British Columbia demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,000,879
3.0 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$85,000/yr
Private dwellings
2,211,694

British Columbia population

How many people live in British Columbia

British Columbia is home to 5,000,879 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.1% identify as male and 50.9% as female.

Total population
5,000,879
3.0% year-over-year change
Population density
5.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.1%
2,457,515
Female
50.9%
2,543,365
Value Percent
Male 2,457,515 49.1%
Female 2,543,365 50.9%
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 British Columbia is 43.1. Children under 15 make up 14.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.9% are 25 to 34, 13.5% are 35 to 44, and 12.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 20.3%.

Average age
43.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.3%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 34
13.9%
35 to 44
13.5%
45 to 54
12.8%
55 to 64
14.2%
Over 65
20.3%
Value Percent
Under 15 716,900 14.3%
15 to 24 548,340 11%
25 to 34 695,675 13.9%
35 to 44 673,090 13.5%
45 to 54 639,040 12.8%
55 to 64 711,475 14.2%
Over 65 1,016,365 20.3%
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 British Columbia, 67.5% of residents were born in Canada, while 29% have settled here from abroad. Another 3.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
67.5%
Immigrants
29%
Non-permanent residents
3.5%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 3,319,230 67.5%
Immigrants 1,425,710 29%
Non-permanent residents 171,000 3.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
34.4%
Non-minorities
65.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,689,490 34.4%
Non-minorities 3,226,450 65.6%
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 British Columbia
English
95.3%
French
1.1%
English and French
0.4%
Neither English nor French
3.2%
Value Percent
English 4,718,195 95.3%
French 56,495 1.1%
English and French 18,145 0.4%
Neither English nor French 158,820 3.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 95.3% of people in British Columbia speak English as their primary language, 1.1% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% are bilingual, and 3.2% 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 British Columbia

A peek inside British Columbia households

British Columbia has 2,041,835 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 29.4% of all homes, while 35.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.5%, and homes with four or more people account for 20.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,041,835
Average people per household
2.4
1 person
29.4%
2 persons
35.3%
3 persons
14.5%
4 persons
12.6%
5 or more persons
8.2%
Value Percent
1 person 600,705 29.4%
2 persons 719,865 35.3%
3 persons 296,200 14.5%
4 persons 256,700 12.6%
5 or more persons 168,355 8.2%
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 British Columbia

The housing landscape of British Columbia

British Columbia has a total of 2,211,694 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 42.4% are single-detached houses, 44.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 10.9% are apartments. When it comes to space, British Columbia offers a variety of home sizes: 19% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 54% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 26.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
2,211,694
Housing types
Single-detached homes
42.4%
Attached homes
44.2%
Apartments
10.9%
Movable homes
2.5%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 866,340 42.4%
Attached homes 902,550 44.2%
Apartments 221,845 10.9%
Movable homes 51,100 2.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
19%
2 or 3 bedrooms
54%
4 or more bedrooms
26.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 384,875 19%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,109,090 54%
4 or more bedrooms 547,870 26.8%
Homes built since 2011
321,695

The age of buildings in British Columbia

About 5.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 9.6% went up in the 1960s, 17.4% in the 1970s, and 14.2% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 16.5% of homes were added, and 14.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 112,495 5.5%
Between 1946 and 1960 143,685 7%
Between 1961 and 1970 196,280 9.6%
Between 1971 and 1980 354,410 17.4%
Between 1981 and 1990 289,940 14.2%
Between 1991 and 2000 336,315 16.5%
Between 2001 and 2010 287,030 14.1%
After 2011 321,695 15.8%
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.

