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

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

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Richmond. It is a city in Canada that encompasses a land area of 128.87 km2. The city has a population density of 1629.00 people per km2.

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

Richmond 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.

Richmond location on the map. View in Google Map

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Richmond has a population of around 209,937 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Richmond has increased by 5.86%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
198,309209,937 +5.86%

2026 Population Projection

Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.15% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Richmond's population is projected to reach approximately 222,247 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 1,724.58 people per km².

Population in 2021Projected Population in 2026Projected Density in 2026 (per km²)
209,937222,2471,724.58

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 Richmond is around 100,290 while the female population is around 109,650.

Of the 209,937 total population in Richmond, the largest gender is female with around 109,650 women within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
100,290109,650 +8.54%

Is Richmond a Good Place to Live?

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

Employment & Economy

10.8%
Unemployment rate
2.4 pts above the province
53.6%
Employment rate
4.3 pts below the province
60.1%
Participation rate
3.2 pts below the province

Income & Affordability

$79,000
Median household income
$6,000 below the province
15.9%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
5.1 pts above the province

Commute

62.6%
Commute under 30 minutes
3.2 pts below the province
79.0%
Commute by car
0.9 pts below the province
13.1%
Commute by public transit
3.8 pts above the province

Housing Character

30.1%
Single-detached houses
12.3 pts below the province
48.2%
Apartments (any building size)
4.7 pts above the province

Household Composition

2.60 people
Average household size
0.20people above the province
25.1%
One-person households
4.3 pts below the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Other Cities Near Richmond

Population by Age Characteristics

Richmond has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 7.70% of the total population. The city median age is 43.60.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal
55 to 59 years7,295 7.30%8,780 8.00% 16.91%16,075 7.70%
30 to 34 years7,605 7.60%7,685 7.00% 1.04%15,290 7.30%
25 to 29 years7,640 7.60%7,640 7.00% 0.00%15,285 7.30%
60 to 64 years6,940 6.90%8,320 7.60% 16.59%15,260 7.30%
50 to 54 years6,545 6.50%8,405 7.70% 22.13%14,950 7.10%
35 to 39 years6,855 6.80%7,255 6.60% 5.51%14,110 6.70%
65 to 69 years6,425 6.40%7,265 6.60% 11.56%13,690 6.50%
45 to 49 years5,730 5.70%7,340 6.70% 21.93%13,065 6.20%
20 to 24 years6,715 6.70%6,310 5.80% 6.03%13,025 6.20%
40 to 44 years5,970 6.00%6,685 6.10% 10.70%12,660 6.00%
70 to 74 years5,460 5.40%6,045 5.50% 9.68%11,510 5.50%
15 to 19 years5,370 5.40%5,000 4.60% 6.89%10,375 4.90%
5 to 9 years4,965 5.00%4,800 4.40% 3.32%9,770 4.70%
10 to 14 years4,865 4.90%4,685 4.30% 3.70%9,550 4.50%
0 to 4 years4,440 4.40%4,175 3.80% 5.97%8,615 4.10%
75 to 79 years3,220 3.20%3,585 3.30% 10.18%6,800 3.20%
85 years and over2,035 2.00%3,015 2.70% 32.50%5,050 2.40%
80 to 84 years2,210 2.20%2,655 2.40% 16.76%4,860 2.30%
85 to 89 years1,395 1.40%1,695 1.50% 17.70%3,090 1.50%
90 to 94 years520 0.50%1,020 0.90% 49.02%1,545 0.70%
95 to 99 years100 0.10%240 0.20% 58.33%340 0.20%
100 years and over15 0.00%55 0.10% 72.73%70 0.00%

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 66.70% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 20.00% and 13.30%, respectively.

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

DataMaleFemaleTotal
15 to 64 years66.50%67.00%66.70%
Median age of the population41.60%45.60%43.60%
Average age of the population42.20%44.30%43.30%
65 years and over19.30%20.60%20.00%
0 to 14 years14.20%12.50%13.30%

Photos of Places & Sceneries in Richmond

Population of Richmond by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Richmond is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Richmond 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 Chinese, which accounts for 47.88% of the total population, followed by Filipino (7.63%), English (5.85%), Hong Konger (4.68%), and Scottish (4.68%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Indian (India), Canadian, Irish, Taiwanese, and German.

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
Chinese46.72%48.94%47.88%
Filipino7.50%7.76%7.63%
English6.23%5.49%5.85%
Hong Konger4.76%4.62%4.68%
Scottish4.87%4.51%4.68%
Indian (India)4.66%4.31%4.48%
Canadian4.48%3.50%3.97%
Irish3.67%3.74%3.70%
Taiwanese3.16%3.28%3.22%
German3.14%2.92%3.03%

Immigration Profile

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

About 60.3% of Richmond's population are immigrants (125,600 people).

