Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Saanich has a population of around 117,735 people. The township's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Saanich has increased by 3.14%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 114,148 | 117,735 | +3.14% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.62% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Saanich's population is projected to reach approximately 121,435 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 1,172.27 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 117,735 | 121,435 | 1,172.27 |
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 Saanich is around 57,450 while the female population is around 60,285.
Of the 117,735 total population in Saanich, the largest gender is female with around 60,285 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 57,450 | 60,285 | +4.70% |
Is Saanich a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Saanich 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 Townships Near Saanich
- Esquimalt (4.3 km)
- Oak Bay (5.7 km)
- Highlands (10.3 km)
- Metchosin (14.7 km)
- Central Saanich (15.4 km)
- North Saanich (22.3 km)
- Sooke (27.6 km)
- North Cowichan (47.8 km)
- West Vancouver (98.2 km)
- North Vancouver (98.3 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Saanich has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 20 to 24 years old, accounting for 7.70% of the total population. The township median age is 44.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 to 24 years | 4,710 8.20% | 4,305 7.10% | 8.60% | 9,020 7.70% |
| 55 to 59 years | 3,950 6.90% | 4,225 7.00% | 6.51% | 8,175 6.90% |
| 60 to 64 years | 3,740 6.50% | 4,390 7.30% | 14.81% | 8,140 6.90% |
| 65 to 69 years | 3,710 6.50% | 4,165 6.90% | 10.92% | 7,875 6.70% |
| 50 to 54 years | 3,650 6.40% | 3,940 6.50% | 7.36% | 7,590 6.40% |
| 25 to 29 years | 4,015 7.00% | 3,535 5.90% | 11.96% | 7,550 6.40% |
| 35 to 39 years | 3,620 6.30% | 3,685 6.10% | 1.76% | 7,305 6.20% |
| 40 to 44 years | 3,415 5.90% | 3,730 6.20% | 8.45% | 7,145 6.10% |
| 45 to 49 years | 3,340 5.80% | 3,725 6.20% | 10.34% | 7,060 6.00% |
| 70 to 74 years | 3,210 5.60% | 3,740 6.20% | 14.17% | 6,945 5.90% |
| 30 to 34 years | 3,455 6.00% | 3,455 5.70% | 0.00% | 6,915 5.90% |
| 15 to 19 years | 3,295 5.70% | 3,180 5.30% | 3.49% | 6,480 5.50% |
| 10 to 14 years | 2,965 5.20% | 2,685 4.50% | 9.44% | 5,655 4.80% |
| 5 to 9 years | 2,805 4.90% | 2,635 4.40% | 6.06% | 5,445 4.60% |
| 75 to 79 years | 2,315 4.00% | 2,650 4.40% | 12.64% | 4,965 4.20% |
| 0 to 4 years | 2,095 3.60% | 2,005 3.30% | 4.30% | 4,100 3.50% |
| 85 years and over | 1,665 2.90% | 2,370 3.90% | 29.75% | 4,040 3.40% |
| 80 to 84 years | 1,485 2.60% | 1,855 3.10% | 19.95% | 3,340 2.80% |
| 85 to 89 years | 965 1.70% | 1,290 2.10% | 25.19% | 2,260 1.90% |
| 90 to 94 years | 505 0.90% | 795 1.30% | 36.48% | 1,300 1.10% |
| 95 to 99 years | 185 0.30% | 250 0.40% | 26.00% | 430 0.40% |
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 64.00% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 23.10% and 12.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Saanich are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age of the population | 42.40% | 46.40% | 44.40% |
| Average age of the population | 43.10% | 45.50% | 44.30% |
| 65 years and over | 21.60% | 24.50% | 23.10% |
| 0 to 14 years | 13.70% | 12.20% | 12.90% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Saanich
Population of Saanich by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Saanich is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Saanich 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 28.66% of the total population, followed by Scottish (21.34%), Irish (16.62%), German (11.00%), and Canadian (10.84%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Chinese, French, British Isles, Ukrainian, and Dutch.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 28.70% | 28.62% | 28.66% |
| Scottish | 20.93% | 21.74% | 21.34% |
| Irish | 15.71% | 17.49% | 16.62% |
| German | 10.79% | 11.21% | 11.00% |
| Canadian | 11.66% | 10.07% | 10.84% |
| Chinese | 8.58% | 9.03% | 8.81% |
| French | 6.58% | 7.00% | 6.79% |
| British Isles | 6.06% | 6.34% | 6.20% |
| Ukrainian | 4.29% | 4.39% | 4.34% |
| Dutch | 3.94% | 3.97% | 3.95% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Saanich's population profile.
