West Vancouver, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
44,122
2.6 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$104,000/yr
Private dwellings
18,795

West Vancouver population

How many people live in West Vancouver

West Vancouver is home to 44,122 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 46.8% identify as male and 53.2% as female.

Total population
44,122
2.6% year-over-year change
Population density
506.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
46.8%
20,625
Female
53.2%
23,495
Value Percent
Male 20,625 46.8%
Female 23,495 53.2%
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 West Vancouver is 47.6. Children under 15 make up 14% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 6.4% are 25 to 34, 9.8% are 35 to 44, and 14.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.7% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 28.5%.

Average age
47.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
14%
15 to 24
11.9%
25 to 34
6.4%
35 to 44
9.8%
45 to 54
14.7%
55 to 64
14.7%
Over 65
28.5%
Value Percent
Under 15 6,160 14%
15 to 24 5,245 11.9%
25 to 34 2,825 6.4%
35 to 44 4,340 9.8%
45 to 54 6,490 14.7%
55 to 64 6,500 14.7%
Over 65 12,575 28.5%
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 West Vancouver, 50.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 45.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 3.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
50.8%
Immigrants
45.7%
Non-permanent residents
3.5%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 22,040 50.8%
Immigrants 19,810 45.7%
Non-permanent residents 1,530 3.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
43.3%
Non-minorities
56.7%
Value Percent
Minorities 18,765 43.3%
Non-minorities 24,620 56.7%
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 West Vancouver
English
94.3%
French
1.1%
English and French
1%
Neither English nor French
3.6%
Value Percent
English 41,070 94.3%
French 465 1.1%
English and French 445 1%
Neither English nor French 1,585 3.6%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 94.3% of people in West Vancouver speak English as their primary language, 1.1% communicate mainly in French, 1% are bilingual, and 3.6% 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 West Vancouver

A peek inside West Vancouver households

West Vancouver has 17,690 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 28% of all homes, while 33.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 23% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
17,690
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
28%
2 persons
33.2%
3 persons
15.8%
4 persons
15.3%
5 or more persons
7.7%
Value Percent
1 person 4,955 28%
2 persons 5,880 33.2%
3 persons 2,785 15.8%
4 persons 2,700 15.3%
5 or more persons 1,365 7.7%
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 West Vancouver

The housing landscape of West Vancouver

West Vancouver has a total of 18,795 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 55.6% are single-detached houses, 22.8% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 21.5% are apartments. When it comes to space, West Vancouver offers a variety of home sizes: 17% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 42% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 41.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
18,795
Housing types
Single-detached homes
55.6%
Attached homes
22.8%
Apartments
21.5%
Movable homes
0.1%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 9,835 55.6%
Attached homes 4,045 22.8%
Apartments 3,810 21.5%
Movable homes 10 0.1%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
17%
2 or 3 bedrooms
42%
4 or more bedrooms
41.1%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 2,935 17%
2 or 3 bedrooms 7,480 42%
4 or more bedrooms 7,275 41.1%
Homes built since 2011
1,875

The age of buildings in West Vancouver

About 7.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 14% between 1946 and 1960. Another 18.2% went up in the 1960s, 14.5% in the 1970s, and 14.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.4% of homes were added, and 9.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,250 7.1%
Between 1946 and 1960 2,475 14%
Between 1961 and 1970 3,225 18.2%
Between 1971 and 1980 2,570 14.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 2,555 14.4%
Between 1991 and 2000 2,015 11.4%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,730 9.8%
After 2011 1,875 10.6%
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.