British Columbia occupancy rates

In British Columbia, there are 2,041,834 occupied private dwellings, of which 66.8% are owner-occupied and 32.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 169,860 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,041,834
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
32.8%
Owned households
66.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 669,450 32.8%
Owned households 1,363,190 66.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
169,860
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 British Columbia, homeowners pay a median of $1,320 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,370. About 74.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 25.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,320
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,370
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
74.5%
≥30% on shelter
25.5%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,481,365 74.5%
≥30% on shelter 506,850 25.5%
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 British Columbia

British Columbia education at a glance

In British Columbia, educational attainment varies across the community. About 13.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 29.5% have completed high school and 7.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 28.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 565,665 13.5%
High school diploma 1,238,000 29.5%
Apprenticeship diploma 323,635 7.7%
College diploma 711,810 17%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 161,600 3.8%
University degree 1,199,710 28.6%
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 British Columbia

How much people earn in British Columbia

In British Columbia, the median household income sits at $85,000, while the median after-tax household income is $76,000.

Median household income
$85,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$76,000/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.

British Columbia income by age

Young adults in British Columbia between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,800, 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 $43,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $55,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $55,600, followed by $45,600 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 17,800
25 - 34 43,600
35 - 44 55,200
45 - 54 55,600
55 - 64 45,600
Over 65 34,000

Employment in British Columbia

Workforce and job sectors in British Columbia

In British Columbia, 2,657,275 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.4%. 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
2,657,275
Unemployment rate
8.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 32,255 1.2%
Business, finance and administration 446,160 17.1%
Natural and applied sciences 209,185 8%
Health 199,185 7.6%
Education, law, community and government services 309,360 11.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 110,585 4.2%
Sales and service 666,705 25.6%
Trades and transport 469,450 18%
Natural resources and agriculture 72,075 2.8%
Manufacturing and utilities 88,155 3.4%
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 British Columbia

How people get around in British Columbia

In British Columbia, the average commute is 24 minutes. About 79.9% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 9.3% rely on public transit and 8.4% walk or bike. The remaining 2.3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
24 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
31.8%
15 to 29 minutes
34%
30 to 44 minutes
19.7%
45 to 59 minutes
7.3%
More than 60 minutes
7.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 595,470 31.8%
15 to 29 minutes 637,130 34%
30 to 44 minutes 369,645 19.7%
45 to 59 minutes 137,115 7.3%
More than 60 minutes 134,330 7.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 1,497,765 79.9%
By public transit 174,045 9.3%
By bicycle/by walking 158,340 8.4%
By other methods 43,535 2.3%
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 British Columbia demographics 

What is the current total population in British Columbia?

British Columbia has a population of 5,000,879, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.0% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of British Columbia?  

British Columbia has a population density of 5.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in British Columbia?

British Columbia has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.1% males (2,457,515 residents)  
  • 50.9% females (2,543,365 residents)

What is the age distribution of British Columbia residents?  

The age distribution of British Columbia residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.3% (716,900 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11% (548,340 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13.9% (695,675 residents)   
  • 35-44: 13.5% (673,090 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.8% (639,040 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.2% (711,475 residents)   
  • Over 64: 20.3% (1,016,365 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in British Columbia? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in British Columbia: 
  • 67.5% non-immigrants (3,319,230 residents)  
  • 29% immigrants (1,425,710 residents)  
  • 3.5% non-permanent residents (171,000 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in British Columbia?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in British Columbia: 
  • English: 95.3% 
  • French: 1.1% 
  • English and French: 0.4% 
  • Neither English nor French: 3.2% 

What is the typical household size in British Columbia?  

The typical household size in British Columbia is 2.4 people. 

What is the median household income in British Columbia?  

The median household income in British Columbia is $85,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of British Columbia residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in British Columbia is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 13.5% (565,665 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 29.5% (1,238,000 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.7% (323,635 residents) 
  • College diploma: 17% (711,810 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.8% (161,600 residents) 
  • University degree: 28.6% (1,199,710 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in British Columbia?  

The most common occupations in British Columbia fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 4.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 17.1% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.9% 
  • Health: 7.6% 
  • Management: 1.2% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3.4% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.8% 
  • Sales and service: 25.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 18% 

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