Chetwynd, British Columbia Population & Demographics: Is It a Good Place to Live?

Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Chetwynd census dataset on Statistics Canada

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Chetwynd. It is a township in Canada that encompasses a land area of 63.55 km2. The township has a population density of 36.20 people per km2.

We highlight the Chetwynd township's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.

Chetwynd on the Map

The map and listings below are sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors, not Statistics Canada, and may be incomplete depending on how thoroughly the area has been mapped.

Chetwynd location on the map. View in Google Map

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Chetwynd has a population of around 2,302 people. The township's population is in decreased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Chetwynd has decreased by ▼ -8.03%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
2,5032,302 --8.03%

2026 Population Projection

Chetwynd's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 2,302 people recorded in the 2021 census.

Chetwynd Population Trend & Context

Chetwynd is the 112th-largest township in British Columbia, with a 2021 census population of 2,302 — a decline of 201 (▼ 8.03%) people from the 2,503 recorded in 2016.

The township's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing British Columbia townships. The township's median age of 36 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.

How does Chetwynd compare to other British Columbia townships?

Population By Genders

The male population of Chetwynd is around 1,180 while the female population is around 1,120.

Of the 2,302 total population in Chetwynd, the largest gender is male with around 1,180 women within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
1,1801,120 -5.08%

Is Chetwynd a Good Place to Live?

Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Chetwynd compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against British Columbia, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.

Employment & Economy

7.1%
Unemployment rate
1.3 pts below the province
62.9%
Employment rate
5.0 pts above the province
67.6%
Participation rate
4.3 pts above the province

Income & Affordability

$104,000
Median household income
$19,000 above the province
8.3%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
2.5 pts below the province

Commute

78.1%
Commute under 30 minutes
12.3 pts above the province
84.4%
Commute by car
4.5 pts above the province
4.5%
Commute by public transit
4.8 pts below the province

Housing Character

57.8%
Single-detached houses
15.4 pts above the province
14.1%
Apartments (any building size)
29.4 pts below the province

Household Composition

2.30 people
Average household size
0.10people below the province
31.3%
One-person households
1.9 pts above the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Chetwynd Population Compared to British Columbia

British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how Chetwynd compares to the township's key indicators:

IndicatorChetwyndBritish Columbia
Median household income$104,000$85,000
Unemployment rate7.1%8.4%
Median age3642.8
Bachelor's degree or higher11.1%31.8%
Immigrants (%)10.3%29.0%

Population by Age Characteristics

Chetwynd has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 30 to 34 years old, accounting for 10.20% of the total population. The township median age is 36.00.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal
30 to 34 years120 10.20%115 10.30% 4.17%235 10.20%
35 to 39 years105 8.90%90 8.00% 14.29%195 8.50%
25 to 29 years105 8.90%90 8.00% 14.29%190 8.30%
55 to 59 years95 8.10%60 5.40% 36.84%155 6.70%
50 to 54 years80 6.80%75 6.70% 6.25%150 6.50%
60 to 64 years80 6.80%75 6.70% 6.25%150 6.50%
15 to 19 years70 5.90%70 6.30% 0.00%145 6.30%
20 to 24 years75 6.40%70 6.30% 6.67%145 6.30%
40 to 44 years65 5.50%80 7.10% 18.75%140 6.10%
0 to 4 years65 5.50%75 6.70% 13.33%135 5.90%
45 to 49 years70 5.90%65 5.80% 7.14%135 5.90%
5 to 9 years55 4.70%75 6.70% 26.67%130 5.70%
10 to 14 years65 5.50%60 5.40% 7.69%120 5.20%
65 to 69 years60 5.10%40 3.60% 33.33%100 4.30%
70 to 74 years20 1.70%35 3.10% 42.86%60 2.60%
75 to 79 years30 2.50%20 1.80% 33.33%50 2.20%
Average age of the population38 38.30%38 37.50% 2.61%38 37.90%
Median age of the population36 36.00%36 35.60% 2.78%36 36.00%
85 years and over10 0.80%15 1.30% 33.33%30 1.30%
80 to 84 years5 0.40%15 1.30% 66.67%25 1.10%
85 to 89 years10 0.80%10 0.90% 0.00%20 0.90%

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 71.50% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 17.20% and 11.50%, respectively.

If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Chetwynd are within the 15 to 64 years age group.

DataMaleFemaleTotal
0 to 14 years15.70%18.30%17.20%
65 years and over11.40%12.10%11.50%

Photos of Places & Sceneries in Chetwynd

Population of Chetwynd by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Chetwynd is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Chetwynd is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the township appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.

The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Chetwynd are English, which accounts for 23.08% of the total population, followed by Scottish (20.44%), German (17.80%), Irish (16.48%), and French (12.53%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Chetwynd include Norwegian, Canadian, First Nations (North American Indian), North American Indigenous, and Filipino.

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
English23.61%23.08%23.08%
Scottish18.45%22.62%20.44%
German19.74%15.84%17.80%
Irish12.02%20.36%16.48%
French13.30%11.76%12.53%
Norwegian9.44%8.60%9.01%
Canadian6.87%9.95%8.35%
First Nations (North American Indian)7.30%4.52%5.93%
North American Indigenous4.72%6.79%5.71%
Filipino5.15%5.88%5.49%

Immigration Profile

Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Chetwynd's population profile.

