Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Vanderhoof has a population of around 4,346 people. The township's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Vanderhoof has decreased by ▼ -1.98%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 4,434 | 4,346 | --1.98% |
2026 Population Projection
Vanderhoof's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 4,346 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Vanderhoof Population Trend & Context
Vanderhoof had a 2021 census population of 4,346 — a decline of 88 (▼ 1.98%) people from the 4,434 recorded in 2016.
The township's population has seen a slight decline over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing British Columbia townships. The township's median age of 38.4 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
Population By Genders
The male population of Vanderhoof is around 2,170 while the female population is around 2,170.
Of the 4,346 total population in Vanderhoof, the largest gender is female with around 2,170 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 2,170 | 2,170 | -0.00% |
Is Vanderhoof a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Vanderhoof 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.
Vanderhoof Population Compared to British Columbia
British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how Vanderhoof compares to the township's key indicators:
| Indicator | Vanderhoof | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $90,000 | $85,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.2% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 38.4 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.4% | 31.8% |
| Immigrants (%) | 9.2% | 29.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Vanderhoof has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 10 to 14 years old, accounting for 6.90% of the total population. The township median age is 38.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 to 14 years | 160 7.40% | 140 6.50% | 12.50% | 300 6.90% |
| 60 to 64 years | 150 6.90% | 150 6.90% | 0.00% | 300 6.90% |
| 25 to 29 years | 145 6.70% | 140 6.50% | 3.45% | 290 6.70% |
| 55 to 59 years | 150 6.90% | 145 6.70% | 3.33% | 290 6.70% |
| 20 to 24 years | 155 7.10% | 125 5.80% | 19.35% | 285 6.60% |
| 15 to 19 years | 140 6.50% | 140 6.50% | 0.00% | 280 6.40% |
| 30 to 34 years | 145 6.70% | 135 6.20% | 6.90% | 280 6.40% |
| 5 to 9 years | 150 6.90% | 120 5.50% | 20.00% | 275 6.30% |
| 35 to 39 years | 135 6.20% | 140 6.50% | 3.57% | 275 6.30% |
| 40 to 44 years | 140 6.50% | 140 6.50% | 0.00% | 275 6.30% |
| 0 to 4 years | 150 6.90% | 125 5.80% | 16.67% | 270 6.20% |
| 50 to 54 years | 125 5.80% | 135 6.20% | 7.41% | 260 6.00% |
| 45 to 49 years | 110 5.10% | 135 6.20% | 18.52% | 250 5.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 115 5.30% | 135 6.20% | 14.81% | 250 5.80% |
| 70 to 74 years | 85 3.90% | 85 3.90% | 0.00% | 170 3.90% |
| 75 to 79 years | 40 1.80% | 70 3.20% | 42.86% | 110 2.50% |
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, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 19.40% and 16.60%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Vanderhoof are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 64.30% | 63.80% | 64.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 21.20% | 17.50% | 19.40% |
| 65 years and over | 14.50% | 18.70% | 16.60% |
Population of Vanderhoof by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Vanderhoof is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Vanderhoof 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 Vanderhoof are English, which accounts for 25.67% of the total population, followed by German (23.34%), Scottish (18.44%), Irish (16.57%), and Canadian (12.95%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Vanderhoof include French, Dutch, Mennonite, Russian, and First Nations (North American Indian).
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 25.64% | 25.93% | 25.67% |
| German | 24.94% | 21.96% | 23.34% |
| Scottish | 17.48% | 19.63% | 18.44% |
| Irish | 17.02% | 16.36% | 16.57% |
| Canadian | 12.82% | 13.08% | 12.95% |
| French | 6.99% | 8.18% | 7.82% |
| Dutch | 6.53% | 7.01% | 6.77% |
| Mennonite | 6.29% | 6.07% | 6.30% |
| Russian | 6.76% | 5.14% | 6.07% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 6.99% | 4.91% | 5.95% |
Indigenous Identity in Vanderhoof
About 11.19% of Vanderhoof's population (480 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 88.81% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 275 people (6.40% 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 Vanderhoof's population profile.
About 9.2% of Vanderhoof's population are immigrants (395 people).
The top countries of origin for Vanderhoof's immigrant population are United States of America (110), Philippines (65), United Kingdom (25), Mexico (25), India (20).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United States of America | 110 |
| Philippines | 65 |
| United Kingdom | 25 |
| Mexico | 25 |
| India | 20 |
95.7% of Vanderhoof's residents (4,100 people) are Canadian citizens, and 4.4% are not.
By generation status, 11.7% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 14.8% are second generation, and 73.4% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,220 of Vanderhoof's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.15% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 14.55% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.00%, 5.85%, and 4.35%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 650 | 18.15% |
| 1 person | 520 | 14.55% |
| 3 persons | 250 | 7.00% |
| 4 persons | 210 | 5.85% |
| 5 or more persons | 155 | 4.35% |
Family and Household Structure in Vanderhoof
Of census families in Vanderhoof, 84.6% are couple families and 15.4% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.9 people.
29.1% of households in Vanderhoof are one-person households, 53.2% are couple-family households, 8.1% are one-parent-family households, and 1.7% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 520 | 29.1% |
| Couple-family households | 950 | 53.2% |
| One-parent-family households | 145 | 8.1% |
| Multigenerational households | 30 | 1.7% |
Income in Vanderhoof
Analyzing income distribution in Vanderhoof can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Vanderhoof is $44,400.
