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

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

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Delta. It is a city in Canada that encompasses a land area of 179.66 km2. The city has a population density of 603.70 people per km2.

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

Delta 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.

Delta location on the map. View in Google Map

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Delta has a population of around 108,455 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Delta has increased by 6.08%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
102,238108,455 +6.08%

2026 Population Projection

Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.19% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Delta's population is projected to reach approximately 115,050 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 640.38 people per km².

Population in 2021Projected Population in 2026Projected Density in 2026 (per km²)
108,455115,050640.38

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 Delta is around 53,505 while the female population is around 54,950.

Of the 108,455 total population in Delta, the largest gender is female with around 54,950 women within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
53,50554,950 +2.63%

Is Delta a Good Place to Live?

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

Employment & Economy

7.3%
Unemployment rate
1.1 pts below the province
59.2%
Employment rate
1.3 pts above the province
63.8%
Participation rate
0.5 pts above the province

Income & Affordability

$108,000
Median household income
$23,000 above the province
6.9%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
3.9 pts below the province

Commute

55.5%
Commute under 30 minutes
10.3 pts below the province
84.0%
Commute by car
4.1 pts above the province
9.4%
Commute by public transit
0.1 pts above the province

Housing Character

55.5%
Single-detached houses
13.1 pts above the province
35.4%
Apartments (any building size)
8.1 pts below the province

Household Composition

2.80 people
Average household size
0.40people above the province
20.5%
One-person households
8.9 pts below the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Other Cities Near Delta

Population by Age Characteristics

Delta has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 7.40% of the total population. The city median age is 44.00.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal
55 to 59 years3,950 7.40%4,060 7.40% 2.71%8,010 7.40%
50 to 54 years3,770 7.00%3,985 7.30% 5.40%7,750 7.10%
60 to 64 years3,815 7.10%3,930 7.20% 2.93%7,750 7.10%
20 to 24 years4,020 7.50%3,505 6.40% 12.81%7,525 6.90%
45 to 49 years3,265 6.10%3,685 6.70% 11.40%6,950 6.40%
15 to 19 years3,545 6.60%3,280 6.00% 7.48%6,825 6.30%
40 to 44 years3,190 6.00%3,465 6.30% 7.94%6,655 6.10%
65 to 69 years3,155 5.90%3,450 6.30% 8.55%6,600 6.10%
35 to 39 years3,125 5.80%3,390 6.20% 7.82%6,510 6.00%
10 to 14 years3,340 6.20%3,055 5.60% 8.53%6,400 5.90%
25 to 29 years3,205 6.00%2,935 5.30% 8.42%6,140 5.70%
70 to 74 years2,835 5.30%3,175 5.80% 10.71%6,015 5.50%
30 to 34 years2,755 5.10%2,885 5.30% 4.51%5,640 5.20%
5 to 9 years2,925 5.50%2,595 4.70% 11.28%5,520 5.10%
0 to 4 years2,270 4.20%2,235 4.10% 1.54%4,505 4.20%
75 to 79 years2,060 3.90%2,250 4.10% 8.44%4,310 4.00%
80 to 84 years1,265 2.40%1,505 2.70% 15.95%2,770 2.60%
85 years and over1,015 1.90%1,565 2.80% 35.14%2,575 2.40%
85 to 89 years675 1.30%960 1.70% 29.69%1,635 1.50%
90 to 94 years270 0.50%450 0.80% 40.00%720 0.70%
95 to 99 years70 0.10%125 0.20% 44.00%195 0.20%

Broader Age Groups

If the city'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 64.30% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 20.50% and 15.10%, respectively.

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

DataMaleFemaleTotal
Median age of the population42.40%45.20%44.00%
Average age of the population41.90%43.90%42.90%
65 years and over19.30%21.70%20.50%
0 to 14 years16.00%14.30%15.10%

Photos of Places & Sceneries in Delta

Population of Delta by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Delta is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Delta 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 19.99% of the total population, followed by Scottish (14.98%), Indian (India) (14.56%), Irish (11.66%), and German (8.97%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Chinese, Canadian, Punjabi, French, and Sikh.

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
English20.34%19.63%19.99%
Scottish15.14%14.81%14.98%
Indian (India)14.77%14.35%14.56%
Irish11.40%11.90%11.66%
German9.23%8.72%8.97%
Chinese8.12%8.81%8.47%
Canadian8.52%8.26%8.39%
Punjabi5.90%5.40%5.64%
French4.80%5.24%5.02%
Sikh4.63%4.31%4.47%

Immigration Profile

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

About 33.1% of Delta's population are immigrants (35,555 people).

