Total population

568,322

6.8 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$98,000/yr

Private dwellings

195,098

Surrey population

How many people live in Surrey

Surrey is home to 568,322 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.7% identify as male and 50.3% as female.

Total population

568,322

6.8% year-over-year change

Population density

1,797.9/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.7%

282,350

Female

50.3%

285,970

	Value	Percent
Male	282,350	49.7%
Female	285,970	50.3%

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 Surrey is 39.5. Children under 15 make up 16.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 14.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.4% are 25 to 34, 14.2% are 35 to 44, and 13.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 15.3%.

Average age

39.5

Age breakdown

Under 15: 16.6%
15 to 24: 14.1%
25 to 34: 14.4%
35 to 44: 14.2%
45 to 54: 13.1%
55 to 64: 12.2%
Over 65: 15.3%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	94,060	16.6%
15 to 24	80,260	14.1%
25 to 34	82,135	14.4%
35 to 44	80,390	14.2%
45 to 54	74,700	13.1%
55 to 64	69,590	12.2%
Over 65	87,180	15.3%

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 Surrey, 49.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 44.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 6.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 49.2%
Immigrants: 44.6%
Non-permanent residents: 6.2%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	276,945	49.2%
Immigrants	250,870	44.6%
Non-permanent residents	34,750	6.2%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 67.1%
Non-minorities: 32.9%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	377,235	67.1%
Non-minorities	185,330	32.9%

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 Surrey

English: 92.3%
French: 0.6%
English and French: 0.5%
Neither English nor French: 6.6%

	Value	Percent
English	521,015	92.3%
French	3,185	0.6%
English and French	2,705	0.5%
Neither English nor French	37,335	6.6%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 92.3% of people in Surrey speak English as their primary language, 0.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.5% are bilingual, and 6.6% 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 Surrey

A peek inside Surrey households

Surrey has 185,670 households, with an average of 3.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 19.8% of all homes, while 27.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 17.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 35.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

185,670

Average people per household

1 person: 19.8%
2 persons: 27.3%
3 persons: 17.2%
4 persons: 18.1%
5 or more persons: 17.5%

	Value	Percent
1 person	36,850	19.8%
2 persons	50,710	27.3%
3 persons	31,895	17.2%
4 persons	33,690	18.1%
5 or more persons	32,530	17.5%

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 Surrey

The housing landscape of Surrey

Surrey has a total of 195,098 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 32.8% are single-detached houses, 61.9% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 4.8% are apartments. When it comes to space, Surrey offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 52% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 34.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

195,098

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 32.8%
Attached homes: 61.9%
Apartments: 4.8%
Movable homes: 0.6%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	60,895	32.8%
Attached homes	114,890	61.9%
Apartments	8,835	4.8%
Movable homes	1,055	0.6%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 52%
4 or more bedrooms: 34.4%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	25,120	14%
2 or 3 bedrooms	96,680	52%
4 or more bedrooms	63,875	34.4%

Homes built since 2011

39,920

The age of buildings in Surrey

About 1.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 3.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 4.4% went up in the 1960s, 10.9% in the 1970s, and 17.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 19.6% of homes were added, and 22% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	2,065	1.1%
Between 1946 and 1960	5,925	3.2%
Between 1961 and 1970	8,185	4.4%
Between 1971 and 1980	20,305	10.9%
Between 1981 and 1990	32,090	17.3%
Between 1991 and 2000	36,430	19.6%
Between 2001 and 2010	40,750	22%
After 2011	39,920	21.5%

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.

