270	14.9%
5 or more persons	100	5.5%

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 Sparwood

The housing landscape of Sparwood

Sparwood has a total of 2,183 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Sparwood offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 58% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 30.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

2,183

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 55.2%
Attached homes: 26.9%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 17.9%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	1,005	55.2%
Attached homes	490	26.9%
Movable homes	325	17.9%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 58%
4 or more bedrooms: 30.5%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	215	12%
2 or 3 bedrooms	1,050	58%
4 or more bedrooms	555	30.5%

Homes built since 2011

235

The age of buildings in Sparwood

About 2.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 4.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 14.2% went up in the 1960s, 33.4% in the 1970s, and 15.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.7% of homes were added, and 9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	40	2.2%
Between 1946 and 1960	90	4.9%
Between 1961 and 1970	260	14.2%
Between 1971 and 1980	610	33.4%
Between 1981 and 1990	285	15.6%
Between 1991 and 2000	140	7.7%
Between 2001 and 2010	165	9%
After 2011	235	12.9%

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.

Sparwood occupancy rates

In Sparwood, there are 1,815 occupied private dwellings, of which 71.6% are owner-occupied and 28.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 368 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

1,815

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 28.4%
Owned households: 71.6%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	515	28.4%
Owned households	1,300	71.6%

Unoccupied dwellings

368

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 Sparwood, homeowners pay a median of $1,200 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,000. About 89.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 10.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,200

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,000

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 89.3%
≥30% on shelter: 10.7%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	1,620	89.3%
≥30% on shelter	195	10.7%

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 Sparwood

Sparwood education at a glance

In Sparwood, educational attainment varies across the community. About 13.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 37.1% have completed high school and 14.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 23.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 10.6% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	445	13.6%
High school diploma	1,210	37.1%
Apprenticeship diploma	470	14.4%
College diploma	760	23.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	35	1.1%
University degree	345	10.6%

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 Sparwood

How much people earn in Sparwood

In Sparwood, the median household income sits at $112,000, while the median after-tax household income is $93,000.

Median household income

$112,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$93,000/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.

Sparwood income by age

Young adults in Sparwood between 15 and 24 have a median income of $21,600, 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 $58,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $83,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $88,000, followed by $60,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $33,200.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	21,600
25 - 34	58,000
35 - 44	83,000
45 - 54	88,000
55 - 64	60,400
Over 65	33,200

Employment in Sparwood

Workforce and job sectors in Sparwood

In Sparwood, 2,320 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.1%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

2,320

Unemployment rate

7.1%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	15	0.7%
Business, finance and administration	275	12.1%
Natural and applied sciences	135	5.9%
Health	105	4.6%
Education, law, community and government services	185	8.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	25	1.1%
Sales and service	475	20.9%
Trades and transport	775	34.1%
Natural resources and agriculture	175	7.7%
Manufacturing and utilities	110	4.8%

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 Sparwood

How people get around in Sparwood

In Sparwood, the average commute is 23 minutes. About 90.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2.8% rely on public transit and 5.3% walk or bike. The remaining 1.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

23 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 46.6%
15 to 29 minutes: 22.2%
30 to 44 minutes: 14.9%
45 to 59 minutes: 6.8%
More than 60 minutes: 9.6%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	925	46.6%
15 to 29 minutes	440	22.2%
30 to 44 minutes	295	14.9%
45 to 59 minutes	135	6.8%
More than 60 minutes	190	9.6%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	1,790	90.2%
By public transit	55	2.8%
By bicycle/by walking	105	5.3%
By other methods	35	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

Nearby locations

Big cities by the numbers

FAQs about Sparwood demographics

What is the current total population in Sparwood?

Sparwood has a population of 4,148, 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 Sparwood?

Sparwood has a population density of 21.7 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Sparwood?

Sparwood has the following gender distribution:

51.6% males (2,140 residents)
48.4% females (2,005 residents)

What is the age distribution of Sparwood residents?

The age distribution of Sparwood residents is as follows:

Under 15: 20% (830 residents)
15-24: 9.2% (380 residents)
25-34: 15% (620 residents)
35-44: 15.7% (650 residents)
45-54: 12.2% (505 residents)
55-64: 13.9% (575 residents)
Over 64: 14.1% (585 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Sparwood?

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

93.3% non-immigrants (3,870 residents)
6.3% immigrants (260 residents)
0.5% non-permanent residents (20 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Sparwood?

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

English: 98.7%
French: 1.1%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0%

What is the typical household size in Sparwood?

The typical household size in Sparwood is 2.3 people.

What is the median household income in Sparwood?

The median household income in Sparwood is $112,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Sparwood residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Sparwood is as follows:

No diploma: 13.6% (445 residents)
High school diploma: 37.1% (1,210 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 14.4% (470 residents)
College diploma: 23.3% (760 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.1% (35 residents)
University degree: 10.6% (345 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Sparwood?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.1%
Business, finance and administration: 12.1%
Education, law, community and government services: 8.1%
Health: 4.6%
Management: 0.7%
Manufacturing and utilities: 4.8%
Natural and applied sciences: 5.9%
Natural resources and agriculture: 7.7%
Sales and service: 20.9%
Trades and transport: 34.1%

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

Sparwood, BC demographics:population, income, and more