Vernon, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
44,519
2.4 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,500/yr
Private dwellings
21,287

Vernon population

How many people live in Vernon

Vernon is home to 44,519 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.6% identify as male and 52.4% as female.

Total population
44,519
2.4% year-over-year change
Population density
461.7/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
21,210
Female
52.4%
23,310
Value Percent
Male 21,210 47.6%
Female 23,310 52.4%
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 Vernon is 47.2. Children under 15 make up 13.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.3% are 25 to 34, 11.5% are 35 to 44, and 11.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 28.1%.

Average age
47.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.6%
15 to 24
9%
25 to 34
11.3%
35 to 44
11.5%
45 to 54
11.1%
55 to 64
15.4%
Over 65
28.1%
Value Percent
Under 15 6,030 13.6%
15 to 24 4,030 9%
25 to 34 5,025 11.3%
35 to 44 5,110 11.5%
45 to 54 4,955 11.1%
55 to 64 6,845 15.4%
Over 65 12,515 28.1%
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 Vernon, 86.5% of residents were born in Canada, while 12.4% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
86.5%
Immigrants
12.4%
Non-permanent residents
1.1%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 37,300 86.5%
Immigrants 5,345 12.4%
Non-permanent residents 470 1.1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
8%
Non-minorities
92%
Value Percent
Minorities 3,465 8%
Non-minorities 39,645 92%
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 Vernon
English
98.4%
French
1%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.4%
Value Percent
English 43,035 98.4%
French 460 1%
English and French 55 0.1%
Neither English nor French 180 0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.4% of people in Vernon speak English as their primary language, 1% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.4% 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 Vernon

A peek inside Vernon households

Vernon has 19,795 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 33.6% of all homes, while 38.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.5%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
19,795
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
33.6%
2 persons
38.7%
3 persons
12.5%
4 persons
9.6%
5 or more persons
5.5%
Value Percent
1 person 6,645 33.6%
2 persons 7,665 38.7%
3 persons 2,480 12.5%
4 persons 1,905 9.6%
5 or more persons 1,090 5.5%
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 Vernon

The housing landscape of Vernon

Vernon has a total of 21,287 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 47.6% are single-detached houses, 50.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 1.8% are apartments. When it comes to space, Vernon offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 59% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 26.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
21,287
Housing types
Single-detached homes
47.6%
Attached homes
50.2%
Apartments
1.8%
Movable homes
0.4%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 9,415 47.6%
Attached homes 9,925 50.2%
Apartments 345 1.8%
Movable homes 85 0.4%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
14%
2 or 3 bedrooms
59%
4 or more bedrooms
26.5%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 2,885 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms 11,650 59%
4 or more bedrooms 5,250 26.5%
Homes built since 2011
2,700

The age of buildings in Vernon

About 4.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 7.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 9.5% went up in the 1960s, 22.2% in the 1970s, and 11.7% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 18.2% of homes were added, and 13.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 850 4.3%
Between 1946 and 1960 1,460 7.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 1,880 9.5%
Between 1971 and 1980 4,400 22.2%
Between 1981 and 1990 2,310 11.7%
Between 1991 and 2000 3,595 18.2%
Between 2001 and 2010 2,600 13.1%
After 2011 2,700 13.6%
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.

Vernon occupancy rates

In Vernon, there are 19,776 occupied private dwellings, of which 66% are owner-occupied and 34% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,511 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
19,776
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
34%
Owned households
66%
Value Percent
Rented households 6,725 34%
Owned households 13,065 66%
Unoccupied dwellings
1,511
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 Vernon, homeowners pay a median of $1,060 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,170. About 75.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 24.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,060
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,170
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
75.6%
≥30% on shelter
24.4%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 14,925 75.6%
≥30% on shelter 4,810 24.4%
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 Vernon

Vernon education at a glance

In Vernon, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.4% have completed high school and 10.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17.4% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 5,790 15.6%
High school diploma 11,655 31.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 3,805 10.3%
College diploma 8,140 22%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 1,230 3.3%
University degree 6,465 17.4%
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 Vernon

How much people earn in Vernon

In Vernon, the median household income sits at $73,500, while the median after-tax household income is $66,500.

Median household income
$73,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$66,500/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.

Vernon income by age

Young adults in Vernon between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,600, 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 $40,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $52,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $52,800, followed by $42,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,600
25 - 34 40,800
35 - 44 52,000
45 - 54 52,800
55 - 64 42,800
Over 65 34,400

Employment in Vernon

Workforce and job sectors in Vernon

In Vernon, 20,930 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
20,930
Unemployment rate
8.2%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 185 0.9%
Business, finance and administration 2,805 13.7%
Natural and applied sciences 1,155 5.6%
Health 1,965 9.6%
Education, law, community and government services 2,065 10%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 555 2.7%
Sales and service 6,505 31.7%
Trades and transport 3,925 19.1%
Natural resources and agriculture 555 2.7%
Manufacturing and utilities 825 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 Vernon

How people get around in Vernon

In Vernon, the average commute is 18 minutes. About 87.7% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.4% rely on public transit and 8.5% walk or bike. The remaining 2.3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
18 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
51.4%
15 to 29 minutes
29.4%
30 to 44 minutes
10.8%
45 to 59 minutes
4.4%
More than 60 minutes
4%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 8,515 51.4%
15 to 29 minutes 4,860 29.4%
30 to 44 minutes 1,795 10.8%
45 to 59 minutes 735 4.4%
More than 60 minutes 655 4%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 14,520 87.7%
By public transit 240 1.4%
By bicycle/by walking 1,410 8.5%
By other methods 380 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 Vernon demographics 

What is the current total population in Vernon?

Vernon has a population of 44,519, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.4% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Vernon?  

Vernon has a population density of 461.7 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Vernon?

Vernon has the following gender distribution:
  • 47.6% males (21,210 residents)  
  • 52.4% females (23,310 residents)

What is the age distribution of Vernon residents?  

The age distribution of Vernon residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 13.6% (6,030 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9% (4,030 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.3% (5,025 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.5% (5,110 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.1% (4,955 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.4% (6,845 residents)   
  • Over 64: 28.1% (12,515 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Vernon? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Vernon: 
  • 86.5% non-immigrants (37,300 residents)  
  • 12.4% immigrants (5,345 residents)  
  • 1.1% non-permanent residents (470 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Vernon?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Vernon: 
  • English: 98.4% 
  • French: 1% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.4% 

What is the typical household size in Vernon?  

The typical household size in Vernon is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Vernon?  

The median household income in Vernon is $73,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Vernon residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Vernon is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 15.6% (5,790 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 31.4% (11,655 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.3% (3,805 residents) 
  • College diploma: 22% (8,140 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.3% (1,230 residents) 
  • University degree: 17.4% (6,465 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Vernon?  

The most common occupations in Vernon fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.7% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13.7% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 10% 
  • Health: 9.6% 
  • Management: 0.9% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.7% 
  • Sales and service: 31.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 19.1% 

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