West Vancouver occupancy rates

In West Vancouver, there are 17,690 occupied private dwellings, of which 70.9% are owner-occupied and 29.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,105 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
17,690
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
29.1%
Owned households
70.9%
Value Percent
Rented households 5,155 29.1%
Owned households 12,535 70.9%
Unoccupied dwellings
1,105
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 West Vancouver, homeowners pay a median of $1,800 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $2,060. About 60.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 39.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,800
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$2,060
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
60.4%
≥30% on shelter
39.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 10,620 60.4%
≥30% on shelter 6,970 39.6%
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 West Vancouver

West Vancouver education at a glance

In West Vancouver, educational attainment varies across the community. About 7.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 23.1% have completed high school and 3.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 11.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 4.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 50.1% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 2,855 7.7%
High school diploma 8,605 23.1%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,275 3.4%
College diploma 4,215 11.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 1,635 4.4%
University degree 18,635 50.1%
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 West Vancouver

How much people earn in West Vancouver

In West Vancouver, the median household income sits at $104,000, while the median after-tax household income is $90,000.

Median household income
$104,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$90,000/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.

West Vancouver income by age

Young adults in West Vancouver between 15 and 24 have a median income of $10,800, 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 $34,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $47,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $55,200, followed by $59,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $55,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 10,800
25 - 34 34,000
35 - 44 47,200
45 - 54 55,200
55 - 64 59,600
Over 65 55,200

Employment in West Vancouver

Workforce and job sectors in West Vancouver

In West Vancouver, 19,485 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.4%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, business, finance and administration, sales and service, 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
19,485
Unemployment rate
9.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 1,240 6.6%
Business, finance and administration 4,530 24%
Natural and applied sciences 1,835 9.7%
Health 1,455 7.7%
Education, law, community and government services 2,275 12%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 1,470 7.8%
Sales and service 4,355 23%
Trades and transport 1,350 7.1%
Natural resources and agriculture 180 1%
Manufacturing and utilities 210 1.1%
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 West Vancouver

How people get around in West Vancouver

In West Vancouver, the average commute is 23 minutes. About 79.8% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 7% rely on public transit and 9.4% walk or bike. The remaining 3.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
23 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
27.5%
15 to 29 minutes
39.8%
30 to 44 minutes
20.2%
45 to 59 minutes
7.6%
More than 60 minutes
4.9%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,810 27.5%
15 to 29 minutes 4,070 39.8%
30 to 44 minutes 2,060 20.2%
45 to 59 minutes 775 7.6%
More than 60 minutes 505 4.9%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 8,135 79.8%
By public transit 710 7%
By bicycle/by walking 960 9.4%
By other methods 395 3.9%
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 West Vancouver demographics 

What is the current total population in West Vancouver?

West Vancouver has a population of 44,122, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.6% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of West Vancouver?  

West Vancouver has a population density of 506.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in West Vancouver?

West Vancouver has the following gender distribution:
  • 46.8% males (20,625 residents)  
  • 53.2% females (23,495 residents)

What is the age distribution of West Vancouver residents?  

The age distribution of West Vancouver residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14% (6,160 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.9% (5,245 residents)   
  • 25-34: 6.4% (2,825 residents)   
  • 35-44: 9.8% (4,340 residents)   
  • 45-54: 14.7% (6,490 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.7% (6,500 residents)   
  • Over 64: 28.5% (12,575 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in West Vancouver? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in West Vancouver: 
  • 50.8% non-immigrants (22,040 residents)  
  • 45.7% immigrants (19,810 residents)  
  • 3.5% non-permanent residents (1,530 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in West Vancouver?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in West Vancouver: 
  • English: 94.3% 
  • French: 1.1% 
  • English and French: 1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 3.6% 

What is the typical household size in West Vancouver?  

The typical household size in West Vancouver is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in West Vancouver?  

The median household income in West Vancouver is $104,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of West Vancouver residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in West Vancouver is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 7.7% (2,855 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 23.1% (8,605 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 3.4% (1,275 residents) 
  • College diploma: 11.3% (4,215 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 4.4% (1,635 residents) 
  • University degree: 50.1% (18,635 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in West Vancouver?  

The most common occupations in West Vancouver fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 7.8% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 24% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 12% 
  • Health: 7.7% 
  • Management: 6.6% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 1.1% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 9.7% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1% 
  • Sales and service: 23% 
  • Trades and transport: 7.1% 

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