Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Tofino has a population of around 2,516 people. The township's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Tofino has increased by ▲ 27.91%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,967 | 2,516 | +27.91% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.05% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Tofino's population is projected to reach approximately 3,218 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 304.73 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 2,516 | 3,218 | 304.73 |
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.
Tofino Population Trend & Context
Tofino is the 103rd-largest township in British Columbia, with a 2021 census population of 2,516 — an increase of 549 (▲ 27.91%) people from the 1,967 recorded in 2016.
The township's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among British Columbia townships. The township's median age of 36.4 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
How does Tofino compare to other British Columbia townships?
- Elkford: 2,749 (2021)
- Sicamous: 2,613 (2021)
- Tofino: 2,516 (2021) ← 103rd largest
- Highlands: 2,482 (2021)
- Cowichan: 2,420 (2021)
Population By Genders
The male population of Tofino is around 1,260 while the female population is around 1,250.
Of the 2,516 total population in Tofino, the largest gender is male with around 1,260 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,260 | 1,250 | +0.79% |
Is Tofino a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Tofino 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.
Tofino Population Compared to British Columbia
British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how Tofino compares to the township's key indicators:
| Indicator | Tofino | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $85,000 | $85,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 12.0% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 36.4 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.0% | 31.8% |
| Immigrants (%) | 9.9% | 29.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Tofino has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 25 to 29 years old, accounting for 11.90% of the total population. The township median age is 36.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 to 29 years | 145 11.50% | 155 12.40% | 6.45% | 300 11.90% |
| 30 to 34 years | 130 10.30% | 160 12.80% | 18.75% | 290 11.50% |
| 35 to 39 years | 145 11.50% | 140 11.20% | 3.45% | 285 11.30% |
| 40 to 44 years | 135 10.70% | 95 7.60% | 29.63% | 225 8.90% |
| 45 to 49 years | 100 7.90% | 85 6.80% | 15.00% | 180 7.20% |
| 20 to 24 years | 75 6.00% | 95 7.60% | 21.05% | 175 7.00% |
| 5 to 9 years | 65 5.20% | 55 4.40% | 15.38% | 125 5.00% |
| 55 to 59 years | 75 6.00% | 50 4.00% | 33.33% | 125 5.00% |
| 60 to 64 years | 65 5.20% | 65 5.20% | 0.00% | 125 5.00% |
| 0 to 4 years | 60 4.80% | 55 4.40% | 8.33% | 115 4.60% |
| 65 to 69 years | 55 4.40% | 60 4.80% | 8.33% | 115 4.60% |
| 50 to 54 years | 50 4.00% | 60 4.80% | 16.67% | 105 4.20% |
| 10 to 14 years | 40 3.20% | 45 3.60% | 11.11% | 85 3.40% |
| 15 to 19 years | 35 2.80% | 40 3.20% | 12.50% | 80 3.20% |
| 70 to 74 years | 35 2.80% | 45 3.60% | 22.22% | 80 3.20% |
| 75 to 79 years | 35 2.80% | 25 2.00% | 28.57% | 60 2.40% |
| Average age of the population | 39 38.90% | 38 38.00% | 0.00% | 39 38.50% |
| Median age of the population | 37 37.20% | 36 35.60% | 5.38% | 36 36.40% |
| 85 years and over | 5 0.40% | 15 1.20% | 66.67% | 25 1.00% |
| 80 to 84 years | 15 1.20% | 10 0.80% | 33.33% | 20 0.80% |
| 85 to 89 years | 5 0.40% | 10 0.80% | 50.00% | 15 0.60% |
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 75.30% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 12.70% and 11.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Tofino are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 14 years | 13.10% | 12.80% | 12.70% |
| 65 years and over | 11.90% | 12.00% | 11.90% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Tofino
Population of Tofino by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Tofino is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Tofino 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 Tofino are English, which accounts for 31.91% of the total population, followed by Scottish (25.62%), Irish (18.88%), Canadian (12.58%), and German (12.13%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Tofino include French, Dutch, Polish, Norwegian, and Ukrainian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 30.09% | 34.09% | 31.91% |
| Scottish | 22.57% | 28.64% | 25.62% |
| Irish | 17.26% | 20.45% | 18.88% |
| Canadian | 13.72% | 11.36% | 12.58% |
| German | 11.06% | 13.18% | 12.13% |
| French | 9.29% | 14.09% | 11.69% |
| Dutch | 5.31% | 7.73% | 6.74% |
| Polish | 4.87% | 6.36% | 5.62% |
| Norwegian | 4.42% | 6.82% | 5.62% |
| Ukrainian | 4.42% | 6.36% | 5.17% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Tofino's population profile.
About 9.9% of Tofino's population are immigrants (220 people).
The top countries of origin for Tofino's immigrant population are United Kingdom (40), United States of America (35), Germany (15), France (10), Brazil (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 40 |
| United States of America | 35 |
| Germany | 15 |
| France | 10 |
| Brazil | 0 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 480 of Tofino's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 16.65% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 15.35% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.95%, 6.35%, and 3.45%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 315 | 16.65% |
| 1 person | 290 | 15.35% |
| 3 persons | 150 | 7.95% |
| 4 persons | 120 | 6.35% |
| 5 or more persons | 65 | 3.45% |
Income in Tofino
Analyzing income distribution in Tofino can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Tofino is $41,600.
