Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Fort St. James has a population of around 1,386 people. The township's population is in decreased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Fort St. James has decreased by ▼ -13.27%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,598 | 1,386 | --13.27% |
2026 Population Projection
Fort St. James's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 1,386 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Fort St. James Population Trend & Context
Fort St. James is the 136th-largest township in British Columbia, with a 2021 census population of 1,386 — a decline of 212 (▼ 13.27%) people from the 1,598 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 38.8 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
How does Fort St. James compare to other British Columbia townships?
- Sun Peaks Mountain: 1,404 (2021)
- Lions Bay: 1,390 (2021)
- Fort St. James: 1,386 (2021) ← 136th largest
- Radium Hot Springs: 1,339 (2021)
- Taylor: 1,317 (2021)
Population By Genders
The male population of Fort St. James is around 700 while the female population is around 690.
Of the 1,386 total population in Fort St. James, the largest gender is male with around 700 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 700 | 690 | -1.43% |
Is Fort St. James a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Fort St. James 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.
Fort St. James Population Compared to British Columbia
British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how Fort St. James compares to the township's key indicators:
| Indicator | Fort St. James | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $91,000 | $85,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 38.8 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 31.8% |
| Immigrants (%) | 10.9% | 29.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Fort St. James has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 7.60% of the total population. The township median age is 38.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 60 8.60% | 45 6.50% | 25.00% | 105 7.60% |
| 10 to 14 years | 55 7.90% | 45 6.50% | 18.18% | 100 7.20% |
| 30 to 34 years | 50 7.10% | 50 7.20% | 0.00% | 100 7.20% |
| 35 to 39 years | 45 6.40% | 60 8.70% | 25.00% | 100 7.20% |
| 5 to 9 years | 45 6.40% | 55 8.00% | 18.18% | 95 6.90% |
| 60 to 64 years | 50 7.10% | 45 6.50% | 10.00% | 95 6.90% |
| 25 to 29 years | 50 7.10% | 35 5.10% | 30.00% | 90 6.50% |
| 45 to 49 years | 45 6.40% | 45 6.50% | 0.00% | 90 6.50% |
| 50 to 54 years | 50 7.10% | 40 5.80% | 20.00% | 90 6.50% |
| 65 to 69 years | 40 5.70% | 40 5.80% | 0.00% | 80 5.80% |
| 0 to 4 years | 45 6.40% | 35 5.10% | 22.22% | 75 5.40% |
| 15 to 19 years | 35 5.00% | 35 5.10% | 0.00% | 75 5.40% |
| 20 to 24 years | 40 5.70% | 40 5.80% | 0.00% | 75 5.40% |
| 40 to 44 years | 30 4.30% | 45 6.50% | 33.33% | 75 5.40% |
| 70 to 74 years | 30 4.30% | 30 4.30% | 0.00% | 60 4.30% |
| 75 to 79 years | 20 2.90% | 25 3.60% | 20.00% | 40 2.90% |
| Average age of the population | 40 39.60% | 40 39.50% | 0.00% | 40 39.50% |
| Median age of the population | 39 38.80% | 38 38.40% | 0.00% | 39 38.80% |
| 80 to 84 years | 5 0.70% | 15 2.20% | 66.67% | 20 1.40% |
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 65.00% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 19.10% and 15.50%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Fort St. James are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Fort St. James
Population of Fort St. James by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Fort St. James is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Fort St. James 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 Fort St. James are English, which accounts for 20.38% of the total population, followed by Scottish (15.47%), German (15.09%), First Nations (North American Indian) (13.96%), and Irish (12.45%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Fort St. James include European, Canadian, French, Caucasian (White), and Dutch.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 20.93% | 19.85% | 20.38% |
| Scottish | 10.85% | 19.85% | 15.47% |
| German | 15.50% | 14.71% | 15.09% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 10.85% | 16.91% | 13.96% |
| Irish | 15.50% | 9.56% | 12.45% |
| European | 13.18% | 11.03% | 12.08% |
| Canadian | 8.53% | 9.56% | 8.68% |
| French | 4.65% | 11.03% | 8.30% |
| Caucasian (White) | 5.43% | 5.88% | 5.66% |
| Dutch | 2.33% | 5.15% | 3.77% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Fort St. James's population profile.
About 10.9% of Fort St. James's population are immigrants (145 people).
The top countries of origin for Fort St. James's immigrant population are South Africa, Republic of (25), Philippines (20), Poland (15), United Kingdom (15), India (10).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| South Africa, Republic of | 25 |
| Philippines | 20 |
| Poland | 15 |
| United Kingdom | 15 |
| India | 10 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 430 of Fort St. James's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.40% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 15.80% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.25%, 4.70%, and 4.25%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 215 | 18.40% |
| 1 person | 185 | 15.80% |
| 3 persons | 85 | 7.25% |
| 4 persons | 55 | 4.70% |
| 5 or more persons | 50 | 4.25% |
Income in Fort St. James
Analyzing income distribution in Fort St. James can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Fort St. James is $45,600.
