Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, New Westminster has a population of around 78,916 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of New Westminster has increased by 11.16%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 70,996 | 78,916 | +11.16% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.14% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, New Westminster's population is projected to reach approximately 87,720 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 5,615.88 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 78,916 | 87,720 | 5,615.88 |
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 New Westminster is around 38,875 while the female population is around 40,045.
Of the 78,916 total population in New Westminster, the largest gender is female with around 40,045 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 38,875 | 40,045 | +2.92% |
Is New Westminster a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how New Westminster 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 New Westminster
- Burnaby (6.1 km)
- Coquitlam (12.1 km)
- Delta (17.3 km)
- Langley (21.7 km)
- Maple Ridge (22.6 km)
- Abbotsford (45.7 km)
- Chilliwack (69.8 km)
- Nanaimo (74.8 km)
- Duncan (75.2 km)
- Langford (94.7 km)
- Colwood (97.0 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
New Westminster has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 30 to 34 years old, accounting for 9.80% of the total population. The city median age is 40.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 to 34 years | 3,930 10.10% | 3,835 9.60% | 2.42% | 7,770 9.80% |
| 35 to 39 years | 3,685 9.50% | 3,510 8.80% | 4.75% | 7,190 9.10% |
| 25 to 29 years | 3,255 8.40% | 3,440 8.60% | 5.38% | 6,695 8.50% |
| 40 to 44 years | 2,865 7.40% | 2,820 7.00% | 1.57% | 5,680 7.20% |
| 55 to 59 years | 2,775 7.10% | 2,865 7.20% | 3.14% | 5,640 7.10% |
| 50 to 54 years | 2,710 7.00% | 2,865 7.20% | 5.41% | 5,570 7.10% |
| 60 to 64 years | 2,495 6.40% | 2,685 6.70% | 7.08% | 5,175 6.60% |
| 45 to 49 years | 2,555 6.60% | 2,610 6.50% | 2.11% | 5,165 6.50% |
| 20 to 24 years | 2,205 5.70% | 2,210 5.50% | 0.23% | 4,415 5.60% |
| 65 to 69 years | 2,075 5.30% | 2,175 5.40% | 4.60% | 4,255 5.40% |
| 0 to 4 years | 1,815 4.70% | 1,765 4.40% | 2.75% | 3,585 4.50% |
| 70 to 74 years | 1,550 4.00% | 1,815 4.50% | 14.60% | 3,365 4.30% |
| 5 to 9 years | 1,655 4.30% | 1,540 3.80% | 6.95% | 3,195 4.00% |
| 10 to 14 years | 1,675 4.30% | 1,470 3.70% | 12.24% | 3,150 4.00% |
| 15 to 19 years | 1,545 4.00% | 1,450 3.60% | 6.15% | 3,000 3.80% |
| 75 to 79 years | 945 2.40% | 1,205 3.00% | 21.58% | 2,145 2.70% |
| 85 years and over | 545 1.40% | 1,000 2.50% | 45.50% | 1,545 2.00% |
| 80 to 84 years | 600 1.50% | 780 1.90% | 23.08% | 1,375 1.70% |
| 85 to 89 years | 350 0.90% | 535 1.30% | 34.58% | 880 1.10% |
| 90 to 94 years | 155 0.40% | 335 0.80% | 53.73% | 485 0.60% |
| 95 to 99 years | 35 0.10% | 115 0.30% | 69.57% | 145 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 71.30% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 16.10% and 12.60%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in New Westminster are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average age of the population | 41.00% | 42.80% | 41.90% |
| Median age of the population | 39.60% | 41.20% | 40.40% |
| 65 years and over | 14.70% | 17.40% | 16.10% |
| 0 to 14 years | 13.20% | 11.90% | 12.60% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in New Westminster
Population of New Westminster by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of New Westminster is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. New Westminster 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 16.28% of the total population, followed by Scottish (13.85%), Irish (11.61%), Chinese (10.60%), and German (8.10%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Filipino, Canadian, Indian (India), French, and Ukrainian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 16.83% | 15.74% | 16.28% |
| Scottish | 13.66% | 14.03% | 13.85% |
| Irish | 11.68% | 11.57% | 11.61% |
| Chinese | 10.03% | 11.16% | 10.60% |
| German | 8.25% | 7.96% | 8.10% |
| Filipino | 7.21% | 8.85% | 8.03% |
| Canadian | 7.51% | 6.71% | 7.10% |
| Indian (India) | 6.39% | 6.14% | 6.26% |
| French | 5.55% | 4.83% | 5.18% |
| Ukrainian | 4.03% | 4.39% | 4.20% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of New Westminster's population profile.
