Telkwa, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,474
0.0 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$101,000/yr
Private dwellings
584

Telkwa population

How many people live in Telkwa

Telkwa is home to 1,474 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 53.6% identify as male and 46.4% as female.

Total population
1,474
0.0% year-over-year change
Population density
209.5/km2
Gender ratio
Male
53.6%
790
Female
46.4%
685
Value Percent
Male 790 53.6%
Female 685 46.4%
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 Telkwa is 36.0. Children under 15 make up 23.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.5% are 25 to 34, 15.5% are 35 to 44, and 11.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 11.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 12.8%.

Average age
36
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.9%
15 to 24
10.8%
25 to 34
14.5%
35 to 44
15.5%
45 to 54
11.1%
55 to 64
11.4%
Over 65
12.8%
Value Percent
Under 15 355 23.9%
15 to 24 160 10.8%
25 to 34 215 14.5%
35 to 44 230 15.5%
45 to 54 165 11.1%
55 to 64 170 11.4%
Over 65 190 12.8%
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 Telkwa, 90.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 9.5% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
90.2%
Immigrants
9.5%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 1,330 90.2%
Immigrants 140 9.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
3.4%
Non-minorities
96.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 50 3.4%
Non-minorities 1,425 96.6%
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 Telkwa
English
98.6%
French
1.4%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 1,450 98.6%
French 20 1.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.6% of people in Telkwa speak English as their primary language, 1.4% communicate mainly in French, 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 Telkwa

A peek inside Telkwa households

Telkwa has 560 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 22.1% of all homes, while 36.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15%, and homes with four or more people account for 26.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
560
Average people per household
2.6
1 person
22.1%
2 persons
36.3%
3 persons
15%
4 persons
15.9%
5 or more persons
10.6%
Value Percent
1 person 125 22.1%
2 persons 205 36.3%
3 persons 85 15%
4 persons 90 15.9%
5 or more persons 60 10.6%
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 Telkwa

The housing landscape of Telkwa

Telkwa has a total of 584 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Telkwa offers a variety of home sizes: 5% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 64% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 31% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
584
Housing types
Single-detached homes
86.8%
Attached homes
7.9%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
5.3%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 495 86.8%
Attached homes 45 7.9%
Movable homes 30 5.3%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
5%
2 or 3 bedrooms
64%
4 or more bedrooms
31%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 30 5%
2 or 3 bedrooms 360 64%
4 or more bedrooms 175 31%
Homes built since 2011
80

The age of buildings in Telkwa

About 5.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 13.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 5.4% went up in the 1960s, 16.1% in the 1970s, and 14.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 24.1% of homes were added, and 7.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 30 5.4%
Between 1946 and 1960 75 13.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 30 5.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 90 16.1%
Between 1981 and 1990 80 14.3%
Between 1991 and 2000 135 24.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 40 7.1%
After 2011 80 14.3%
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.

Telkwa occupancy rates

In Telkwa, there are 562 occupied private dwellings, of which 88.4% are owner-occupied and 11.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 22 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
562
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
11.6%
Owned households
88.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 65 11.6%
Owned households 495 88.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
22
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 Telkwa, homeowners pay a median of $1,400 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,230. About 83% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,400
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,230
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
83%
≥30% on shelter
17%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 465 83%
≥30% on shelter 95 17%
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 Telkwa

Telkwa education at a glance

In Telkwa, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 32.1% have completed high school and 15.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 13.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 20.4% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 185 16.7%
High school diploma 355 32.1%
Apprenticeship diploma 175 15.8%
College diploma 150 13.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 15 1.4%
University degree 225 20.4%
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 Telkwa

How much people earn in Telkwa

In Telkwa, the median household income sits at $101,000, while the median after-tax household income is $88,000.

Median household income
$101,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$88,000/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.

Telkwa income by age

Young adults in Telkwa 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 $53,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $60,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $63,600, followed by $49,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,000
25 - 34 53,600
35 - 44 60,400
45 - 54 63,600
55 - 64 49,600
Over 65 34,000

Employment in Telkwa

Workforce and job sectors in Telkwa

In Telkwa, 745 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 5.4%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, education, law, community and government services, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
745
Unemployment rate
5.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 15 2%
Business, finance and administration 105 14.4%
Natural and applied sciences 35 4.8%
Health 70 9.6%
Education, law, community and government services 110 15.1%
Sales and service 95 13%
Trades and transport 235 32.2%
Natural resources and agriculture 30 4.1%
Manufacturing and utilities 35 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 Telkwa

How people get around in Telkwa

In Telkwa, the average commute is 31 minutes. About 94.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 3.3% rely on public transit and 2.5% walk or bike.

Average commute time
31 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
25.8%
15 to 29 minutes
48.4%
30 to 44 minutes
8.9%
45 to 59 minutes
6.4%
More than 60 minutes
10.5%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 160 25.8%
15 to 29 minutes 300 48.4%
30 to 44 minutes 55 8.9%
45 to 59 minutes 40 6.4%
More than 60 minutes 65 10.5%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 575 94.3%
By public transit 20 3.3%
By bicycle/by walking 15 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 Telkwa demographics 

What is the current total population in Telkwa?

Telkwa has a population of 1,474, 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 Telkwa?  

Telkwa has a population density of 209.5 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Telkwa?

Telkwa has the following gender distribution:
  • 53.6% males (790 residents)  
  • 46.4% females (685 residents)

What is the age distribution of Telkwa residents?  

The age distribution of Telkwa residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 23.9% (355 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.8% (160 residents)   
  • 25-34: 14.5% (215 residents)   
  • 35-44: 15.5% (230 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.1% (165 residents)   
  • 55-64: 11.4% (170 residents)   
  • Over 64: 12.8% (190 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Telkwa? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Telkwa: 
  • 90.2% non-immigrants (1,330 residents)  
  • 9.5% immigrants (140 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Telkwa?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Telkwa: 
  • English: 98.6% 
  • French: 1.4% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Telkwa?  

The typical household size in Telkwa is 2.6 people. 

What is the median household income in Telkwa?  

The median household income in Telkwa is $101,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Telkwa residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Telkwa is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 16.7% (185 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 32.1% (355 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 15.8% (175 residents) 
  • College diploma: 13.6% (150 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.4% (15 residents) 
  • University degree: 20.4% (225 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Telkwa?  

The most common occupations in Telkwa fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 0% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.4% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 15.1% 
  • Health: 9.6% 
  • Management: 2% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 4.1% 
  • Sales and service: 13% 
  • Trades and transport: 32.2% 

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