Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Central Saanich has a population of around 17,385 people. The township's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Central Saanich has increased by 3.40%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 16,814 | 17,385 | +3.40% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.67% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Central Saanich's population is projected to reach approximately 17,975 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 436.29 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 17,385 | 17,975 | 436.29 |
This projection is an estimate calculated by CAPopulation from the compound annual growth rate between the 2016 and 2021 censuses. Official 2026 complete census data expected to be released in late 2027.
Population By Genders
The male population of Central Saanich is around 8,400 while the female population is around 8,985.
Of the 17,385 total population in Central Saanich, the largest gender is female with around 8,985 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 8,400 | 8,985 | +6.51% |
Is Central Saanich a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Central Saanich compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against British Columbia, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.
Employment & Economy
Income & Affordability
Commute
Housing Character
Household Composition
Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.
Other Townships Near Central Saanich
- North Saanich (6.9 km)
- Highlands (14.3 km)
- Saanich (15.4 km)
- Esquimalt (18.3 km)
- Oak Bay (20.2 km)
- Metchosin (25.4 km)
- Sooke (32.9 km)
- North Cowichan (33.7 km)
- West Vancouver (84.1 km)
- North Vancouver (84.6 km)
- Lantzville (87.2 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Central Saanich has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 8.40% of the total population. The township median age is 49.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 680 8.10% | 785 8.70% | 13.38% | 1,465 8.40% |
| 65 to 69 years | 665 7.90% | 755 8.40% | 11.92% | 1,420 8.20% |
| 55 to 59 years | 655 7.80% | 665 7.40% | 1.50% | 1,325 7.60% |
| 70 to 74 years | 605 7.20% | 715 8.00% | 15.38% | 1,320 7.60% |
| 50 to 54 years | 505 6.00% | 590 6.60% | 14.41% | 1,090 6.30% |
| 35 to 39 years | 530 6.30% | 555 6.20% | 4.50% | 1,085 6.20% |
| 40 to 44 years | 505 6.00% | 510 5.70% | 0.98% | 1,015 5.80% |
| 45 to 49 years | 485 5.80% | 525 5.80% | 7.62% | 1,010 5.80% |
| 5 to 9 years | 460 5.50% | 425 4.70% | 7.61% | 890 5.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 460 5.50% | 430 4.80% | 6.52% | 890 5.10% |
| 10 to 14 years | 415 4.90% | 430 4.80% | 3.49% | 845 4.90% |
| 75 to 79 years | 415 4.90% | 430 4.80% | 3.49% | 845 4.90% |
| 30 to 34 years | 390 4.60% | 445 5.00% | 12.36% | 835 4.80% |
| 25 to 29 years | 400 4.80% | 355 4.00% | 11.25% | 750 4.30% |
| 20 to 24 years | 355 4.20% | 390 4.30% | 8.97% | 745 4.30% |
| 0 to 4 years | 355 4.20% | 355 4.00% | 0.00% | 710 4.10% |
| 85 years and over | 250 3.00% | 325 3.60% | 23.08% | 575 3.30% |
| 80 to 84 years | 265 3.20% | 295 3.30% | 10.17% | 560 3.20% |
| 85 to 89 years | 150 1.80% | 185 2.10% | 18.92% | 340 2.00% |
| 90 to 94 years | 70 0.80% | 105 1.20% | 33.33% | 180 1.00% |
| 95 to 99 years | 20 0.20% | 30 0.30% | 33.33% | 55 0.30% |
Broader Age Groups
If the township's population is divided into broader age groups, most of the population falls into the 15 to 64 years age group. The group accounts for 58.80% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 27.20% and 14.10%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Central Saanich are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age of the population | 48.40% | 50.80% | 49.60% |
| Average age of the population | 45.90% | 47.40% | 46.70% |
| 65 years and over | 26.30% | 28.00% | 27.20% |
| 0 to 14 years | 14.70% | 13.50% | 14.10% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Central Saanich
Population of Central Saanich by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Central Saanich is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Central Saanich is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the province appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in the province are English, which accounts for 34.62% of the total population, followed by Scottish (25.36%), Irish (18.00%), Canadian (13.02%), and German (12.17%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include British Isles, French, Dutch, Ukrainian, and Norwegian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 34.65% | 34.65% | 34.62% |
| Scottish | 25.06% | 25.71% | 25.36% |
| Irish | 16.85% | 19.03% | 18.00% |
| Canadian | 13.79% | 12.29% | 13.02% |
| German | 11.63% | 12.68% | 12.17% |
| British Isles | 7.55% | 7.53% | 7.54% |
| French | 6.00% | 8.04% | 7.02% |
| Dutch | 5.88% | 6.80% | 6.35% |
| Ukrainian | 5.22% | 5.55% | 5.39% |
| Norwegian | 4.80% | 5.38% | 5.10% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Central Saanich's population profile.