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 Vanderhoof population or around 575 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 485 and 455 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Vanderhoof's median household income is $90,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Vanderhoof's median household income is 6,000 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 Vanderhoof
This data sheds light on the distribution of Vanderhoof 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.
51.90% or most of the Vanderhoof population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 36.20% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 11.80% 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 | 505 | 630 | 1,140 | 51.90% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 385 | 415 | 795 | 36.20% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 165 | 90 | 260 | 11.80% |
Below national average 17.8% of Vanderhoof's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Vanderhoof
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Vanderhoof. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Vanderhoof is at 8.24% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 59.88% |
| Unemployment rate | 8.24% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Vanderhoof, 33.4% worked full year full time in the reference year, 34.6% worked part year and/or part time, and 32.0% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 1,150 | 33.4% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,190 | 34.6% |
| Did not work | 1,100 | 32.0% |
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 Vanderhoof's population (around 73.30%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 175 men and 135 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 305.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 175 | 135 | 305 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Vanderhoof industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Vanderhoof is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Vanderhoof has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (16%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 12%, followed by Retail trade at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 325 | 35 | 16% |
| Health care and social assistance | 50 | 215 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 115 | 120 | 10% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 150 | 50 | 9% |
| Educational services | 35 | 155 | 8% |
| Construction | 135 | 30 | 7% |
| Accommodation and food services | 55 | 105 | 7% |
| Public administration | 55 | 50 | 5% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 35 | 50 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 55 | 30 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 45 | 30 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 30 | 35 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 55 | 3% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 15 | 30 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 20 | 25 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 30 | 10 | 2% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 20 | 10 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 20 | 0 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 15 | 1% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Vanderhoof residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Vanderhoof: Manufacturing (16%), Health care and social assistance (12%), Retail trade (10%)
Top occupation categories in Vanderhoof: Sales and service occupations (24%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (23%), Business, finance and administration occupations (14%)
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 | 780 | 820 | 1,605 | 77.90% |
| No fixed workplace address | 180 | 55 | 235 | 11.40% |
| Worked at home | 110 | 115 | 220 | 10.70% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Vanderhoof 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 Vanderhoof residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Vanderhoof 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 | 74.20% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 15.80% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 5.20% |
| 60 minutes and over | 3.80% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 0.80% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Vanderhoof 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 Vanderhoof'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 Vanderhoof. About 4,260 people living in the township speak English, 30 people speak French, 10 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 0 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 4,260 |
| French | 30 |
| Neither English nor French | 10 |
| English and French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 5.4% of Vanderhoof's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 94.5% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 4,060 | 94.5% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 230 | 5.4% |
| Neither English nor French | 10 | 0.2% |
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 | 87.1% | 96.2% |
| Non-official languages | 9.4% | 2.7% |
| French | 0.9% | 0.1% |
Religion
Vanderhoof is predominantly Christian. About 2,065 of its population is Christian (960 males and 1,100 females).
The second largest religion in the township is Sikh with 0.9% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Jewish and Buddhist, both represent 0.6% and 0.4% of the population, while Hindu represent 0.4% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 48.2% |
| Sikh | 0.9% |
| Jewish | 0.6% |
| Buddhist | 0.4% |
| Hindu | 0.4% |
| Islam | 0.4% |
Points of Interest in Vanderhoof
Hospitals
Schools
- W.L. McLeod Elementary School
- Evelyn Dickson Elementary School
- Nechako Valley Secondary School
- Sinkut View Elementary
Parks
Libraries
Places to Visit in Vanderhoof
Museums
Green Spaces in Vanderhoof
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Ferland Park | Parks | 1.3 ha |
| Bradley Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Leiding Park | Parks | 1.3 ha |
| Vanderview Playground | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Mike Kenner Ball Diamonds | Parks | 9.2 ha |
| Riverside Park | Parks | 10.7 ha |
| Redmond Flats | Nature Reserves | 1.5 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Townships to Vanderhoof
- Fort St. James 50.2 km · 1,386 people
- Mackenzie 156.8 km · 3,281 people
- Houston 176.8 km · 3,052 people
- Wells 190.2 km · 218 people
- Tumbler Ridge 229.8 km · 2,399 people
- Chetwynd 240.4 km · 2,302 people
- Hudson's Hope 254.3 km · 841 people
- New Hazelton 267.8 km · 602 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Vanderhoof
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Vanderhoof has a population of 4,346 people, making it the 82nd township in British Columbia. The population declined moderately from 4,434 in 2016, a decrease of 88 people or 1.98%. The township has a population density of 80.6 people per km² across a land area of 53.93 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Vanderhoof's population declined by 1.98% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 4,434 to 4,346 people, a loss of 88 residents. This stability is characteristic of many mid-sized other British Columbia townships during this period. The median age of 38.40 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.
Vanderhoof has a population density of approximately 80.60 people per square kilometre.
Vanderhoof covers a land area of approximately 53.93 km².
The median age of the population in Vanderhoof is 38.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Vanderhoof is English.
The median household income in Vanderhoof is $90,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Vanderhoof.
Christian is the predominant religion in Vanderhoof.
According to the 2021 Census, 11.2% of Vanderhoof's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
95.7% of Vanderhoof's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 15.4% of census families in Vanderhoof, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.7% of all households in Vanderhoof, per the 2021 Census.
5.4% of Vanderhoof'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 Vanderhoof, 33.4% 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.