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 Fort St. James population or around 165 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $100,000 to $149,999 with around 165 and 130 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Fort St. James's median household income is $91,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Fort St. James's median household income is 7,000 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 Fort St. James
This data sheds light on the distribution of Fort St. James 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.
45.20% or most of the Fort St. James population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 38.85% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 15.90% has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 15.25% has Bachelor's degree or higher.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 375 | 445 | 810 | 45.20% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 315 | 375 | 700 | 38.85% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 180 | 110 | 295 | 15.90% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 125 | 155 | 275 | 15.25% |
Below national average 15.3% of Fort St. James's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Fort St. James
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Fort St. James. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Fort St. James is at 6.16% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 58.29% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.16% |
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 Fort St. James's population (around 75.00%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 25 men and 15 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 45.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 25 | 15 | 45 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Fort St. James industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Fort St. James is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Fort St. James has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (18%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 13%, followed by Manufacturing at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 15 | 105 | 18% |
| Retail trade | 45 | 45 | 13% |
| Manufacturing | 50 | 20 | 10% |
| Educational services | 15 | 40 | 8% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 35 | 0 | 5% |
| Construction | 30 | 0 | 5% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 20 | 10 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 20 | 15 | 5% |
| Public administration | 25 | 15 | 5% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 15 | 10 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 15 | 15 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 10 | 15 | 4% |
| Utilities | 20 | 0 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 10 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10 | 0 | 2% |
| Accommodation and food services | 0 | 10 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Fort St. James residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Fort St. James: Health care and social assistance (18%), -45 Retail trade (13%), -33 Manufacturing (10%)
Top occupation categories in Fort St. James: Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (23%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (20%), Sales and service occupations (18%)
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 | 220 | 235 | 455 | 73.40% |
| No fixed workplace address | 75 | 30 | 100 | 16.10% |
| Worked at home | 15 | 45 | 60 | 9.70% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Fort St. James 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 Fort St. James residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Fort St. James 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 |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 73.20% |
| 60 minutes and over | 11.60% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 8.90% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 4.50% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 1.80% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Fort St. Jamesshed 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 Fort St. James'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 Fort St. James. About 1,370 people living in the province speak English, 10 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 1,370 |
| French | 10 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
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 | 88.8% | 95.7% |
| Non-official languages | 7.9% | 1.8% |
| French | 0.7% | 0.0% |
Religion
Fort St. James is predominantly Christian. About 395 of its population is Christian (180 males and 180 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 1.5% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Sikh and Buddhist, both represent 1.5% and 0.8% of the population, while Hindu represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 29.7% |
| Islam | 1.5% |
| Sikh | 1.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.8% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Fort St. James
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Fort St. James
Attractions
Historic Sites
Theatres
Green Spaces in Fort St. James
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Goodwin Park | Parks | 1.7 ha |
| Cottonwood Park | Parks | 2.5 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Other Townships in British Columbia
- Saanich 117,735
- North Vancouver 88,168
- West Vancouver 44,122
- Mission 41,519
- North Cowichan 31,990
- Squamish 23,819
- Oak Bay 17,990
- Esquimalt 17,533
- Central Saanich 17,385
- Lake Country 15,817
- Sooke 15,086
- Whistler 13,982
- North Saanich 12,235
- Summerland 12,042
- Coldstream 11,171
- Sechelt 10,847
- Kitimat 8,236
- Hope 6,686
- Kent 6,300
- Peachland 5,789
- Spallumcheen 5,307
- Metchosin 5,067
- Vanderhoof 4,346
- Sparwood 4,148
- Northern Rockies 3,947
- Invermere 3,917
- Port Hardy 3,902
- Lantzville 3,817
- Mackenzie 3,281
- Houston 3,052
- Elkford 2,749
- Sicamous 2,613
- Tofino 2,516
- Highlands 2,482
- Tumbler Ridge 2,399
- Clearwater 2,388
- Chetwynd 2,302
- Lillooet 2,302
- Logan Lake 2,255
- Ucluelet 2,066
- One Hundred Mile House 1,928
- Barriere 1,765
- Taylor 1,317
- Hudson's Hope 841
- New Hazelton 602
- Stewart 517
- Port Edward 470
- Wells 218
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort St. James
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Fort St. James has a population of 1,386 people, making it the 136th township in British Columbia. The population declined significantly from 1,598 in 2016, a decrease of 212 people or 13.27%. The township has a population density of 59.1 people per km² across a land area of 23.45 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Fort St. James's population declined by 13.27% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 1,598 to 1,386 people, a loss of 212 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other British Columbia townships during this period. The median age of 38.80 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.
Fort St. James has a population density of approximately 59.10 people per square kilometre.
Fort St. James covers a land area of approximately 23.45 km².
The median age of the population in Fort St. James is 38.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Fort St. James is English.
The median household income in Fort St. James is $91,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Fort St. James.
Christian is the predominant religion in Fort St. James.
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.