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 Tofino population or around 530 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 360 and 290 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Tofino's median household income is $85,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Tofino's median household income is 1,000 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 Tofino
This data sheds light on the distribution of Tofino 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.
66.65% or most of the Tofino population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 29.00% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, 27.50% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 5.95% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 1,050 | 1,185 | 2,240 | 66.65% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 390 | 585 | 975 | 29.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 575 | 360 | 940 | 27.50% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 115 | 95 | 205 | 5.95% |
Below national average 29.0% of Tofino's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Tofino
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Tofino. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Tofino is at 10.21% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 75.39% |
| Unemployment rate | 10.21% |
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 Tofino's population (around 58.00%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 235 men and 190 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 425.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 235 | 190 | 425 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Tofino industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Tofino is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Tofino has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (28%) works in the accommodation and food services sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 13%, followed by Construction at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation and food services | 205 | 250 | 28% |
| Retail trade | 100 | 110 | 13% |
| Construction | 140 | 15 | 10% |
| Health care and social assistance | 10 | 110 | 8% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 45 | 60 | 7% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 70 | 40 | 7% |
| Public administration | 65 | 20 | 6% |
| Educational services | 30 | 45 | 5% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 25 | 30 | 3% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 20 | 35 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 15 | 35 | 3% |
| Manufacturing | 25 | 15 | 2% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 25 | 10 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 25 | 0 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 15 | 15 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Tofino residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Tofino: Accommodation and food services (28%), -45 Retail trade (13%), Construction (10%)
Top occupation categories in Tofino: Sales and service occupations (42%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (16%), Business, finance and administration occupations (10%)
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 | 420 | 525 | 945 | 65.90% |
| Worked at home | 130 | 160 | 290 | 20.20% |
| No fixed workplace address | 165 | 25 | 195 | 13.60% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0.70% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Tofino 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 Tofino residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Tofino 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 | 75.90% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 14.50% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 4.40% |
| 60 minutes and over | 3.10% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.20% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Tofinoshed 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 Tofino'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 Tofino. About 2,400 people living in the province speak English, 110 people speak French, 5 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 2,400 |
| French | 110 |
| English and French | 5 |
| Neither English nor French | 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 | 86.9% | 94.8% |
| Non-official languages | 6.8% | 2.6% |
| French | 4.2% | 1.4% |
Religion
Tofino is predominantly Christian. About 385 of its population is Christian (185 males and 185 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Buddhist with 0.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Jewish, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 17.3% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Tofino
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Tofino
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
- Korea 1950-1953
- Leviathan II. 25 Oct 2015
- Mid 19th Century Anchor
- In living memory of Gaweł Duchene
- Schooner HERA 1899
Theatres
Green Spaces in Tofino
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Monks Point Park | Parks | — |
| Village Green | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Centennial Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Other Townships in British Columbia
- Saanich 117,735
- North Vancouver 88,168
- West Vancouver 44,122
- Mission 41,519
- North Cowichan 31,990
- Squamish 23,819
- Oak Bay 17,990
- Esquimalt 17,533
- Central Saanich 17,385
- Lake Country 15,817
- Sooke 15,086
- Whistler 13,982
- North Saanich 12,235
- Summerland 12,042
- Coldstream 11,171
- Sechelt 10,847
- Kitimat 8,236
- Hope 6,686
- Kent 6,300
- Peachland 5,789
- Spallumcheen 5,307
- Metchosin 5,067
- Vanderhoof 4,346
- Sparwood 4,148
- Northern Rockies 3,947
- Invermere 3,917
- Port Hardy 3,902
- Lantzville 3,817
- Mackenzie 3,281
- Houston 3,052
- Elkford 2,749
- Sicamous 2,613
- Highlands 2,482
- Tumbler Ridge 2,399
- Clearwater 2,388
- Chetwynd 2,302
- Lillooet 2,302
- Logan Lake 2,255
- Ucluelet 2,066
- One Hundred Mile House 1,928
- Barriere 1,765
- Fort St. James 1,386
- Taylor 1,317
- Hudson's Hope 841
- New Hazelton 602
- Stewart 517
- Port Edward 470
- Wells 218
Frequently Asked Questions about Tofino
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Tofino has a population of 2,516 people, making it the 103rd township in British Columbia. The population increased significantly from 1,967 in 2016, an increase of 549 people or 27.91%. The township has a population density of 238.3 people per km² across a land area of 10.56 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Tofino's population grew by 27.91% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 1,967 to 2,516 people, a gain of 549 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other British Columbia townships during this period. The median age of 36.40 years suggests a relatively balanced demographic profile. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Tofino has a population density of approximately 238.30 people per square kilometre.
Tofino covers a land area of approximately 10.56 km².
The median age of the population in Tofino is 36.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Tofino is English.
The median household income in Tofino is $85,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Tofino.
Christian is the predominant religion in Tofino.
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.