Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Summerland has a population of around 12,042 people. The township's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Summerland has increased by ▲ 3.68%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 11,615 | 12,042 | +3.68% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.72% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Summerland's population is projected to reach approximately 12,485 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 168.63 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 12,042 | 12,485 | 168.63 |
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.
Summerland Population Trend & Context
Summerland had a 2021 census population of 12,042 — an increase of 427 (▲ 3.68%) people from the 11,615 recorded in 2016.
The township's population has grown slightly over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among British Columbia townships. The township's median age of 54.4 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
Population By Genders
The male population of Summerland is around 5,745 while the female population is around 6,295.
Of the 12,042 total population in Summerland, the largest gender is female with around 6,295 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 5,745 | 6,295 | +8.74% |
Is Summerland a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Summerland 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.
Summerland Population Compared to British Columbia
British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how Summerland compares to the township's key indicators:
| Indicator | Summerland | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $82,000 | $85,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.2% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 54.4 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.1% | 31.8% |
| Immigrants (%) | 12.2% | 29.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Summerland has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 65 to 69 years old, accounting for 10.30% of the total population. The township median age is 54.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 to 69 years | 580 10.10% | 660 10.50% | 12.12% | 1,235 10.30% |
| 60 to 64 years | 510 8.90% | 635 10.10% | 19.69% | 1,145 9.50% |
| 70 to 74 years | 500 8.70% | 525 8.30% | 4.76% | 1,025 8.50% |
| 55 to 59 years | 435 7.60% | 540 8.60% | 19.44% | 980 8.10% |
| 35 to 39 years | 350 6.10% | 345 5.50% | 1.43% | 700 5.80% |
| 75 to 79 years | 330 5.70% | 320 5.10% | 3.03% | 650 5.40% |
| 40 to 44 years | 310 5.40% | 335 5.30% | 7.46% | 645 5.40% |
| 45 to 49 years | 295 5.10% | 340 5.40% | 13.24% | 645 5.40% |
| 50 to 54 years | 315 5.50% | 320 5.10% | 1.56% | 640 5.30% |
| 15 to 19 years | 275 4.80% | 295 4.70% | 6.78% | 575 4.80% |
| 10 to 14 years | 275 4.80% | 285 4.50% | 3.51% | 565 4.70% |
| 30 to 34 years | 250 4.40% | 280 4.40% | 10.71% | 530 4.40% |
| 5 to 9 years | 235 4.10% | 280 4.40% | 16.07% | 520 4.30% |
| 0 to 4 years | 255 4.40% | 230 3.70% | 9.80% | 485 4.00% |
| 80 to 84 years | 220 3.80% | 255 4.10% | 13.73% | 475 3.90% |
| 85 years and over | 195 3.40% | 255 4.10% | 23.53% | 455 3.80% |
| 25 to 29 years | 210 3.70% | 195 3.10% | 7.14% | 405 3.40% |
| 20 to 24 years | 180 3.10% | 190 3.00% | 5.26% | 370 3.10% |
| 85 to 89 years | 140 2.40% | 130 2.10% | 7.14% | 265 2.20% |
| 90 to 94 years | 50 0.90% | 100 1.60% | 50.00% | 150 1.20% |
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 55.10% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 31.90% and 13.00%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Summerland are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 54.70% | 55.40% | 55.10% |
| 65 years and over | 31.80% | 31.90% | 31.90% |
| 0 to 14 years | 13.40% | 12.60% | 13.00% |
Population of Summerland by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Summerland is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Summerland is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the township appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Summerland are English, which accounts for 30.61% of the total population, followed by Scottish (22.66%), German (17.83%), Irish (17.23%), and Canadian (12.36%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Summerland include French, Ukrainian, Dutch, British Isles, and Norwegian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 30.19% | 31.00% | 30.61% |
| Scottish | 21.83% | 23.49% | 22.66% |
| German | 16.98% | 18.68% | 17.83% |
| Irish | 15.99% | 18.27% | 17.23% |
| Canadian | 13.39% | 11.34% | 12.36% |
| French | 8.27% | 10.11% | 9.23% |
| Ukrainian | 6.29% | 7.67% | 7.01% |
| Dutch | 7.10% | 6.77% | 6.97% |
| British Isles | 7.10% | 6.53% | 6.80% |
| Norwegian | 4.58% | 4.49% | 4.49% |
Indigenous Identity in Summerland
About 5.34% of Summerland's population (625 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 94.66% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 135 people (1.20% 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 Summerland's population profile.
