Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Nanaimo has a population of around 99,863 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Nanaimo has increased by 10.34%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 90,504 | 99,863 | +10.34% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.99% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Nanaimo's population is projected to reach approximately 110,190 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 1,218.24 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 99,863 | 110,190 | 1,218.24 |
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 Nanaimo is around 48,220 while the female population is around 51,640.
Of the 99,863 total population in Nanaimo, the largest gender is female with around 51,640 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 48,220 | 51,640 | +6.62% |
Is Nanaimo a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Nanaimo 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 Cities Near Nanaimo
- Duncan (46.0 km)
- Delta (64.7 km)
- Burnaby (70.7 km)
- Coquitlam (84.2 km)
- Langford (85.5 km)
- Colwood (88.5 km)
- Langley (93.4 km)
- Courtenay (96.2 km)
- Maple Ridge (97.5 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Nanaimo has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 65 to 69 years old, accounting for 7.30% of the total population. The city median age is 45.20.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 to 69 years | 3,330 6.90% | 3,970 7.70% | 16.12% | 7,300 7.30% |
| 60 to 64 years | 3,355 7.00% | 3,865 7.50% | 13.20% | 7,215 7.20% |
| 35 to 39 years | 3,330 6.90% | 3,390 6.60% | 1.77% | 6,725 6.70% |
| 55 to 59 years | 3,170 6.60% | 3,550 6.90% | 10.70% | 6,725 6.70% |
| 30 to 34 years | 3,175 6.60% | 3,350 6.50% | 5.22% | 6,520 6.50% |
| 70 to 74 years | 2,940 6.10% | 3,550 6.90% | 17.18% | 6,485 6.50% |
| 25 to 29 years | 3,195 6.60% | 3,055 5.90% | 4.38% | 6,250 6.30% |
| 50 to 54 years | 2,820 5.80% | 3,155 6.10% | 10.62% | 5,970 6.00% |
| 40 to 44 years | 2,860 5.90% | 3,050 5.90% | 6.23% | 5,910 5.90% |
| 20 to 24 years | 2,925 6.10% | 2,735 5.30% | 6.50% | 5,660 5.70% |
| 45 to 49 years | 2,725 5.70% | 2,890 5.60% | 5.71% | 5,610 5.60% |
| 10 to 14 years | 2,695 5.60% | 2,515 4.90% | 6.68% | 5,215 5.20% |
| 5 to 9 years | 2,465 5.10% | 2,405 4.70% | 2.43% | 4,870 4.90% |
| 15 to 19 years | 2,390 5.00% | 2,235 4.30% | 6.49% | 4,625 4.60% |
| 75 to 79 years | 2,120 4.40% | 2,405 4.70% | 11.85% | 4,525 4.50% |
| 0 to 4 years | 2,110 4.40% | 1,940 3.80% | 8.06% | 4,055 4.10% |
| 85 years and over | 1,220 2.50% | 1,980 3.80% | 38.38% | 3,195 3.20% |
| 80 to 84 years | 1,400 2.90% | 1,605 3.10% | 12.77% | 3,010 3.00% |
| 85 to 89 years | 750 1.60% | 1,130 2.20% | 33.63% | 1,880 1.90% |
| 90 to 94 years | 380 0.80% | 615 1.20% | 38.21% | 1,000 1.00% |
| 95 to 99 years | 75 0.20% | 200 0.40% | 62.50% | 275 0.30% |
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 61.30% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 24.60% and 14.20%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Nanaimo are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age of the population | 43.20% | 46.80% | 45.20% |
| Average age of the population | 43.50% | 46.00% | 44.80% |
| 65 years and over | 22.80% | 26.20% | 24.60% |
| 0 to 14 years | 15.10% | 13.30% | 14.20% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Nanaimo
Population of Nanaimo by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Nanaimo is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Nanaimo 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 31.13% of the total population, followed by Scottish (22.46%), Irish (16.87%), German (13.24%), and Canadian (12.60%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include French, British Isles, Ukrainian, Dutch, and Norwegian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 30.68% | 31.54% | 31.13% |
| Scottish | 22.35% | 22.56% | 22.46% |
| Irish | 16.54% | 17.19% | 16.87% |
| German | 12.96% | 13.50% | 13.24% |
| Canadian | 13.29% | 11.94% | 12.60% |
| French | 8.27% | 9.07% | 8.68% |
| British Isles | 5.09% | 5.44% | 5.27% |
| Ukrainian | 5.01% | 5.14% | 5.08% |
| Dutch | 4.63% | 4.75% | 4.68% |
| Norwegian | 3.69% | 3.71% | 3.70% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Nanaimo's population profile.