The top countries of origin for Delta's immigrant population are India (12,375), China (3,820), United Kingdom (2,955), Philippines (2,680), Hong Kong (1,100).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
India12,375
China3,820
United Kingdom2,955
Philippines2,680
Hong Kong1,100

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 21,130 of Delta's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.

Household Size

About 15.85% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 10.25% of the population. 4 persons, 3 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 9.05%, 8.25%, and 6.65%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
2 persons12,06515.85%
1 person7,79010.25%
4 persons6,8809.05%
3 persons6,2708.25%
5 or more persons5,0556.65%

Income in Delta

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

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Delta is $42,400.

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

Most of Delta population or around 12,885 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $50,000 to $79,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 12,420 and 10,865 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Delta's median household income is $108,000, according to 2020 data.

Above national average Delta's median household income is 24,000 dollars above the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).

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

Education Levels in Delta

This data sheds light on the distribution of Delta 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.

59.25% or most of the Delta population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 30.20% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 29.35% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.50% has No certificate, diploma or degree.

Only using 25% sample data.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree40,82543,96084,78059.25%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate22,45022,43544,88030.20%
Bachelor's degree or higher18,69522,96541,66029.35%
No certificate, diploma or degree8,2858,13016,41010.50%

Below national average 29.4% of Delta's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Delta

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Delta. 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 4.68% which is pretty low.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate59.17%
Unemployment rate4.68%

Working as an Employee

The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the city who work as an employee. The majority of Delta's population (around 69.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the city, there are 6,075 men and 3,065 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 9,145.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed6,0753,0659,145

Employment Industry Sectors

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

Delta has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (11%) works in the retail trade sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 10%, followed by Transportation and warehousing at 10%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Retail trade3,0803,47011%
Health care and social assistance1,0404,92010%
Transportation and warehousing4,2401,36510%
Construction4,6208209%
Professional, scientific and technical services2,5651,9958%
Educational services1,2603,2408%
Manufacturing2,6951,2407%
Accommodation and food services1,0402,1956%
Public administration1,5101,4005%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services1,4259954%
Finance and insurance9951,4104%
Other services (except public administration)1,0051,2454%
Wholesale trade1,4157454%
Information and cultural industries8354802%
Arts, entertainment and recreation6905852%
Real estate and rental and leasing6753952%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting4253751%
Utilities2101101%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction115100%
Management of companies and enterprises40800%

Labour Market Snapshot

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

Top employer sectors in Delta: -45 Retail trade (11%), Health care and social assistance (10%), -49 Transportation and warehousing (10%)

Top occupation categories in Delta: Sales and service occupations (24%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (22%), Business, finance and administration occupations (18%)

Places of Work

The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the city. 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 work16,26017,64533,90563.10%
Worked at home4,9855,45510,44019.40%
No fixed workplace address6,9752,2359,21017.10%
Worked outside Canada120802000.40%

Commuting

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

Commuting Duration

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

Only using 25% sample data.
DurationPercentage
15 to 29 minutes32.90%
30 to 44 minutes27.40%
Less than 15 minutes22.60%
45 to 59 minutes9.50%
60 minutes and over7.60%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Deltashed 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 city's social fabric. We can gain insights into Delta's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law
60.38%
Married or living common-law
39.62%

Language Spoken

The data below highlights city'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 Delta. About 102,080 people living in the province speak English, 4,290 people speak Neither English nor French, 775 people speak French language, and 370 people speak English and French language.

LanguagePopulation
English102,080
Neither English nor French4,290
French775
English and French370

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
English60.6%72.8%
Non-official languages33.6%21.3%
French0.7%0.2%

Religion

Delta is predominantly Christian. About 35,025 of its population is Christian (16,135 males and 16,135 females).

The second largest religion in the province is Sikh with 17.9% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Muslim, both represent 3.9% and 3.0% of the population, while Buddhist represent 1.4% of the population.

ReligionPopulation
Christian32.7%
Sikh17.9%
Hindu3.9%
Islam3.0%
Buddhist1.4%
Jewish0.4%

Frequently Asked Questions about Delta

According to the 2021 census, Delta has a population of approximately 108,455 people.

Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Delta increased by 6.08%.

Delta has a population density of approximately 603.70 people per square kilometre.

Delta covers a land area of approximately 179.66 km².

The median age of the population in Delta is 44.00 years.

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

The median household income in Delta is $108,000, based on 2020 data.

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

Christian is the predominant religion in Delta.

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.