Qualicum, British Columbia — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Qualicum census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 82
- +10.8% since 2016
- Density
- 110.3
- people per km²
- Land area
- 0.74
- km²
- Median age
- 35.6
- years
- Median household income
- $0
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 22.2%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Qualicum. It is an Indian reserve in Canada that encompasses a land area of 0.74 km2. The Indian reserve has a population density of 110.30 people per km2.
We highlight the Qualicum Indian reserve's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Qualicum on the Map
Qualicum location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Qualicum has a population of around 82 people. The Indian reserve's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Qualicum has increased by ▲ 10.81%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 74 | 82 | +10.81% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.07% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Qualicum's population is projected to reach approximately 91 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 122.97 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 82 | 91 | 122.97 |
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.
Qualicum Population Trend & Context
Qualicum is the 322nd-largest Indian reserve in British Columbia, with a 2021 census population of 82 — an increase of 8 (▲ 10.81%) people from the 74 recorded in 2016.
The Indian reserve's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among British Columbia Indian reserves. The Indian reserve's median age of 35.6 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
How does Qualicum compare to other British Columbia Indian reserves?
- 320th Five Mile Point 3 83
- 321st Klickkumcheen 18 82
- 322nd Qualicum This Indian reserve 82
- 323rd Tsussie 6 82
- 324th McLeod Lake 1 81
Population By Genders
The male population of Qualicum is around 45 while the female population is around 35.
Of the 82 total population in Qualicum, the largest gender is male with around 45 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 45 | 35 | +22.22% |
Is Qualicum a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Qualicum 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.
Qualicum Population Compared to British Columbia
British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how Qualicum compares to the Indian reserve's key indicators:
| Indicator | Qualicum | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $0 | $85,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 22.2% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 35.6 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 31.8% |
| Immigrants (%) | 0.0% | 29.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Qualicum has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 5 to 9 years old, accounting for 11.80% of the total population. The Indian reserve median age is 35.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|
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 52.90% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 23.50% and 17.60%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Qualicum are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total - Age groups of the population - 100% data | 45.00% | 35.00% | 85.00% |
| 15 to 64 years | 44.40% | 71.40% | 52.90% |
| 15 to 64 years | 20.00% | 25.00% | 45.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 33.30% | 28.60% | 23.50% |
| 0 to 14 years | 15.00% | 10.00% | 20.00% |
| 65 years and over | 22.20% | 14.30% | 17.60% |
| 65 years and over | 10.00% | 5.00% | 15.00% |
Population of Qualicum by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Qualicum is quite diverse, which contributes to the Indian reserve's vibrant cultural landscape. Qualicum is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the Indian reserve appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Qualicum are Scottish, which accounts for 31.25% of the total population, followed by First Nations (North American Indian) (31.25%), Canadian (12.50%), English (12.50%), and Irish (12.50%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Qualicum include Caucasian (White), Icelandic, French, German, and Chinese.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish | 22.22% | 37.50% | 31.25% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 22.22% | 25.00% | 31.25% |
| Canadian | 0.00% | 0.00% | 12.50% |
| English | 22.22% | 0.00% | 12.50% |
| Irish | 22.22% | 25.00% | 12.50% |
| Caucasian (White) | 0.00% | 0.00% | 12.50% |
| Icelandic | 22.22% | 0.00% | 12.50% |
| French | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| German | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Chinese | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Indigenous Identity in Qualicum
About 75.00% of Qualicum's population (60 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 25.00% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 55 people (68.80% of the total population) hold Registered or Treaty Indian status.
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Qualicum's population profile.
About 0.0% of Qualicum's population are immigrants (0 people).
The top countries of origin for Qualicum's immigrant population are Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0), Haiti (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
| Guyana | 0 |
| Haiti | 0 |
0.0% of Qualicum's residents (0 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.0% are not.
By generation status, 0.0% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 12.5% are second generation, and 87.5% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 25 of Qualicum's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 16.65% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 16.65% of the population. 3 persons, 5 or more persons, and 4 persons households account for 8.35%, 8.35%, and 0.00%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 10 | 16.65% |
| 2 persons | 10 | 16.65% |
| 3 persons | 5 | 8.35% |
| 5 or more persons | 5 | 8.35% |
| 4 persons | 0 | 0.00% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 35 occupied private dwellings in Qualicum, 57.1% are owner-occupied (20) and 0.0% are rented (0).
Period of Construction
28.6% of Qualicum's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 28.6% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Qualicum
Of census families in Qualicum, 100.0% are couple families and 0.0% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.0 people.
28.6% of households in Qualicum are one-person households, 42.9% are couple-family households, 0.0% are one-parent-family households, and 14.3% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 10 | 28.6% |
| Couple-family households | 15 | 42.9% |
| One-parent-family households | 0 | 0.0% |
| Multigenerational households | 5 | 14.3% |
Income in Qualicum
Analyzing income distribution in Qualicum can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Qualicum is $0.