About 22.5% of Saanich's population are immigrants (26,045 people).
The top countries of origin for Saanich's immigrant population are China (4,110), United Kingdom (3,760), India (2,650), Philippines (1,995), United States of America (1,655).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| China | 4,110 |
| United Kingdom | 3,760 |
| India | 2,650 |
| Philippines | 1,995 |
| United States of America | 1,655 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 22,380 of Saanich's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.45% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 13.70% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.65%, 6.55%, and 3.65%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 17,710 | 18.45% |
| 1 person | 13,175 | 13.70% |
| 3 persons | 7,330 | 7.65% |
| 4 persons | 6,305 | 6.55% |
| 5 or more persons | 3,525 | 3.65% |
Income in Saanich
Analyzing income distribution in Saanich can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Saanich 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 township's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Saanich population or around 14,330 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 14,105 and 11,585 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Saanich's median household income is $93,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Saanich's median household income is 9,000 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 Saanich
This data sheds light on the distribution of Saanich 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.
66.75% or most of the Saanich population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 39.70% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, 25.55% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 7.75% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 48,980 | 55,240 | 104,225 | 66.75% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27,975 | 33,730 | 61,715 | 39.70% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 21,330 | 20,530 | 41,860 | 25.55% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 6,890 | 6,525 | 13,420 | 7.75% |
Above national average 39.7% of Saanich's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Saanich
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Saanich. 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 4.24% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 58.10% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.24% |
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 Saanich's population (around 66.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 6,270 men and 4,425 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 10,695.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 6,270 | 4,425 | 10,695 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Saanich industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Saanich is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Saanich has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (15%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Public administration sector comes second at 12%, followed by Retail trade at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 2,230 | 7,150 | 15% |
| Public administration | 3,445 | 3,970 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 3,595 | 3,490 | 11% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 3,535 | 2,520 | 10% |
| Educational services | 2,200 | 3,545 | 9% |
| Construction | 4,130 | 500 | 7% |
| Accommodation and food services | 2,200 | 2,340 | 7% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 1,645 | 940 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 1,015 | 1,470 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 1,730 | 495 | 4% |
| Manufacturing | 1,440 | 530 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 840 | 1,030 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 745 | 740 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 585 | 615 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 585 | 360 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 655 | 280 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 345 | 280 | 1% |
| Utilities | 155 | 45 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 60 | 10 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 50 | 15 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Saanich residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Saanich: Health care and social assistance (15%), Public administration (12%), -45 Retail trade (11%)
Top occupation categories in Saanich: Sales and service occupations (25%), Business, finance and administration occupations (17%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (15%)
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 | 16,460 | 18,430 | 34,890 | 59.90% |
| Worked at home | 7,510 | 8,300 | 15,810 | 27.10% |
| No fixed workplace address | 5,390 | 2,050 | 7,440 | 12.80% |
| Worked outside Canada | 85 | 60 | 140 | 0.20% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Saanich 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 Saanich residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Saanich 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 |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 50.10% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 32.70% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 12.80% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.30% |
