Total population

662,248

3.1 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$82,000/yr

Private dwellings

328,347

Vancouver population

How many people live in Vancouver

Vancouver is home to 662,248 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49% identify as male and 51% as female.

Total population

662,248

3.1% year-over-year change

Population density

5,749.9/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49%

324,570

Female

51%

337,675

	Value	Percent
Male	324,570	49%
Female	337,675	51%

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 Vancouver is 42.2. Children under 15 make up 10.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.5%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 20.6% are 25 to 34, 15.5% are 35 to 44, and 13.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 17%.

Average age

42.2

Age breakdown

Under 15: 10.7%
15 to 24: 10.5%
25 to 34: 20.6%
35 to 44: 15.5%
45 to 54: 13.1%
55 to 64: 12.6%
Over 65: 17%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	70,570	10.7%
15 to 24	69,605	10.5%
25 to 34	136,380	20.6%
35 to 44	102,405	15.5%
45 to 54	86,885	13.1%
55 to 64	83,680	12.6%
Over 65	112,720	17%

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 Vancouver, 51.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 42.2% have settled here from abroad. Another 6.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 51.2%
Immigrants: 42.2%
Non-permanent residents: 6.6%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	333,190	51.2%
Immigrants	274,360	42.2%
Non-permanent residents	42,830	6.6%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 54.5%
Non-minorities: 45.5%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	354,615	54.5%
Non-minorities	295,770	45.5%

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 Vancouver

English: 92.1%
French: 1.6%
English and French: 0.6%
Neither English nor French: 5.8%

	Value	Percent
English	602,935	92.1%
French	10,485	1.6%
English and French	3,685	0.6%
Neither English nor French	37,725	5.8%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 92.1% of people in Vancouver speak English as their primary language, 1.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.6% are bilingual, and 5.8% 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 Vancouver

A peek inside Vancouver households

Vancouver has 305,335 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 39.2% of all homes, while 33% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

305,335

Average people per household

2.1

1 person: 39.2%
2 persons: 33%
3 persons: 12.6%
4 persons: 9.5%
5 or more persons: 5.6%

	Value	Percent
1 person	119,805	39.2%
2 persons	100,730	33%
3 persons	38,600	12.6%
4 persons	29,140	9.5%
5 or more persons	17,060	5.6%

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 Vancouver

The housing landscape of Vancouver

Vancouver has a total of 328,347 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 14.7% are single-detached houses, 54.3% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 31% are apartments. When it comes to space, Vancouver offers a variety of home sizes: 41% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 42% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 17.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

328,347

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 14.7%
Attached homes: 54.3%
Apartments: 31%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	44,750	14.7%
Attached homes	165,735	54.3%
Apartments	94,815	31%
Movable homes	20	0%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 41%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 42%
4 or more bedrooms: 17.4%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	124,920	41%
2 or 3 bedrooms	127,380	42%
4 or more bedrooms	53,045	17.4%

Homes built since 2011

48,670

The age of buildings in Vancouver

About 12.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 8.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 10.3% went up in the 1960s, 12.4% in the 1970s, and 11.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 15.4% of homes were added, and 13.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	37,495	12.3%
Between 1946 and 1960	24,725	8.1%
Between 1961 and 1970	31,375	10.3%
Between 1971 and 1980	37,735	12.4%
Between 1981 and 1990	35,995	11.8%
Between 1991 and 2000	47,175	15.4%
Between 2001 and 2010	42,165	13.8%
After 2011	48,670	15.9%

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.

