Cowichan, British Columbia Population & Demographics: How Many People Live Here?

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

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Cowichan. It is a indian reserve in Canada that encompasses a land area of 23.15 km2. The indian reserve has a population density of 104.50 people per km2.

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

Cowichan 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.

Cowichan location on the map. View in Google Map

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Cowichan has a population of around 2,420 people. The indian reserve's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Cowichan has increased by 17.13%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
2,0662,420 +17.13%

2026 Population Projection

Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.21% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Cowichan's population is projected to reach approximately 2,835 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 122.46 people per km².

Population in 2021Projected Population in 2026Projected Density in 2026 (per km²)
2,4202,835122.46

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 Cowichan is around 1,290 while the female population is around 1,135.

Of the 2,420 total population in Cowichan, the largest gender is male with around 1,290 women within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
1,2901,135 +12.02%

Is Cowichan a Good Place to Live?

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

Employment & Economy

14.0%
Unemployment rate
5.6 pts above the province
38.8%
Employment rate
19.1 pts below the province
44.8%
Participation rate
18.5 pts below the province

Income & Affordability

$77,000
Median household income
$8,000 below the province
14.4%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
3.6 pts above the province

Commute

82.6%
Commute under 30 minutes
16.8 pts above the province
91.3%
Commute by car
11.4 pts above the province
1.6%
Commute by public transit
7.7 pts below the province

Housing Character

73.9%
Single-detached houses
31.5 pts above the province
13.4%
Apartments (any building size)
30.1 pts below the province

Household Composition

4.00 people
Average household size
1.60people above the province
16.1%
One-person households
13.3 pts below the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Other Indian Reserves Near Cowichan

Population by Age Characteristics

Cowichan has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 20 to 24 years old, accounting for 9.70% of the total population. The indian reserve median age is 30.20.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal
20 to 24 years145 11.20%90 7.90% 37.93%235 9.70%
15 to 19 years150 11.60%80 7.00% 46.67%230 9.50%
10 to 14 years110 8.50%85 7.50% 22.73%200 8.30%
5 to 9 years100 7.80%90 7.90% 10.00%195 8.10%
25 to 29 years120 9.30%75 6.60% 37.50%195 8.10%
35 to 39 years85 6.60%90 7.90% 5.56%175 7.20%
30 to 34 years90 7.00%75 6.60% 16.67%170 7.00%
0 to 4 years65 5.00%85 7.50% 23.53%155 6.40%
45 to 49 years65 5.00%70 6.20% 7.14%140 5.80%
55 to 59 years65 5.00%75 6.60% 13.33%140 5.80%
40 to 44 years65 5.00%75 6.60% 13.33%135 5.60%
60 to 64 years65 5.00%55 4.80% 15.38%125 5.20%
50 to 54 years60 4.70%50 4.40% 16.67%110 4.50%
65 to 69 years40 3.10%60 5.30% 33.33%100 4.10%
70 to 74 years30 2.30%30 2.60% 0.00%60 2.50%
Average age of the population32 32.20%35 35.20% 8.52%34 33.60%
Median age of the population28 27.80%34 34.00% 20.59%30 30.20%
85 years and over5 0.40%20 1.80% 75.00%30 1.20%
75 to 79 years15 1.20%10 0.90% 33.33%20 0.80%
80 to 84 years15 1.20%5 0.40% 66.67%20 0.80%

Broader Age Groups

If the indian reserve'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 68.20% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 22.50% and 9.30%, respectively.

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

DataMaleFemaleTotal
65 years and over7.80%11.50%9.30%

Photos of Places & Sceneries in Cowichan

Population of Cowichan by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Cowichan is quite diverse, which contributes to the indian reserve's vibrant cultural landscape. Cowichan 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 First Nations (North American Indian), which accounts for 61.18% of the total population, followed by Canadian (5.06%), English (4.85%), Scottish (3.80%), and North American Indigenous (2.11%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Irish, French, Norwegian, American, and Mexican.

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
First Nations (North American Indian)63.10%59.01%61.18%
Canadian4.37%5.86%5.06%
English4.37%5.86%4.85%
Scottish4.37%3.15%3.80%
North American Indigenous1.98%2.25%2.11%
Irish1.98%2.25%1.90%
French0.79%1.80%1.27%
Norwegian0.79%1.80%1.27%
American1.59%0.90%1.27%
Mexican1.59%1.35%1.27%

Immigration Profile

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

About 0.0% of Cowichan's population are immigrants (0 people).

