Summerland, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,042
0.0 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$82,000/yr
Private dwellings
5,426

Summerland population

How many people live in Summerland

Summerland is home to 12,042 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.7% identify as male and 52.3% as female.

Total population
12,042
0.0% year-over-year change
Population density
162.6/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
5,745
Female
52.3%
6,295
Value Percent
Male 5,745 47.7%
Female 6,295 52.3%
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 Summerland is 49.2. Children under 15 make up 13% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 7.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 7.8% are 25 to 34, 11.2% are 35 to 44, and 10.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 17.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 31.9%.

Average age
49.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
13%
15 to 24
7.8%
25 to 34
7.8%
35 to 44
11.2%
45 to 54
10.7%
55 to 64
17.6%
Over 65
31.9%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,570 13%
15 to 24 945 7.8%
25 to 34 935 7.8%
35 to 44 1,345 11.2%
45 to 54 1,285 10.7%
55 to 64 2,125 17.6%
Over 65 3,840 31.9%
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 Summerland, 87.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 12.2% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
87.4%
Immigrants
12.2%
Non-permanent residents
0.3%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 10,225 87.4%
Immigrants 1,430 12.2%
Non-permanent residents 40 0.3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
6%
Non-minorities
94%
Value Percent
Minorities 705 6%
Non-minorities 10,995 94%
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 Summerland
English
98.4%
French
1.3%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 11,680 98.4%
French 150 1.3%
English and French 20 0.2%
Neither English nor French 25 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.4% of people in Summerland speak English as their primary language, 1.3% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 0.2% 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 Summerland

A peek inside Summerland households

Summerland has 5,080 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 26.9% of all homes, while 43.5% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 17.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
5,080
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
26.9%
2 persons
43.5%
3 persons
12.2%
4 persons
11.1%
5 or more persons
6.3%
Value Percent
1 person 1,370 26.9%
2 persons 2,210 43.5%
3 persons 620 12.2%
4 persons 565 11.1%
5 or more persons 320 6.3%
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 Summerland

The housing landscape of Summerland

Summerland has a total of 5,426 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 71.4% are single-detached houses, 25.9% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Summerland offers a variety of home sizes: 7% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 61% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 31.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
5,426
Housing types
Single-detached homes
71.4%
Attached homes
25.9%
Apartments
0.3%
Movable homes
2.4%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 3,635 71.4%
Attached homes 1,320 25.9%
Apartments 15 0.3%
Movable homes 120 2.4%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
7%
2 or 3 bedrooms
61%
4 or more bedrooms
31.5%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 370 7%
2 or 3 bedrooms 3,110 61%
4 or more bedrooms 1,600 31.5%
Homes built since 2011
485

The age of buildings in Summerland

About 8.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.7% went up in the 1960s, 19.8% in the 1970s, and 15.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 17% of homes were added, and 7.9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 450 8.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 515 10.1%
Between 1961 and 1970 595 11.7%
Between 1971 and 1980 1,010 19.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 770 15.1%
Between 1991 and 2000 865 17%
Between 2001 and 2010 400 7.9%
After 2011 485 9.5%
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.

Summerland occupancy rates

In Summerland, there are 5,084 occupied private dwellings, of which 82.4% are owner-occupied and 17.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 342 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
5,084
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
17.6%
Owned households
82.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 895 17.6%
Owned households 4,185 82.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
342
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 Summerland, homeowners pay a median of $930 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,270. About 80.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 19.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$930
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,270
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
80.4%
≥30% on shelter
19.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 3,970 80.4%
≥30% on shelter 965 19.6%
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 Summerland

Summerland education at a glance

In Summerland, educational attainment varies across the community. About 13.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 29.6% have completed high school and 9.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22.9% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 20.9% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,360 13.4%
High school diploma 3,000 29.6%
Apprenticeship diploma 970 9.6%
College diploma 2,320 22.9%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 360 3.6%
University degree 2,120 20.9%
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 Summerland

How much people earn in Summerland

In Summerland, the median household income sits at $82,000, while the median after-tax household income is $74,000.

Median household income
$82,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$74,000/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.

Summerland income by age

Young adults in Summerland between 15 and 24 have a median income of $14,300, 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 $40,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $54,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $57,600, followed by $46,000 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 14,300
25 - 34 40,800
35 - 44 54,400
45 - 54 57,600
55 - 64 46,000
Over 65 35,200

Employment in Summerland

Workforce and job sectors in Summerland

In Summerland, 5,455 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.2%. 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
5,455
Unemployment rate
8.2%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 65 1.2%
Business, finance and administration 820 15.2%
Natural and applied sciences 315 5.8%
Health 450 8.4%
Education, law, community and government services 700 13%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 170 3.2%
Sales and service 1,255 23.3%
Trades and transport 1,100 20.4%
Natural resources and agriculture 350 6.5%
Manufacturing and utilities 165 3.1%
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 Summerland

How people get around in Summerland

In Summerland, the average commute is 18 minutes. About 88.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.4% rely on public transit and 8.3% walk or bike. The remaining 3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
18 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
43.5%
15 to 29 minutes
36.7%
30 to 44 minutes
10.7%
45 to 59 minutes
5%
More than 60 minutes
4.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,730 43.5%
15 to 29 minutes 1,460 36.7%
30 to 44 minutes 425 10.7%
45 to 59 minutes 200 5%
More than 60 minutes 165 4.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 3,510 88.3%
By public transit 15 0.4%
By bicycle/by walking 330 8.3%
By other methods 120 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 Summerland demographics 

What is the current total population in Summerland?

Summerland has a population of 12,042, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a 0.0% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Summerland?  

Summerland has a population density of 162.6 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Summerland?

Summerland has the following gender distribution:
  • 47.7% males (5,745 residents)  
  • 52.3% females (6,295 residents)

What is the age distribution of Summerland residents?  

The age distribution of Summerland residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 13% (1,570 residents)   
  • 15-24: 7.8% (945 residents)   
  • 25-34: 7.8% (935 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.2% (1,345 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.7% (1,285 residents)   
  • 55-64: 17.6% (2,125 residents)   
  • Over 64: 31.9% (3,840 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Summerland? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Summerland: 
  • 87.4% non-immigrants (10,225 residents)  
  • 12.2% immigrants (1,430 residents)  
  • 0.3% non-permanent residents (40 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Summerland?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Summerland: 
  • English: 98.4% 
  • French: 1.3% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Summerland?  

The typical household size in Summerland is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Summerland?  

The median household income in Summerland is $82,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Summerland residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Summerland is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 13.4% (1,360 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 29.6% (3,000 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 9.6% (970 residents) 
  • College diploma: 22.9% (2,320 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.6% (360 residents) 
  • University degree: 20.9% (2,120 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Summerland?  

The most common occupations in Summerland fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 15.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 13% 
  • Health: 8.4% 
  • Management: 1.2% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3.1% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 6.5% 
  • Sales and service: 23.3% 
  • Trades and transport: 20.4% 

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