About 16.1% of Nanaimo's population are immigrants (15,620 people).
The top countries of origin for Nanaimo's immigrant population are United Kingdom (3,495), China (1,285), United States of America (1,155), India (1,075), Philippines (1,040).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 3,495 |
| China | 1,285 |
| United States of America | 1,155 |
| India | 1,075 |
| Philippines | 1,040 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 22,215 of Nanaimo's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 19.15% 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 6.90%, 5.30%, and 3.05%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 16,535 | 19.15% |
| 1 person | 13,510 | 15.65% |
| 3 persons | 5,940 | 6.90% |
| 4 persons | 4,565 | 5.30% |
| 5 or more persons | 2,615 | 3.05% |
Income in Nanaimo
Analyzing income distribution in Nanaimo can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Nanaimo is $40,000.
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 city's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Nanaimo population or around 12,365 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 10,705 and 10,640 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Nanaimo's median household income is $75,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Nanaimo's median household income is 8,500 dollars below 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 Nanaimo
This data sheds light on the distribution of Nanaimo 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.
59.90% or most of the Nanaimo population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 29.05% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 26.00% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.05% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 35,935 | 42,505 | 78,445 | 59.90% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 19,330 | 19,795 | 39,125 | 29.05% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14,550 | 19,180 | 33,725 | 26.00% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 8,695 | 6,830 | 15,520 | 11.05% |
Below national average 26.0% of Nanaimo's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Nanaimo
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Nanaimo. 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 5.07% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 55.21% |
| Unemployment rate | 5.07% |
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 Nanaimo's population (around 68.70%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 4,620 men and 3,545 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 8,170.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 4,620 | 3,545 | 8,170 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Nanaimo industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Nanaimo is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Nanaimo has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (16%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 14%, followed by Construction at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 1,720 | 6,335 | 16% |
| Retail trade | 3,515 | 3,490 | 14% |
| Construction | 3,870 | 640 | 9% |
| Accommodation and food services | 1,795 | 2,125 | 8% |
| Educational services | 1,235 | 2,440 | 7% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 1,760 | 1,440 | 6% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 1,980 | 550 | 5% |
| Public administration | 1,185 | 1,285 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 1,310 | 1,115 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 935 | 1,325 | 5% |
| Manufacturing | 1,300 | 425 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 625 | 1,030 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 820 | 275 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 525 | 535 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 730 | 275 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 570 | 375 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 380 | 460 | 2% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 250 | 10 | 1% |
| Utilities | 185 | 20 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 35 | 30 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Nanaimo residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Nanaimo: Health care and social assistance (16%), -45 Retail trade (14%), Construction (9%)
Top occupation categories in Nanaimo: Sales and service occupations (30%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (18%), Business, finance and administration occupations (14%)
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.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 13,890 | 16,050 | 29,935 | 65.40% |
| Worked at home | 3,470 | 4,630 | 8,100 | 17.70% |
| No fixed workplace address | 5,710 | 1,970 | 7,680 | 16.80% |
| Worked outside Canada | 40 | 15 | 55 | 0.10% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Nanaimo 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 Nanaimo residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Nanaimo 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.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 45.90% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 36.00% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 10.40% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.70% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Nanaimoshed 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 Nanaimo's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
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 Nanaimo. About 96,480 people living in the province speak English, 1,130 people speak French, 650 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 155 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 96,480 |
| French | 1,130 |
| Neither English nor French | 650 |
| English and French | 155 |
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 | 85.5% | 93.0% |
| Non-official languages | 11.3% | 5.2% |
| French | 1.2% | 0.3% |
Religion
Nanaimo is predominantly Christian. About 31,135 of its population is Christian (13,615 males and 13,615 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Sikh with 1.4% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Muslim and Hindu, both represent 1.0% and 0.8% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.7% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 32.1% |
| Sikh | 1.4% |
| Islam | 1.0% |
| Hindu | 0.8% |
| Buddhist | 0.7% |
| Jewish | 0.2% |
Frequently Asked Questions about Nanaimo
According to the 2021 census, Nanaimo has a population of approximately 99,863 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Nanaimo increased by 10.34%.
Nanaimo has a population density of approximately 1,104.10 people per square kilometre.
Nanaimo covers a land area of approximately 90.45 km².
The median age of the population in Nanaimo is 45.20 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Nanaimo is English.
The median household income in Nanaimo is $75,500, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Nanaimo.
Christian is the predominant religion in Nanaimo.
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.