The top countries of origin for Cowichan's immigrant population are Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0), Haiti (0).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
Brazil0
Colombia0
El Salvador0
Guyana0
Haiti0

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 440 of Cowichan's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 5 or more persons household.

Household Size

About 19.50% of the population lives in 5 or more persons households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 8.45% of the population. 1 person, 4 persons, and 3 persons households account for 8.05%, 7.65%, and 6.80%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
5 or more persons23019.50%
2 persons1008.45%
1 person958.05%
4 persons907.65%
3 persons806.80%

Income in Cowichan

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

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Cowichan is $24,200.

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 indian reserve's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.

Most of Cowichan population or around 420 people falls in the Under $10,000 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 280 and 255 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Cowichan's median household income is $77,000, according to 2020 data.

Below national average Cowichan's median household income is 7,000 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).

The data provides important insights into the indian reserve'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 indian reserve's income distribution, disparities, and trends.

Education Levels in Cowichan

This data sheds light on the distribution of Cowichan 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.

38.65% or most of the Cowichan population has a No certificate, diploma or degree. 30.80% of the population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree, 30.65% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 6.55% has Bachelor's degree or higher.

Only using 25% sample data.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
No certificate, diploma or degree7254551,17538.65%
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree34055589530.80%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate51540092030.65%
Bachelor's degree or higher451501906.55%

Below national average 6.6% of Cowichan's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Cowichan

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Cowichan. 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 6.28% which is quite high.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate38.80%
Unemployment rate6.28%

Working as an Employee

The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the indian reserve who work as an employee. The majority of Cowichan's population (around 64.00%) are working permanent position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the indian reserve, there are 30 men and 30 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 60.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed303060

Employment Industry Sectors

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

Cowichan has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (23%) works in the public administration sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 14%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 13%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Public administration8011023%
Retail trade704014%
Health care and social assistance308013%
Accommodation and food services35409%
Educational services20307%
Construction50106%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting35156%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services20155%
Arts, entertainment and recreation0153%
Other services (except public administration)1002%
Manufacturing10102%
Transportation and warehousing1502%
Professional, scientific and technical services1502%
Wholesale trade1001%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction000%
Utilities000%
Information and cultural industries000%
Finance and insurance000%
Real estate and rental and leasing000%
Management of companies and enterprises000%

Labour Market Snapshot

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

Top employer sectors in Cowichan: Public administration (23%), -45 Retail trade (14%), Health care and social assistance (13%)

Top occupation categories in Cowichan: Sales and service occupations (28%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (23%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (14%)

Places of Work

The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the indian reserve. 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 work24028051572.50%
No fixed workplace address902511015.50%
Worked at home25507510.60%
Worked outside Canada0000.00%

Commuting

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

Commuting Duration

This data reveals the average time that the residents of Cowichan spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the indian reserve's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the indian reserve.

Only using 25% sample data.
DurationPercentage
Less than 15 minutes53.20%
15 to 29 minutes29.40%
30 to 44 minutes7.90%
45 to 59 minutes5.60%
60 minutes and over4.00%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Cowichanshed 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 indian reserve's social fabric. We can gain insights into Cowichan's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law
38.03%
Married or living common-law
61.97%

Language Spoken

The data below highlights indian reserve'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 Cowichan. About 2,415 people living in the province speak English, 5 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.

LanguagePopulation
English2,415
French5
English and French0
Neither English nor 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
English94.8%97.1%
Non-official languages2.3%2.3%
French0.6%0.0%

Religion

Cowichan is predominantly Christian. About 565 of its population is Christian (265 males and 265 females).

The second largest religion in the province is Buddhist with 0.0% 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
Christian23.8%
Buddhist0.0%
Hindu0.0%
Jewish0.0%
Islam0.0%
Sikh0.0%

Frequently Asked Questions about Cowichan

According to the 2021 census, Cowichan has a population of approximately 2,420 people.

Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Cowichan increased by 17.13%.

Cowichan has a population density of approximately 104.50 people per square kilometre.

Cowichan covers a land area of approximately 23.15 km².

The median age of the population in Cowichan is 30.20 years.

The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Cowichan is First Nations (North American Indian).

The median household income in Cowichan is $77,000, based on 2020 data.

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

Christian is the predominant religion in Cowichan.

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.