The top countries of origin for Richmond's immigrant population are China (46,490), Hong Kong (24,340), Philippines (13,570), Taiwan (7,745), India (5,380).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
China46,490
Hong Kong24,340
Philippines13,570
Taiwan7,745
India5,380

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 26,205 of Richmond's population live in a 2 persons. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.

Household Size

About 16.15% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 12.55% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 9.35%, 7.35%, and 4.60%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
2 persons26,20516.15%
1 person20,34012.55%
3 persons15,1459.35%
4 persons11,9057.35%
5 or more persons7,4854.60%

Income in Richmond

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

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Richmond is $34,000.

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 Richmond population or around 25,740 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the Under $10,000, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 25,085 and 21,855 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Richmond's median household income is $79,000, according to 2020 data.

Below national average Richmond's median household income is 5,000 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 Richmond

This data sheds light on the distribution of Richmond 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.

65.15% or most of the Richmond population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 41.40% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, 25.85% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 9.00% has No certificate, diploma or degree.

Only using 25% sample data.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree88,610101,000189,61065.15%
Bachelor's degree or higher56,05563,875119,93541.40%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate38,21540,37078,58025.85%
No certificate, diploma or degree13,05015,52028,5709.00%

Above national average 41.4% of Richmond's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Richmond

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Richmond. 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 6.47% which is quite high.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate53.63%
Unemployment rate6.47%

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 Richmond's population (around 65.30%) are working permanent position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the city, there are 11,470 men and 7,475 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 18,940.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed11,4707,47518,940

Employment Industry Sectors

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

Richmond has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (13%) works in the retail trade sector. The Professional, scientific and technical services sector comes second at 10%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 10%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Retail trade6,5307,15013%
Professional, scientific and technical services6,2754,98010%
Health care and social assistance2,5308,26010%
Accommodation and food services4,2854,6108%
Educational services2,5855,1207%
Transportation and warehousing5,3902,2557%
Finance and insurance2,9653,4706%
Manufacturing3,9052,1556%
Construction4,4158705%
Wholesale trade3,1402,0555%
Other services (except public administration)1,7502,4154%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services2,2151,7554%
Public administration1,8702,0604%
Real estate and rental and leasing1,8801,6853%
Information and cultural industries1,7851,1003%
Arts, entertainment and recreation1,0659602%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting4353351%
Utilities2401350%
Management of companies and enterprises1301850%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction1101050%

Labour Market Snapshot

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

Top employer sectors in Richmond: -45 Retail trade (13%), Professional, scientific and technical services (10%), Health care and social assistance (10%)

Top occupation categories in Richmond: Sales and service occupations (29%), Business, finance and administration occupations (21%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (12%)

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 work28,87030,94559,81561.80%
Worked at home12,42512,99525,42026.30%
No fixed workplace address7,5252,86010,38510.70%
Worked outside Canada7504201,1751.20%

Commuting

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

Commuting Duration

This data reveals the average time that the residents of Richmond 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 minutes38.10%
Less than 15 minutes24.50%
30 to 44 minutes24.10%
45 to 59 minutes7.50%
60 minutes and over5.90%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Richmondshed 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 Richmond's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law
58.78%
Married or living common-law
41.22%

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 Richmond. About 185,175 people living in the province speak English, 21,585 people speak Neither English nor French, 1,200 people speak English and French language, and 1,070 people speak French language.

LanguagePopulation
English185,175
Neither English nor French21,585
English and French1,200
French1,070

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
Non-official languages61.6%45.8%
English31.3%46.1%
French0.5%0.2%

Religion

Richmond is predominantly Christian. About 64,405 of its population is Christian (29,125 males and 29,125 females).

The second largest religion in the province is Buddhist with 5.6% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Muslim and Sikh, both represent 3.7% and 3.4% of the population, while Hindu represent 1.3% of the population.

ReligionPopulation
Christian30.9%
Buddhist5.6%
Islam3.7%
Sikh3.4%
Hindu1.3%
Jewish1.2%

Frequently Asked Questions about Richmond

According to the 2021 census, Richmond has a population of approximately 209,937 people.

Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Richmond increased by 5.86%.

Richmond has a population density of approximately 1,629.00 people per square kilometre.

Richmond covers a land area of approximately 128.87 km².

The median age of the population in Richmond is 43.60 years.

The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Richmond is Chinese.

The median household income in Richmond is $79,000, based on 2020 data.

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

Christian is the predominant religion in Richmond.

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.