About 12.2% of Summerland's population are immigrants (1,430 people).
The top countries of origin for Summerland's immigrant population are United Kingdom (395), Germany (125), India (110), United States of America (95), Netherlands (85).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 395 |
| Germany | 125 |
| India | 110 |
| United States of America | 95 |
| Netherlands | 85 |
97.0% of Summerland's residents (11,350 people) are Canadian citizens, and 2.9% are not.
By generation status, 13.9% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 20.0% are second generation, and 66.1% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 3,635 of Summerland's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 21.75% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 13.45% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.10%, 5.55%, and 3.15%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 2,210 | 21.75% |
| 1 person | 1,370 | 13.45% |
| 3 persons | 620 | 6.10% |
| 4 persons | 565 | 5.55% |
| 5 or more persons | 320 | 3.15% |
Family and Household Structure in Summerland
Of census families in Summerland, 88.8% are couple families and 11.2% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
26.8% of households in Summerland are one-person households, 57.3% are couple-family households, 5.6% are one-parent-family households, and 2.6% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 1,365 | 26.8% |
| Couple-family households | 2,915 | 57.3% |
| One-parent-family households | 285 | 5.6% |
| Multigenerational households | 130 | 2.6% |
Income in Summerland
Analyzing income distribution in Summerland can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Summerland is $40,400.
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 Summerland population or around 1,375 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 1,200 and 1,110 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Summerland's median household income is $82,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Summerland'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 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 Summerland
This data sheds light on the distribution of Summerland 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.
65.50% or most of the Summerland population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 27.20% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 7.30% has a No certificate, diploma or degree. (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 | 1,590 | 2,075 | 3,665 | 65.50% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 795 | 725 | 1,520 | 27.20% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 225 | 190 | 410 | 7.30% |
Below national average 25.2% of Summerland's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Summerland
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Summerland. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Summerland is at 8.16% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 49.46% |
| Unemployment rate | 8.16% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Summerland, 24.5% worked full year full time in the reference year, 33.0% worked part year and/or part time, and 42.5% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 2,480 | 24.5% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 3,340 | 33.0% |
| Did not work | 4,310 | 42.5% |
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 Summerland's population (around 60.30%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 745 men and 535 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 1,280.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 745 | 535 | 1,280 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Summerland industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Summerland is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Summerland has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (14%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 12%, followed by Construction at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 155 | 585 | 14% |
| Retail trade | 310 | 320 | 12% |
| Construction | 540 | 65 | 11% |
| Educational services | 130 | 315 | 8% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 215 | 200 | 8% |
| Public administration | 225 | 190 | 8% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 205 | 120 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 150 | 160 | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 215 | 70 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 120 | 130 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 125 | 105 | 4% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 65 | 65 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 35 | 90 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 75 | 45 | 2% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 75 | 40 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 45 | 60 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 40 | 35 | 1% |
| Utilities | 30 | 0 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 25 | 0 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 10 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Summerland residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Summerland: Health care and social assistance (14%), Retail trade (12%), Construction (11%)
Top occupation categories in Summerland: Sales and service occupations (23%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (20%), Business, finance and administration occupations (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 | 1,530 | 1,765 | 3,295 | 65.80% |
| Worked at home | 490 | 545 | 1,035 | 20.70% |
| No fixed workplace address | 540 | 150 | 685 | 13.70% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Summerland 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 Summerland residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Summerland 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 |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 43.50% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 36.70% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 10.70% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 5.00% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.10% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Summerland 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 township's social fabric. We can gain insights into Summerland'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 Summerland. About 11,680 people living in the township speak English, 150 people speak French, 25 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 20 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 11,680 |
| French | 150 |
| Neither English nor French | 25 |
| English and French | 20 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 7.3% of Summerland's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 92.4% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.3% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 10,975 | 92.4% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 870 | 7.3% |
| Neither English nor French | 30 | 0.3% |
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 | 88.9% | 96.3% |
| Non-official languages | 8.6% | 2.6% |
| French | 1.3% | 0.3% |
Religion
Summerland is predominantly Christian. About 4,760 of its population is Christian (2,085 males and 2,670 females).
