Whistler, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,982
-2.7 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$99,000/yr
Private dwellings
10,065

Whistler population

How many people live in Whistler

Whistler is home to 13,982 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 53.7% identify as male and 46.3% as female.

Total population
13,982
-2.7% year-over-year change
Population density
58.3/km2
Gender ratio
Male
53.7%
7,510
Female
46.3%
6,470
Value Percent
Male 7,510 53.7%
Female 6,470 46.3%
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 Whistler is 37.9. Children under 15 make up 11.1% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.6%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 24.6% are 25 to 34, 17.9% are 35 to 44, and 13.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 10.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 9.1%.

Average age
37.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.1%
15 to 24
12.6%
25 to 34
24.6%
35 to 44
17.9%
45 to 54
13.7%
55 to 64
10.9%
Over 65
9.1%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,555 11.1%
15 to 24 1,765 12.6%
25 to 34 3,435 24.6%
35 to 44 2,505 17.9%
45 to 54 1,920 13.7%
55 to 64 1,525 10.9%
Over 65 1,265 9.1%
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 Whistler, 64.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 24.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 10.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
64.9%
Immigrants
24.7%
Non-permanent residents
10.4%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 8,710 64.9%
Immigrants 3,320 24.7%
Non-permanent residents 1,395 10.4%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
12.8%
Non-minorities
87.2%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,715 12.8%
Non-minorities 11,715 87.2%
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 Whistler
English
94.7%
French
4.4%
English and French
0.4%
Neither English nor French
0.5%
Value Percent
English 13,245 94.7%
French 615 4.4%
English and French 60 0.4%
Neither English nor French 65 0.5%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 94.7% of people in Whistler speak English as their primary language, 4.4% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% are bilingual, and 0.5% 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 Whistler

A peek inside Whistler households

Whistler has 5,600 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 29% of all homes, while 35.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 20.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
5,600
Average people per household
2.4
1 person
29%
2 persons
35.2%
3 persons
15.6%
4 persons
12.8%
5 or more persons
7.4%
Value Percent
1 person 1,620 29%
2 persons 1,970 35.2%
3 persons 875 15.6%
4 persons 715 12.8%
5 or more persons 415 7.4%
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 Whistler

The housing landscape of Whistler

Whistler has a total of 10,065 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 29.6% are single-detached houses, 70% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Whistler offers a variety of home sizes: 25% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 51% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 24.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
10,065
Housing types
Single-detached homes
29.6%
Attached homes
70%
Apartments
0.3%
Movable homes
0.1%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,660 29.6%
Attached homes 3,925 70%
Apartments 15 0.3%
Movable homes 5 0.1%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
25%
2 or 3 bedrooms
51%
4 or more bedrooms
24.2%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 1,405 25%
2 or 3 bedrooms 2,835 51%
4 or more bedrooms 1,355 24.2%
Homes built since 2011
590

The age of buildings in Whistler

About 0.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 0.5% between 1946 and 1960. Another 4.4% went up in the 1960s, 16.1% in the 1970s, and 23.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 25.4% of homes were added, and 19.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 10 0.2%
Between 1946 and 1960 30 0.5%
Between 1961 and 1970 245 4.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 900 16.1%
Between 1981 and 1990 1,330 23.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 1,425 25.4%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,070 19.1%
After 2011 590 10.5%
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.

Whistler occupancy rates

In Whistler, there are 5,597 occupied private dwellings, of which 56.1% are owner-occupied and 43.9% are rented. Meanwhile, 4,468 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
5,597
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
43.9%
Owned households
56.1%
Value Percent
Rented households 2,455 43.9%
Owned households 3,140 56.1%
Unoccupied dwellings
4,468
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 Whistler, homeowners pay a median of $1,720 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,780. About 65.7% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 34.3% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,720
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,780
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
65.7%
≥30% on shelter
34.3%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 3,665 65.7%
≥30% on shelter 1,910 34.3%
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 Whistler

Whistler education at a glance

In Whistler, educational attainment varies across the community. About 4.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 28.5% have completed high school and 8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17% have graduated from college. Finally, 4.2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 37.7% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 535 4.5%
High school diploma 3,390 28.5%
Apprenticeship diploma 955 8%
College diploma 2,025 17%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 495 4.2%
University degree 4,485 37.7%
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 Whistler

How much people earn in Whistler

In Whistler, the median household income sits at $99,000, while the median after-tax household income is $86,000.

Median household income
$99,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$86,000/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.

Whistler income by age

Young adults in Whistler between 15 and 24 have a median income of $21,200, 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 $52,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $58,800, followed by $55,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $57,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 21,200
25 - 34 40,800
35 - 44 52,400
45 - 54 58,800
55 - 64 55,200
Over 65 57,200

Employment in Whistler

Workforce and job sectors in Whistler

In Whistler, 9,625 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 17.5%. 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
9,625
Unemployment rate
17.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 165 1.7%
Business, finance and administration 1,405 14.7%
Natural and applied sciences 580 6.1%
Health 340 3.6%
Education, law, community and government services 640 6.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 585 6.1%
Sales and service 3,940 41.3%
Trades and transport 1,535 16.1%
Natural resources and agriculture 250 2.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 100 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 Whistler

How people get around in Whistler

In Whistler, the average commute is 16 minutes. About 67.8% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 10.6% rely on public transit and 18.8% walk or bike. The remaining 2.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
16 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
56.5%
15 to 29 minutes
31.1%
30 to 44 minutes
6.7%
45 to 59 minutes
2.4%
More than 60 minutes
3.3%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 3,455 56.5%
15 to 29 minutes 1,900 31.1%
30 to 44 minutes 410 6.7%
45 to 59 minutes 150 2.4%
More than 60 minutes 200 3.3%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 4,140 67.8%
By public transit 645 10.6%
By bicycle/by walking 1,150 18.8%
By other methods 175 2.9%
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 Whistler demographics 

What is the current total population in Whistler?

Whistler has a population of 13,982, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -2.7% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Whistler?  

Whistler has a population density of 58.3 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Whistler?

Whistler has the following gender distribution:
  • 53.7% males (7,510 residents)  
  • 46.3% females (6,470 residents)

What is the age distribution of Whistler residents?  

The age distribution of Whistler residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 11.1% (1,555 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12.6% (1,765 residents)   
  • 25-34: 24.6% (3,435 residents)   
  • 35-44: 17.9% (2,505 residents)   
  • 45-54: 13.7% (1,920 residents)   
  • 55-64: 10.9% (1,525 residents)   
  • Over 64: 9.1% (1,265 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Whistler? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Whistler: 
  • 64.9% non-immigrants (8,710 residents)  
  • 24.7% immigrants (3,320 residents)  
  • 10.4% non-permanent residents (1,395 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Whistler?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Whistler: 
  • English: 94.7% 
  • French: 4.4% 
  • English and French: 0.4% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.5% 

What is the typical household size in Whistler?  

The typical household size in Whistler is 2.4 people. 

What is the median household income in Whistler?  

The median household income in Whistler is $99,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Whistler residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Whistler is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 4.5% (535 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 28.5% (3,390 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 8% (955 residents) 
  • College diploma: 17% (2,025 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 4.2% (495 residents) 
  • University degree: 37.7% (4,485 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Whistler?  

The most common occupations in Whistler fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 6.1% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.7% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 6.7% 
  • Health: 3.6% 
  • Management: 1.7% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 1% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.1% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.6% 
  • Sales and service: 41.3% 
  • Trades and transport: 16.1% 

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