Total population

23,819

5.6 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$111,000/yr

Private dwellings

9,906

Squamish population

How many people live in Squamish

Squamish is home to 23,819 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.6% identify as male and 49.4% as female.

Total population

23,819

5.6% year-over-year change

Population density

227.5/km2

Gender ratio

Male

50.6%

12,040

Female

49.4%

11,780

	Value	Percent
Male	12,040	50.6%
Female	11,780	49.4%

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 Squamish is 37.9. Children under 15 make up 18.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 16.8% are 25 to 34, 20.4% are 35 to 44, and 14.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 9.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 11.8%.

Average age

37.9

Age breakdown

Under 15: 18.7%
15 to 24: 8.4%
25 to 34: 16.8%
35 to 44: 20.4%
45 to 54: 14.5%
55 to 64: 9.3%
Over 65: 11.8%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	4,450	18.7%
15 to 24	2,005	8.4%
25 to 34	4,010	16.8%
35 to 44	4,860	20.4%
45 to 54	3,455	14.5%
55 to 64	2,220	9.3%
Over 65	2,815	11.8%

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 Squamish, 76.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 20.2% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 76.9%
Immigrants: 20.2%
Non-permanent residents: 2.9%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	18,100	76.9%
Immigrants	4,765	20.2%
Non-permanent residents	685	2.9%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 15.3%
Non-minorities: 84.7%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	3,595	15.3%
Non-minorities	19,950	84.7%

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 Squamish

English: 95.5%
French: 3.2%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 0.9%

	Value	Percent
English	22,655	95.5%
French	755	3.2%
English and French	85	0.4%
Neither English nor French	220	0.9%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 95.5% of people in Squamish speak English as their primary language, 3.2% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% are bilingual, and 0.9% 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 Squamish

A peek inside Squamish households

Squamish has 9,185 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 23.6% of all homes, while 33.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 17.9%, and homes with four or more people account for 24.9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

9,185

Average people per household

2.6

1 person: 23.6%
2 persons: 33.6%
3 persons: 17.9%
4 persons: 17.1%
5 or more persons: 7.8%

	Value	Percent
1 person	2,175	23.6%
2 persons	3,085	33.6%
3 persons	1,645	17.9%
4 persons	1,570	17.1%
5 or more persons	720	7.8%

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 Squamish

The housing landscape of Squamish

Squamish has a total of 9,906 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 40.6% are single-detached houses, 48.7% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 6.8% are apartments. When it comes to space, Squamish offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 60% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 25.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

9,906

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 40.6%
Attached homes: 48.7%
Apartments: 6.8%
Movable homes: 3.9%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	3,730	40.6%
Attached homes	4,480	48.7%
Apartments	630	6.8%
Movable homes	355	3.9%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 60%
4 or more bedrooms: 25.6%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	1,305	14%
2 or 3 bedrooms	5,530	60%
4 or more bedrooms	2,355	25.6%

Homes built since 2011

2,325

The age of buildings in Squamish

About 1.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 2.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 8.8% went up in the 1960s, 21% in the 1970s, and 9.7% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 14.8% of homes were added, and 16.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	125	1.4%
Between 1946 and 1960	240	2.6%
Between 1961 and 1970	815	8.8%
Between 1971 and 1980	1,935	21%
Between 1981 and 1990	895	9.7%
Between 1991 and 2000	1,360	14.8%
Between 2001 and 2010	1,515	16.4%
After 2011	2,325	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.

Squamish occupancy rates

In Squamish, there are 9,191 occupied private dwellings, of which 70.1% are owner-occupied and 29.9% are rented. Meanwhile, 715 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

9,191

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 29.9%
Owned households: 70.1%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	2,750	29.9%
Owned households	6,435	70.1%

Unoccupied dwellings

715

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 Squamish, homeowners pay a median of $2,140 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,840. About 74.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 25.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$2,140

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,840

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 74.6%
≥30% on shelter: 25.4%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	6,830	74.6%
≥30% on shelter	2,325	25.4%

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 Squamish

Squamish education at a glance

In Squamish, educational attainment varies across the community. About 8.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 26.5% have completed high school and 8.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 16.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 4.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 34.7% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	1,675	8.8%
High school diploma	5,055	26.5%
Apprenticeship diploma	1,680	8.8%
College diploma	3,210	16.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	855	4.5%
University degree	6,625	34.7%

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 Squamish

How much people earn in Squamish

In Squamish, the median household income sits at $111,000, while the median after-tax household income is $96,000.

Median household income

$111,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$96,000/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.

Squamish income by age

Young adults in Squamish between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,000, 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 $66,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $66,000, followed by $53,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $40,400.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,000
25 - 34	50,400
35 - 44	66,000
45 - 54	66,000
55 - 64	53,200
Over 65	40,400

Employment in Squamish

Workforce and job sectors in Squamish

In Squamish, 14,685 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.8%. 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

14,685

Unemployment rate

6.8%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	260	1.8%
Business, finance and administration	2,195	15.1%
Natural and applied sciences	1,305	9%
Health	1,160	8%
Education, law, community and government services	1,540	10.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	835	5.7%
Sales and service	3,755	25.8%
Trades and transport	2,880	19.8%
Natural resources and agriculture	325	2.2%
Manufacturing and utilities	285	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 Squamish

How people get around in Squamish

In Squamish, the average commute is 25 minutes. About 85.1% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.9% rely on public transit and 9.9% walk or bike. The remaining 3.1% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

25 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 47.8%
15 to 29 minutes: 17.4%
30 to 44 minutes: 7.9%
45 to 59 minutes: 13.4%
More than 60 minutes: 13.4%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	4,735	47.8%
15 to 29 minutes	1,725	17.4%
30 to 44 minutes	780	7.9%
45 to 59 minutes	1,330	13.4%
More than 60 minutes	1,330	13.4%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	8,420	85.1%
By public transit	190	1.9%
By bicycle/by walking	980	9.9%
By other methods	305	3.1%

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 Squamish demographics

What is the current total population in Squamish?

Squamish has a population of 23,819, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +5.6% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Squamish?

Squamish has a population density of 227.5 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Squamish?

Squamish has the following gender distribution:

50.6% males (12,040 residents)
49.4% females (11,780 residents)

What is the age distribution of Squamish residents?

The age distribution of Squamish residents is as follows:

Under 15: 18.7% (4,450 residents)
15-24: 8.4% (2,005 residents)
25-34: 16.8% (4,010 residents)
35-44: 20.4% (4,860 residents)
45-54: 14.5% (3,455 residents)
55-64: 9.3% (2,220 residents)
Over 64: 11.8% (2,815 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Squamish?

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

76.9% non-immigrants (18,100 residents)
20.2% immigrants (4,765 residents)
2.9% non-permanent residents (685 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Squamish?

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

English: 95.5%
French: 3.2%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 0.9%

What is the typical household size in Squamish?

The typical household size in Squamish is 2.6 people.

What is the median household income in Squamish?

The median household income in Squamish is $111,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Squamish residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Squamish is as follows:

No diploma: 8.8% (1,675 residents)
High school diploma: 26.5% (5,055 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 8.8% (1,680 residents)
College diploma: 16.8% (3,210 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 4.5% (855 residents)
University degree: 34.7% (6,625 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Squamish?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 5.7%
Business, finance and administration: 15.1%
Education, law, community and government services: 10.6%
Health: 8%
Management: 1.8%
Manufacturing and utilities: 2%
Natural and applied sciences: 9%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.2%
Sales and service: 25.8%
Trades and transport: 19.8%

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

Squamish, BC demographics:population, income, and more