Vancouver occupancy rates

In Vancouver, there are 305,336 occupied private dwellings, of which 45.5% are owner-occupied and 54.5% are rented. Meanwhile, 23,011 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

305,336

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 54.5%
Owned households: 45.5%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	166,490	54.5%
Owned households	138,845	45.5%

Unoccupied dwellings

23,011

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 Vancouver, homeowners pay a median of $1,460 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,570. About 66.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 33.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,460

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,570

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 66.5%
≥30% on shelter: 33.5%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	202,070	66.5%
≥30% on shelter	101,655	33.5%

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 Vancouver

Vancouver education at a glance

In Vancouver, educational attainment varies across the community. About 10.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 23.2% have completed high school and 4.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 13.5% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.7% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 44.9% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	60,930	10.5%
High school diploma	134,790	23.2%
Apprenticeship diploma	24,410	4.2%
College diploma	78,400	13.5%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	21,240	3.7%
University degree	260,240	44.9%

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 Vancouver

How much people earn in Vancouver

In Vancouver, the median household income sits at $82,000, while the median after-tax household income is $72,000.

Median household income

$82,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$72,000/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.

Vancouver income by age

Young adults in Vancouver between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,600, 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 $45,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $58,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $56,000, followed by $43,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $32,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,600
25 - 34	45,600
35 - 44	58,800
45 - 54	56,000
55 - 64	43,600
Over 65	32,000

Employment in Vancouver

Workforce and job sectors in Vancouver

In Vancouver, 394,670 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

394,670

Unemployment rate

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	6,520	1.7%
Business, finance and administration	76,280	19.7%
Natural and applied sciences	43,880	11.4%
Health	29,825	7.7%
Education, law, community and government services	50,680	13.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	32,435	8.4%
Sales and service	95,630	24.7%
Trades and transport	39,750	10.3%
Natural resources and agriculture	3,475	0.9%
Manufacturing and utilities	8,285	2.1%

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 Vancouver

How people get around in Vancouver

In Vancouver, the average commute is 25 minutes. About 56.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 22.9% rely on public transit and 18.4% walk or bike. The remaining 2.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

25 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 20%
15 to 29 minutes: 40.1%
30 to 44 minutes: 26.3%
45 to 59 minutes: 8%
More than 60 minutes: 5.6%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	46,865	20%
15 to 29 minutes	93,750	40.1%
30 to 44 minutes	61,575	26.3%
45 to 59 minutes	18,595	8%
More than 60 minutes	13,175	5.6%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	131,425	56.2%
By public transit	53,515	22.9%
By bicycle/by walking	42,955	18.4%
By other methods	6,060	2.6%

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 Vancouver demographics

What is the current total population in Vancouver?

Vancouver has a population of 662,248, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.1% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Vancouver?

Vancouver has a population density of 5,749.9 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Vancouver?

Vancouver has the following gender distribution:

49% males (324,570 residents)
51% females (337,675 residents)

What is the age distribution of Vancouver residents?

The age distribution of Vancouver residents is as follows:

Under 15: 10.7% (70,570 residents)
15-24: 10.5% (69,605 residents)
25-34: 20.6% (136,380 residents)
35-44: 15.5% (102,405 residents)
45-54: 13.1% (86,885 residents)
55-64: 12.6% (83,680 residents)
Over 64: 17% (112,720 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Vancouver?

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

51.2% non-immigrants (333,190 residents)
42.2% immigrants (274,360 residents)
6.6% non-permanent residents (42,830 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Vancouver?

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

English: 92.1%
French: 1.6%
English and French: 0.6%
Neither English nor French: 5.8%

What is the typical household size in Vancouver?

The typical household size in Vancouver is 2.1 people.

What is the median household income in Vancouver?

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

What is the educational attainment level of Vancouver residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Vancouver is as follows:

No diploma: 10.5% (60,930 residents)
High school diploma: 23.2% (134,790 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 4.2% (24,410 residents)
College diploma: 13.5% (78,400 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.7% (21,240 residents)
University degree: 44.9% (260,240 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Vancouver?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 8.4%
Business, finance and administration: 19.7%
Education, law, community and government services: 13.1%
Health: 7.7%
Management: 1.7%
Manufacturing and utilities: 2.1%
Natural and applied sciences: 11.4%
Natural resources and agriculture: 0.9%
Sales and service: 24.7%
Trades and transport: 10.3%

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

Vancouver, BC demographics:population, income, and more