About 16.2% of Central Saanich's population are immigrants (2,780 people).
The top countries of origin for Central Saanich's immigrant population are United Kingdom (920), United States of America (280), India (165), Philippines (160), Germany (150).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 920 |
| United States of America | 280 |
| India | 165 |
| Philippines | 160 |
| Germany | 150 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 3,825 of Central Saanich's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 20.00% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 12.40% of the population. 4 persons, 3 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.15%, 7.10%, and 3.40%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 2,840 | 20.00% |
| 1 person | 1,760 | 12.40% |
| 4 persons | 1,015 | 7.15% |
| 3 persons | 1,010 | 7.10% |
| 5 or more persons | 485 | 3.40% |
Income in Central Saanich
Analyzing income distribution in Central Saanich can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Central Saanich is $49,600.
A region's per capita data sheds light on the average income earned per person living in it. Since per capita income is calculated by dividing the region's total income by its population, it quantifies the population's economic situation on an individual basis.
Such data offers insights into the township's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Central Saanich population or around 2,290 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 1,835 and 1,615 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Central Saanich's median household income is $103,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Central Saanich's median household income is 19,000 dollars above the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the township's economic landscape as well as the living standards of its population.
Analyzing such data enables researchers, policymakers, and businesses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the township's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Central Saanich
This data sheds light on the distribution of Central Saanich residents across educational milestones.
Such information is crucial in shaping the province’s policies on education, workforce development strategies, and initiatives that aim to improve access to quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities.
66.00% or most of the Central Saanich population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 33.90% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, 26.65% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 7.35% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 7,155 | 7,960 | 15,115 | 66.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 3,150 | 4,545 | 7,695 | 33.90% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 3,125 | 3,220 | 6,350 | 26.65% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 955 | 915 | 1,865 | 7.35% |
Above national average 33.9% of Central Saanich's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Central Saanich
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Central Saanich. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Newfoundland and Labrador is at 3.02% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 58.98% |
| Unemployment rate | 3.02% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the township who work as an employee. The majority of Central Saanich's population (around 68.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 960 men and 705 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 1,670.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 960 | 705 | 1,670 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Central Saanich industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Central Saanich is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Central Saanich has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (14%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Public administration sector comes second at 12%, followed by Retail trade at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 245 | 1,045 | 14% |
| Public administration | 510 | 540 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 450 | 515 | 11% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 425 | 375 | 9% |
| Educational services | 245 | 510 | 8% |
| Construction | 660 | 95 | 8% |
| Manufacturing | 405 | 85 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 260 | 190 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 135 | 275 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 190 | 190 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 275 | 100 | 4% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 160 | 135 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 145 | 110 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 65 | 135 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 135 | 60 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 90 | 90 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 90 | 45 | 2% |
| Utilities | 35 | 0 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 15 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 10 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Central Saanich residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Central Saanich: Health care and social assistance (14%), Public administration (12%), -45 Retail trade (11%)
Top occupation categories in Central Saanich: Sales and service occupations (22%), Business, finance and administration occupations (17%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (17%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the township. It provides a snapshot of workplaces, showing their geographic distribution and the flow of workers across different areas.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 2,660 | 2,730 | 5,390 | 62.10% |
| Worked at home | 960 | 1,335 | 2,300 | 26.50% |
| No fixed workplace address | 760 | 235 | 995 | 11.50% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Central Saanich residents travel to school or work. It highlights the frequency of different modes of transportation like walking, cycling, carpooling, and public transit.