About 37.5% of New Westminster's population are immigrants (29,265 people).
The top countries of origin for New Westminster's immigrant population are Philippines (5,050), India (3,135), China (2,880), United Kingdom (1,285), Hong Kong (1,250).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 5,050 |
| India | 3,135 |
| China | 2,880 |
| United Kingdom | 1,285 |
| Hong Kong | 1,250 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 13,275 of New Westminster's population live in a 1 person. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 18.40% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 17.10% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.85%, 5.00%, and 2.65%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 13,275 | 18.40% |
| 2 persons | 12,340 | 17.10% |
| 3 persons | 4,935 | 6.85% |
| 4 persons | 3,620 | 5.00% |
| 5 or more persons | 1,920 | 2.65% |
Income in New Westminster
Analyzing income distribution in New Westminster can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within New Westminster is $44,800.
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 New Westminster population or around 12,245 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 9,580 and 9,475 people, respectively.
Household Income
The New Westminster's median household income is $82,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average New Westminster's median household income is 2,000 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 New Westminster
This data sheds light on the distribution of New Westminster 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.
67.55% or most of the New Westminster population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 38.65% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, 24.15% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 8.30% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 36,660 | 41,390 | 78,045 | 67.55% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20,030 | 24,360 | 44,400 | 38.65% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 15,165 | 13,445 | 28,605 | 24.15% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 5,490 | 4,620 | 10,110 | 8.30% |
Above national average 38.7% of New Westminster's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in New Westminster
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in New Westminster. 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 5.82% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 64.00% |
| Unemployment rate | 5.82% |
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 New Westminster's population (around 73.50%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 3,505 men and 2,215 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 5,720.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 3,505 | 2,215 | 5,720 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The New Westminster industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in New Westminster is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
New Westminster has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (12%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Professional, scientific and technical services sector comes second at 11%, followed by Retail trade at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 1,145 | 4,670 | 12% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 2,785 | 2,335 | 11% |
| Retail trade | 2,325 | 2,465 | 10% |
| Construction | 3,175 | 610 | 8% |
| Educational services | 1,215 | 2,210 | 7% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 2,240 | 720 | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 1,950 | 925 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 1,170 | 1,470 | 6% |
| Public administration | 1,240 | 1,250 | 5% |
| Information and cultural industries | 1,530 | 765 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 1,095 | 995 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 855 | 1,190 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 905 | 985 | 4% |
| Wholesale trade | 1,145 | 615 | 4% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 460 | 550 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 425 | 415 | 2% |
| Utilities | 200 | 170 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 105 | 80 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 65 | 50 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 65 | 45 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where New Westminster residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in New Westminster: Health care and social assistance (12%), Professional, scientific and technical services (11%), -45 Retail trade (10%)
Top occupation categories in New Westminster: Sales and service occupations (23%), Business, finance and administration occupations (19%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (16%)
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 | 12,595 | 13,945 | 26,540 | 60.90% |
| Worked at home | 5,715 | 5,750 | 11,460 | 26.30% |
| No fixed workplace address | 4,115 | 1,325 | 5,440 | 12.50% |
| Worked outside Canada | 110 | 50 | 165 | 0.40% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how New Westminster 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 New Westminster residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of New Westminster 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 |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 33.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 28.60% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 16.70% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 12.80% |
| 60 minutes and over | 8.50% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in New Westminstershed 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 New Westminster'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 New Westminster. About 74,875 people living in the province speak English, 2,170 people speak Neither English nor French, 755 people speak French language, and 465 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 74,875 |
| Neither English nor French | 2,170 |
| French | 755 |
| English and French | 465 |
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 | 57.1% | 73.3% |
| Non-official languages | 36.3% | 20.7% |
| French | 1.0% | 0.2% |
Religion
New Westminster is predominantly Christian. About 30,345 of its population is Christian (14,100 males and 14,100 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Sikh with 4.8% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Muslim and Hindu, both represent 3.4% and 2.6% of the population, while Buddhist represent 1.9% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 38.9% |
| Sikh | 4.8% |
| Islam | 3.4% |
| Hindu | 2.6% |
| Buddhist | 1.9% |
| Jewish | 0.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions about New Westminster
According to the 2021 census, New Westminster has a population of approximately 78,916 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of New Westminster increased by 11.16%.
New Westminster has a population density of approximately 5,052.40 people per square kilometre.
New Westminster covers a land area of approximately 15.62 km².
The median age of the population in New Westminster is 40.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in New Westminster is English.
The median household income in New Westminster is $82,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in New Westminster.
Christian is the predominant religion in New Westminster.
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.