| 60 minutes and over | 2.10% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Saanichshed 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 Saanich'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 Saanich. About 112,475 people living in the province speak English, 1,820 people speak Neither English nor French, 1,320 people speak French language, and 355 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 112,475 |
| Neither English nor French | 1,820 |
| French | 1,320 |
| English and French | 355 |
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 | 76.1% | 86.4% |
| Non-official languages | 19.8% | 10.2% |
| French | 1.1% | 0.3% |
Religion
Saanich is predominantly Christian. About 38,645 of its population is Christian (17,465 males and 17,465 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Sikh with 2.8% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Muslim and Buddhist, both represent 1.6% and 1.3% of the population, while Hindu represent 1.2% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 33.5% |
| Sikh | 2.8% |
| Islam | 1.6% |
| Buddhist | 1.3% |
| Hindu | 1.2% |
| Jewish | 0.7% |
Points of Interest in Saanich
Hospitals
Schools
- Willows Elementary
- Campus View Elementary
- Frank Hobbs Elementary School
- Arbutus Middle School
- Maria Montessori Academy
- Cedar Hill Middle School
- Oaklands Elementary
- Quadra Elementary
- Lansdowne Middle School - North Campus
- Lansdowne Middle School - South Campus
- St. Michaels University School
- Torquay Elementary
- St. Patrick's School
- Doncaster Elementary School
- Braefoot Elementary School
- John Stubbs Memorial School
- Cloverdale Traditional School
- École George Jay Elementary
- Hillcrest Elementary
- Lake Hill Elementary
- Ecole Marigold Elementary
- Spectrum Community School
Parks
- Paddle Rock
- Oaklands Green
- Rendle Green
- Willows Park
- Oaklands Park
- Allenby Park
- Carnarvon Park
- Nottingham Park
- Topaz Park
- Majestic Park
- Oakdowne Park
- Chancellor Park
- Cedar Hill Park & Golf Course
- Blackwood Park
- Wark Street Commons
- Rutledge Park
- Peacock Hill Park
- Oswald Park
- Arbutus Park
- Wedgepoint Park
- Benson Park
- Tolmie Park
- Bear Hill Regional Park
Libraries
- GVPL: Saanich Centennial Library Branch
- GVPL: Emily Carr Branch
- McPherson Library
- Greater Victoria Public Library - Bruce Hutchison Branch
- GVPL: Nellie McClung Branch
- Alan Batey Library & Learning Commons
- GVPL: Juan de Fuca Branch
Community Centres
- Oaklands Community Centre
- Les Passmore Seniors Activity Centre
- Hungarian Society Of Victoria
- Issamba Centre
- SCCFS Clinical & Cultural Program
- Viv Shoemaker Activity Centre
Places to Visit in Saanich
Museums
- CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum - NAD20
- CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum - NAD29
- Gorge Waterway Nature House
- Craigflower Manor
- Craigflower Schoolhouse
- Centre of the Universe
Attractions
Historic Sites
- Oak Bay Cenotaph
- Lime Kiln
- Bay Street Armoury
- Point Ellice House
- Craigflower Manor
- Craigflower Schoolhouse
- Esquimalt Naval Sites
- The Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC)
- Hatley Park
- Victoria-Esquimalt Fortifications
- 30th Annual Self-Transcendence Triathlon
- Cormorant Point Pool
- Mount Douglas Park Charter
- Dominion Astrophysical Observatory
- Sitchanalth
- HMS Warspite
- HMCS Royal Roads
- The Founding of the Canadian Naval Service
- Bay Street Drill Hall
- Dominion Astrophysical Observatory
- Highrock Cairn
Stadiums
Theatres
Green Spaces in Saanich
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Paddle Rock | Parks | — |
| Oaklands Green | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Rendle Green | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Willows Park | Parks | 1.2 ha |
| Oaklands Park | Parks | 2.4 ha |
| Allenby Park | Parks | 1.2 ha |
| Carnarvon Park | Parks | 3.9 ha |
| Nottingham Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Topaz Park | Parks | 10.1 ha |
| Majestic Park | Parks | 1.3 ha |
| Oakdowne Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Chancellor Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Cedar Hill Park & Golf Course | Parks | 53.5 ha |
| Blackwood Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Wark Street Commons | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Rutledge Park | Parks | 2.0 ha |
| Peacock Hill Park | Parks | 1.1 ha |
| Oswald Park | Parks | 1.3 ha |
| Arbutus Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Wedgepoint Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Benson Park | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Tolmie Park | Parks | 1.2 ha |
| Bear Hill Regional Park | Parks | 46.6 ha |
| Blair Park | Parks | 1.0 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Saanich
According to the 2021 census, Saanich has a population of approximately 117,735 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Saanich increased by 3.14%.
Saanich has a population density of approximately 1,136.60 people per square kilometre.
Saanich covers a land area of approximately 103.59 km².
The median age of the population in Saanich is 44.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Saanich is English.
The median household income in Saanich is $93,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Saanich.
Christian is the predominant religion in Saanich.
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.