The data is pivotal in the making of transportation policies as well as the development of transit systems. Ultimately commuting data contributes to improving the quality of life of Central Saanich residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Central Saanich spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the township's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the township.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 43.70% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 35.10% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 16.30% |
| 60 minutes and over | 2.60% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.30% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Central Saanichshed light on its societal dynamics. It captures the diverse types of marital statuses of the population.
Long-term commitments, such as common-law partnerships, civil unions, and marriages, reflect the township's social fabric. We can gain insights into Central Saanich's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights township's linguistic diversity, showing elegances of solo language as well as bilingual harmonies. Other than language, it also shows the cultural landscape in Canada.
English is the most spoken official language in Central Saanich. About 17,040 people living in the province speak English, 200 people speak French, 60 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 20 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 17,040 |
| French | 200 |
| Neither English nor French | 60 |
| English and French | 20 |
Mother Tongue & Home Language
Useful for newcomers researching an area: this shows the language residents first learned at home in childhood (mother tongue) and the language they speak most often at home now, which can differ as families settle in.
| Language | Mother Tongue | Spoken Most Often at Home |
|---|---|---|
| English | 89.1% | 96.2% |
| Non-official languages | 8.3% | 2.8% |
| French | 1.2% | 0.3% |
Religion
Central Saanich is predominantly Christian. About 6,365 of its population is Christian (2,870 males and 2,870 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Sikh with 1.6% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Jewish and Buddhist, both represent 0.6% and 0.4% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.2% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 37.1% |
| Sikh | 1.6% |
| Jewish | 0.6% |
| Buddhist | 0.4% |
| Islam | 0.2% |
| Hindu | 0.1% |
Points of Interest in Central Saanich
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
- Saanich Fairgrounds
- Rodolph Park
- Island View Beach Municipal Park
- Island View Beach Regional Park
- Amwell Park
- Oak Haven Park
- Chatterton Park
- Hardy Park
- Dawson Park
- Ravine Park
- Blossom Park
- Happy Day Park
- Damelart Park
- George May Park
- Galbraith Park
- Seamount Park
- Seabrook Park
- Verdier Park
- Quarry Park
- Gore Park
- Brentwood Heights Park
- Brooks Park
- Butterfield Park
- English Meadow Park
- Pat Thomson Park
- Pioneer Park
- Rom Knott Memorial Park
- Tanner Park
- Thomson Place Park
- Fentress Park
- Michell Park
- Marigold Park
- Lisnoe Park
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Central Saanich
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Central Saanich
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Saanich Fairgrounds | Parks | 29.9 ha |
| Rodolph Park | Parks | 1.3 ha |
| Island View Beach Municipal Park | Parks | 7.3 ha |
| Island View Beach Regional Park | Parks | 51.9 ha |
| Amwell Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Oak Haven Park | Parks | 10.0 ha |
| Chatterton Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Hardy Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Dawson Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Ravine Park | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Blossom Park | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Happy Day Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Damelart Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| George May Park | Parks | 1.4 ha |
| Galbraith Park | Parks | 0.0 ha |
| Seamount Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Seabrook Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Verdier Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Quarry Park | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Gore Park | Parks | 6.8 ha |
| Brentwood Heights Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Brooks Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Butterfield Park | Parks | 5.2 ha |
| English Meadow Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Pat Thomson Park | Parks | 1.5 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Central Saanich
According to the 2021 census, Central Saanich has a population of approximately 17,385 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Central Saanich increased by 3.40%.
Central Saanich has a population density of approximately 421.90 people per square kilometre.
Central Saanich covers a land area of approximately 41.20 km².
The median age of the population in Central Saanich is 49.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Central Saanich is English.
The median household income in Central Saanich is $103,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Central Saanich.
Christian is the predominant religion in Central Saanich.
Statistics Canada (statcan.gc.ca) conducted the 2026 Census of Population in May 2026. However, census data goes through an extensive processing, validation, and quality-assurance period before public release. Based on the release plan, the 2026 Census results begin rolling out on February 10, 2027, with complete community-level profiles available by December 1, 2027. Until then, this page uses 2021 Census data as its primary source, supplemented by a population projection estimate for 2026 calculated using the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from the 2016–2021 Census period.