The second largest religion in the township is Sikh with 1.1% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Hindu, both represent 0.3% and 0.3% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.1% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 40.7% |
| Sikh | 1.1% |
| Buddhist | 0.3% |
| Hindu | 0.3% |
| Jewish | 0.1% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Summerland
Hospitals
Schools
- Unisus School
- Summerland Secondary
- Summerland Middle School
- Giant's Head Elementary School
- Giants Head Elementary School
- Trout Creek Elementary
Universities
Parks
- Peach Orchard Beach Park
- Memorial Park
- Dale Meadows Park
- Turner St. Park
- Reid Park
- Julia St. Kinsmen Park
- Summerland Museum Park
- Blagbourne Park
- Anglican Churchyard Cemetery & Park
- Kinsmen Park
- Highway Park
- Powell Beach Park
- Summerland Ornamental Gardens
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Summerland
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
- War Memorial
- Time Capsule
- #3716
- #803
- Kettle Valley Railway
- Kettle Valley Railway
- Kettle Valley Railway
- Kettle Valley Railway
- Kettle Valley Railway
- Kettle Valley Railway
- Trout Creek Canyon Bridge
- Former Superintendent’s Residence
Theatres
Green Spaces in Summerland
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Peach Orchard Beach Park | Parks | 3.1 ha |
| Memorial Park | Parks | 1.9 ha |
| Dale Meadows Park | Parks | 9.8 ha |
| Turner St. Park | Parks | 0.0 ha |
| Reid Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Julia St. Kinsmen Park | Parks | 0.0 ha |
| Summerland Museum Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Blagbourne Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Anglican Churchyard Cemetery & Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Kinsmen Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Highway Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Powell Beach Park | Parks | 3.2 ha |
| Summerland Ornamental Gardens | Parks | 8.8 ha |
| Kickininee Provincial Park | Nature Reserves | 51.4 ha |
| Trout Creek Ecological Reserve | Nature Reserves | 67.3 ha |
| Adams Bird Sanctuary | Nature Reserves | 1.4 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Townships to Summerland
- Peachland 19.5 km · 5,789 people
- Lake Country 51.5 km · 15,817 people
- Coldstream 76.1 km · 11,171 people
- Spallumcheen 98.3 km · 5,307 people
- Logan Lake 128.8 km · 2,255 people
- Hope 130.5 km · 6,686 people
- Sicamous 145.9 km · 2,613 people
- Kent 161.7 km · 6,300 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Summerland
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Summerland has a population of 12,042 people, making it the 50th township in British Columbia. The population increased moderately from 11,615 in 2016, an increase of 427 people or 3.68%. The township has a population density of 162.6 people per km² across a land area of 74.04 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Summerland's population grew by 3.68% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 11,615 to 12,042 people, a gain of 427 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other British Columbia townships during this period. The median age of 54.40 years suggests an aging population. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Summerland has a population density of approximately 162.60 people per square kilometre.
Summerland covers a land area of approximately 74.04 km².
The median age of the population in Summerland is 54.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Summerland is English.
The median household income in Summerland is $82,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Summerland.
Christian is the predominant religion in Summerland.
According to the 2021 Census, 5.3% of Summerland's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
97.0% of Summerland's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 11.3% of census families in Summerland, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 2.6% of all households in Summerland, per the 2021 Census.
7.3% of Summerland's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
Of the population aged 15 and over in Summerland, 24.5% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
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.