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 Qualicum population or around 0 people falls in the Under $10,000 group. The next largest groups are the Under $10,000, and Under $10,000 with around 0 and 0 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Qualicum's median household income is $0, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Qualicum's median household income is 84,000 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 Qualicum
This data sheds light on the distribution of Qualicum 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.
62.50% or most of the Qualicum population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 37.50% of the population has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 25.00% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate. (Individual figures may not sum to exactly 100% due to Statistics Canada's random rounding of small-area 25% sample data.)
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 10 | 15 | 25 | 62.50% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 10 | 0 | 15 | 37.50% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 0 | 0 | 10 | 25.00% |
Below national average 25.0% of Qualicum's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Qualicum
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Qualicum. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Qualicum is at 20.00% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 66.67% |
| Unemployment rate | 20.00% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Qualicum, 33.3% worked full year full time in the reference year, 33.3% worked part year and/or part time, and 41.7% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 20 | 33.3% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 20 | 33.3% |
| Did not work | 25 | 41.7% |
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 Qualicum's population (around 44.40%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the Indian reserve, there are 0 men and 0 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 10.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Qualicum industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Qualicum is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Qualicum has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (22%) works in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector. The Professional, scientific and technical services sector comes second at 22%, followed by Educational services at 22%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 10 | 0 | 22% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 0 | 10 | 22% |
| Educational services | 0 | 0 | 22% |
| Health care and social assistance | 0 | 0 | 22% |
| Public administration | 0 | 10 | 22% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Construction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Manufacturing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Retail trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Accommodation and food services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Qualicum residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Qualicum: Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (22%), Professional, scientific and technical services (22%), Educational services (22%)
Top occupation categories in Qualicum: Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (33%), Legislative and senior management occupations (22%), Business, finance and administration occupations (22%)
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.
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Qualicum 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 Qualicum residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Qualicum 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.
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Qualicum shed 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 Qualicum's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
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 Qualicum. About 80 people living in the Indian reserve speak English, 0 people speak Neither English nor French, 0 people speak French language, and 0 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 80 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
| French | 0 |
| English and French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 0.0% of Qualicum's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 100.0% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 85 | 100.0% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 0 | 0.0% |
| Neither English nor French | 0 | 0.0% |
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 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| French | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Non-official languages | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Religion
Qualicum is predominantly Christian. About 15 of its population is Christian (0 males and 0 females).
The second largest religion in the Indian reserve is Hindu with 0.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Jewish and Muslim, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Sikh represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 18.8% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
Nearest Indian Reserves to Qualicum
Methodology
- Data vintage: Reference date was Census Day, May 11, 2021. Statistics Canada released this profile in stages starting February 9, 2022, with later characteristics added through the remainder of 2022.
- Rounding & suppression: To protect respondent confidentiality, Statistics Canada randomly rounds every count shown here, and withholds some characteristics entirely for areas with very small populations. This is why a small number of figures on this page may show as unavailable for smaller places — it reflects a StatCan privacy rule, not missing data on our end.
- Next update: These are the most recent figures available. Canada's next census is scheduled for May 2026, with results expected to begin release in 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions about Qualicum
What is the population of Qualicum?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Qualicum has a population of 82 people, making it the 321st Indian reserve in British Columbia. The population increased significantly from 74 in 2016, an increase of 8 people or 10.81%. The Indian reserve has a population density of 110.3 people per km² across a land area of 0.74 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Qualicum growing?
Qualicum's population grew by 10.81% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 74 to 82 people, a gain of 8 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other British Columbia Indian reserves during this period. The median age of 35.60 years suggests a relatively balanced demographic profile. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (33.3%) may indicate young adults leaving for larger centres. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
What is the population density of Qualicum?
Qualicum has a population density of approximately 110.30 people per square kilometre.
How large is Qualicum?
Qualicum covers a land area of approximately 0.74 km².
What is the median age in Qualicum?
The median age of the population in Qualicum is 35.60 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Qualicum?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Qualicum is Scottish.
What is the median household income in Qualicum?
The median household income in Qualicum is $0, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Qualicum?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Qualicum.
What is the main religion in Qualicum?
Christian is the predominant religion in Qualicum.
What percentage of Qualicum's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 75.0% of Qualicum's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Qualicum residents are Canadian citizens?
0.0% of Qualicum's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Qualicum are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 0.0% of census families in Qualicum, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Qualicum?
Multigenerational households make up 14.3% of all households in Qualicum, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Qualicum's population is bilingual in English and French?
0.0% of Qualicum's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Qualicum's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Qualicum, 33.3% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Qualicum available yet?
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.