Surrey occupancy rates

In Surrey, there are 185,671 occupied private dwellings, of which 69.5% are owner-occupied and 30.5% are rented. Meanwhile, 9,427 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

185,671

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 30.5%
Owned households: 69.5%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	56,575	30.5%
Owned households	129,100	69.5%

Unoccupied dwellings

9,427

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 Surrey, homeowners pay a median of $1,820 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,300. About 73.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 26.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,820

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,300

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 73.9%
≥30% on shelter: 26.1%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	136,720	73.9%
≥30% on shelter	48,210	26.1%

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 Surrey

Surrey education at a glance

In Surrey, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.7% have completed high school and 5.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 15% have graduated from college. Finally, 4.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 26.5% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	77,370	16.5%
High school diploma	148,395	31.7%
Apprenticeship diploma	26,895	5.7%
College diploma	70,100	15%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	21,615	4.6%
University degree	124,235	26.5%

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 Surrey

How much people earn in Surrey

In Surrey, the median household income sits at $98,000, while the median after-tax household income is $87,000.

Median household income

$98,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$87,000/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.

Surrey income by age

Young adults in Surrey between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,800, 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 $42,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $51,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $51,600, followed by $43,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $27,200.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	18,800
25 - 34	42,000
35 - 44	51,200
45 - 54	51,600
55 - 64	43,600
Over 65	27,200

Employment in Surrey

Workforce and job sectors in Surrey

In Surrey, 308,190 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.6%. 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

308,190

Unemployment rate

8.6%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	2,415	0.8%
Business, finance and administration	49,520	16.5%
Natural and applied sciences	18,990	6.3%
Health	22,495	7.5%
Education, law, community and government services	28,120	9.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	7,385	2.5%
Sales and service	82,830	27.5%
Trades and transport	68,505	22.8%
Natural resources and agriculture	5,105	1.7%
Manufacturing and utilities	15,365	5.1%

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 Surrey

How people get around in Surrey

In Surrey, the average commute is 30 minutes. About 82.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 13.1% rely on public transit and 2.9% walk or bike. The remaining 1.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

30 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 17.7%
15 to 29 minutes: 32.8%
30 to 44 minutes: 28%
45 to 59 minutes: 10.7%
More than 60 minutes: 10.9%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	41,315	17.7%
15 to 29 minutes	76,465	32.8%
30 to 44 minutes	65,210	28%
45 to 59 minutes	24,875	10.7%
More than 60 minutes	25,400	10.9%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	191,725	82.2%
By public transit	30,485	13.1%
By bicycle/by walking	6,865	2.9%
By other methods	4,180	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.

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FAQs about Surrey demographics

What is the current total population in Surrey?

Surrey has a population of 568,322, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +6.8% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Surrey?

Surrey has a population density of 1,797.9 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Surrey?

Surrey has the following gender distribution:

49.7% males (282,350 residents)
50.3% females (285,970 residents)

What is the age distribution of Surrey residents?

The age distribution of Surrey residents is as follows:

Under 15: 16.6% (94,060 residents)
15-24: 14.1% (80,260 residents)
25-34: 14.4% (82,135 residents)
35-44: 14.2% (80,390 residents)
45-54: 13.1% (74,700 residents)
55-64: 12.2% (69,590 residents)
Over 64: 15.3% (87,180 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Surrey?

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

49.2% non-immigrants (276,945 residents)
44.6% immigrants (250,870 residents)
6.2% non-permanent residents (34,750 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Surrey?

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

English: 92.3%
French: 0.6%
English and French: 0.5%
Neither English nor French: 6.6%

What is the typical household size in Surrey?

The typical household size in Surrey is 3 people.

What is the median household income in Surrey?

The median household income in Surrey is $98,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Surrey residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Surrey is as follows:

No diploma: 16.5% (77,370 residents)
High school diploma: 31.7% (148,395 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 5.7% (26,895 residents)
College diploma: 15% (70,100 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 4.6% (21,615 residents)
University degree: 26.5% (124,235 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Surrey?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.5%
Business, finance and administration: 16.5%
Education, law, community and government services: 9.4%
Health: 7.5%
Management: 0.8%
Manufacturing and utilities: 5.1%
Natural and applied sciences: 6.3%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.7%
Sales and service: 27.5%
Trades and transport: 22.8%

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

Surrey, BC demographics:population, income, and more