White Rock, BC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
21,939
2.2 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,000/yr
Private dwellings
11,541

White Rock population

How many people live in White Rock

White Rock is home to 21,939 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 45.4% identify as male and 54.6% as female.

Total population
21,939
2.2% year-over-year change
Population density
4,240.6/km2
Gender ratio
Male
45.4%
9,970
Female
54.6%
11,965
Value Percent
Male 9,970 45.4%
Female 11,965 54.6%
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 White Rock is 53.3. Children under 15 make up 9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 7.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 7.8% are 25 to 34, 8.9% are 35 to 44, and 12.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 17.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 37.3%.

Average age
53.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
9%
15 to 24
7.4%
25 to 34
7.8%
35 to 44
8.9%
45 to 54
12.2%
55 to 64
17.4%
Over 65
37.3%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,980 9%
15 to 24 1,625 7.4%
25 to 34 1,715 7.8%
35 to 44 1,945 8.9%
45 to 54 2,675 12.2%
55 to 64 3,810 17.4%
Over 65 8,185 37.3%
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 White Rock, 69.7% of residents were born in Canada, while 29% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
69.7%
Immigrants
29%
Non-permanent residents
1.4%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 14,440 69.7%
Immigrants 6,005 29%
Non-permanent residents 280 1.4%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
23.7%
Non-minorities
76.3%
Value Percent
Minorities 4,910 23.7%
Non-minorities 15,820 76.3%
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 White Rock
English
96.6%
French
1.3%
English and French
0.3%
Neither English nor French
1.8%
Value Percent
English 20,140 96.6%
French 270 1.3%
English and French 60 0.3%
Neither English nor French 380 1.8%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.6% of people in White Rock speak English as their primary language, 1.3% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% are bilingual, and 1.8% 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 White Rock

A peek inside White Rock households

White Rock has 10,735 households, with an average of 1.9 people living in each. One-person households make up 44.4% of all homes, while 35.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 9.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 11% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
10,735
Average people per household
1.9
1 person
44.4%
2 persons
35.4%
3 persons
9.2%
4 persons
6.9%
5 or more persons
4.1%
Value Percent
1 person 4,765 44.4%
2 persons 3,805 35.4%
3 persons 990 9.2%
4 persons 740 6.9%
5 or more persons 440 4.1%
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 White Rock

The housing landscape of White Rock

White Rock has a total of 11,541 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 24% are single-detached houses, 61.3% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 14.7% are apartments. When it comes to space, White Rock offers a variety of home sizes: 24% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 59% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 17% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
11,541
Housing types
Single-detached homes
24%
Attached homes
61.3%
Apartments
14.7%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 2,575 24%
Attached homes 6,575 61.3%
Apartments 1,575 14.7%
Movable homes 5 0%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
24%
2 or 3 bedrooms
59%
4 or more bedrooms
17%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 2,575 24%
2 or 3 bedrooms 6,330 59%
4 or more bedrooms 1,825 17%
Homes built since 2011
1,695

The age of buildings in White Rock

About 3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 10.5% went up in the 1960s, 19.6% in the 1970s, and 19% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 15.1% of homes were added, and 10.9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 325 3%
Between 1946 and 1960 650 6%
Between 1961 and 1970 1,125 10.5%
Between 1971 and 1980 2,110 19.6%
Between 1981 and 1990 2,045 19%
Between 1991 and 2000 1,625 15.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,170 10.9%
After 2011 1,695 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.

White Rock occupancy rates

In White Rock, there are 10,735 occupied private dwellings, of which 64.8% are owner-occupied and 35.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 806 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
10,735
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
35.2%
Owned households
64.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 3,775 35.2%
Owned households 6,955 64.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
806
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 White Rock, homeowners pay a median of $1,160 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,360. About 67.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 32.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,160
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,360
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
67.6%
≥30% on shelter
32.4%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 7,225 67.6%
≥30% on shelter 3,460 32.4%
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 White Rock

White Rock education at a glance

In White Rock, educational attainment varies across the community. About 9.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.3% have completed high school and 8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 4.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 29.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,825 9.7%
High school diploma 5,675 30.3%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,490 8%
College diploma 3,450 18.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 770 4.1%
University degree 5,540 29.6%
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 White Rock

How much people earn in White Rock

In White Rock, the median household income sits at $73,000, while the median after-tax household income is $65,000.

Median household income
$73,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$65,000/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.

White Rock income by age

Young adults in White Rock between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,200, 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 $41,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $54,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $58,400, followed by $51,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $41,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,200
25 - 34 41,600
35 - 44 54,000
45 - 54 58,400
55 - 64 51,600
Over 65 41,200

Employment in White Rock

Workforce and job sectors in White Rock

In White Rock, 10,015 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
10,015
Unemployment rate
8%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 295 3%
Business, finance and administration 1,925 19.6%
Natural and applied sciences 680 6.9%
Health 700 7.1%
Education, law, community and government services 1,340 13.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 520 5.3%
Sales and service 2,415 24.6%
Trades and transport 1,640 16.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 105 1.1%
Manufacturing and utilities 205 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 White Rock

How people get around in White Rock

In White Rock, the average commute is 28 minutes. About 83.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 5.7% rely on public transit and 8.3% walk or bike. The remaining 2.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
28 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
27.2%
15 to 29 minutes
24.6%
30 to 44 minutes
27.8%
45 to 59 minutes
11.7%
More than 60 minutes
8.7%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,840 27.2%
15 to 29 minutes 1,660 24.6%
30 to 44 minutes 1,880 27.8%
45 to 59 minutes 790 11.7%
More than 60 minutes 590 8.7%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 5,630 83.4%
By public transit 385 5.7%
By bicycle/by walking 560 8.3%
By other methods 180 2.7%
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 White Rock demographics 

What is the current total population in White Rock?

White Rock has a population of 21,939, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.2% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of White Rock?  

White Rock has a population density of 4,240.6 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in White Rock?

White Rock has the following gender distribution:
  • 45.4% males (9,970 residents)  
  • 54.6% females (11,965 residents)

What is the age distribution of White Rock residents?  

The age distribution of White Rock residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 9% (1,980 residents)   
  • 15-24: 7.4% (1,625 residents)   
  • 25-34: 7.8% (1,715 residents)   
  • 35-44: 8.9% (1,945 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.2% (2,675 residents)   
  • 55-64: 17.4% (3,810 residents)   
  • Over 64: 37.3% (8,185 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in White Rock? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in White Rock: 
  • 69.7% non-immigrants (14,440 residents)  
  • 29% immigrants (6,005 residents)  
  • 1.4% non-permanent residents (280 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in White Rock?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in White Rock: 
  • English: 96.6% 
  • French: 1.3% 
  • English and French: 0.3% 
  • Neither English nor French: 1.8% 

What is the typical household size in White Rock?  

The typical household size in White Rock is 1.9 people. 

What is the median household income in White Rock?  

The median household income in White Rock is $73,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of White Rock residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in White Rock is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 9.7% (1,825 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 30.3% (5,675 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 8% (1,490 residents) 
  • College diploma: 18.4% (3,450 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 4.1% (770 residents) 
  • University degree: 29.6% (5,540 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in White Rock?  

The most common occupations in White Rock fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 5.3% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 19.6% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 13.6% 
  • Health: 7.1% 
  • Management: 3% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.1% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.9% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.1% 
  • Sales and service: 24.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 16.7% 

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