About 10.3% of Chetwynd's population are immigrants (235 people).

The top countries of origin for Chetwynd's immigrant population are Philippines (95), China (35), United States of America (30), United Kingdom (20), Brazil (0).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
Philippines95
China35
United States of America30
United Kingdom20
Brazil0

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 575 of Chetwynd's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.

Household Size

About 17.40% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 15.65% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.85%, 5.55%, and 3.55%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
2 persons34517.40%
1 person31015.65%
3 persons1557.85%
4 persons1105.55%
5 or more persons703.55%

Income in Chetwynd

Analyzing income distribution in Chetwynd can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Chetwynd is $54,000.

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 Chetwynd population or around 310 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $100,000 to $149,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 255 and 230 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Chetwynd's median household income is $104,000, according to 2020 data.

Above national average Chetwynd's median household income is 20,000 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 Chetwynd

This data sheds light on the distribution of Chetwynd 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.

46.15% or most of the Chetwynd population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 36.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 18.10% has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 11.10% has Bachelor's degree or higher.

Only using 25% sample data.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree8006851,49546.15%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate5556251,18036.00%
No certificate, diploma or degree33527060518.10%
Bachelor's degree or higher14022036011.10%

Below national average 11.1% of Chetwynd's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Chetwynd

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Chetwynd. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.

The data shows that the unemployment rate in Chetwynd is at 4.77% which is pretty low.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate62.86%
Unemployment rate4.77%

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 Chetwynd's population (around 78.40%) are working permanent position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the township, there are 75 men and 50 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 125.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed7550125

Employment Industry Sectors

The Chetwynd industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Chetwynd is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.

Chetwynd has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (20%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector comes second at 11%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 10%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Manufacturing2005520%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction1103511%
Health care and social assistance012010%
Transportation and warehousing95159%
Accommodation and food services35759%
Retail trade40306%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting6506%
Construction40306%
Educational services15354%
Public administration15304%
Other services (except public administration)30153%
Professional, scientific and technical services0303%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services20153%
Utilities2502%
Wholesale trade2002%
Information and cultural industries0202%
Finance and insurance0151%
Real estate and rental and leasing0101%
Management of companies and enterprises000%
Arts, entertainment and recreation000%

Labour Market Snapshot

A quick snapshot of where Chetwynd residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.

Top employer sectors in Chetwynd: -33 Manufacturing (20%), Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (11%), Health care and social assistance (10%)

Top occupation categories in Chetwynd: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (32%), Sales and service occupations (19%), Occupations in manufacturing and utilities (14%)

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.

Only using 25% sample data.
Work LocationMenWomenTotalPercentage
Usual place of work52044096081.40%
No fixed workplace address1452016514.00%
Worked at home1540605.10%
Worked outside Canada0000.00%

Commuting

The data sheds light on how Chetwynd 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 Chetwynd residents and sustainable urban planning.

Commuting Duration

This data reveals the average time that the residents of Chetwynd 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.

Only using 25% sample data.
DurationPercentage
Less than 15 minutes65.20%
15 to 29 minutes12.90%
60 minutes and over9.80%
30 to 44 minutes7.10%
45 to 59 minutes4.90%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Chetwyndshed 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 Chetwynd's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law
57.07%
Married or living common-law
42.93%

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 Chetwynd. About 2,250 people living in the province speak English, 30 people speak French, 10 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 0 people speak English and French language.

LanguagePopulation
English2,250
French30
Neither English nor French10
English and French0

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.

LanguageMother TongueSpoken Most Often at Home
English87.1%93.5%
Non-official languages8.9%4.6%
French1.3%0.2%

Religion

Chetwynd is predominantly Christian. About 795 of its population is Christian (405 males and 405 females).

The second largest religion in the province is Buddhist with 0.7% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Jewish, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.

ReligionPopulation
Christian34.9%
Buddhist0.7%
Hindu0.0%
Jewish0.0%
Islam0.0%
Sikh0.0%

Points of Interest in Chetwynd

Hospitals

Schools

Parks

Libraries

Places to Visit in Chetwynd

Museums

Green Spaces in Chetwynd

NameTypeApprox. Area
Pine River Access ParkParks
Pine River Breaks Provincial ParkNature Reserves611.8 ha

Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.

Other Townships in British Columbia

Frequently Asked Questions about Chetwynd

According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Chetwynd has a population of 2,302 people, making it the 112th township in British Columbia. The population declined significantly from 2,503 in 2016, a decrease of 201 people or 8.03%. The township has a population density of 36.2 people per km² across a land area of 63.55 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.

Chetwynd's population declined by 8.03% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 2,503 to 2,302 people, a loss of 201 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other British Columbia townships during this period. The median age of 36.00 years suggests a relatively balanced demographic profile. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.

Chetwynd has a population density of approximately 36.20 people per square kilometre.

Chetwynd covers a land area of approximately 63.55 km².

The median age of the population in Chetwynd is 36.00 years.

The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Chetwynd is English.

The median household income in Chetwynd is $104,000, based on 2020 data.

English is the most common first official language spoken in Chetwynd.

Christian is the predominant religion in Chetwynd.

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.