Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, West Vancouver has a population of around 44,122 people. The township's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of West Vancouver has increased by 3.88%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 42,473 | 44,122 | +3.88% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.76% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, West Vancouver's population is projected to reach approximately 45,835 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 525.75 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 44,122 | 45,835 | 525.75 |
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 West Vancouver is around 20,625 while the female population is around 23,495.
Of the 44,122 total population in West Vancouver, the largest gender is female with around 23,495 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 20,625 | 23,495 | +12.22% |
Is West Vancouver a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how West Vancouver 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 West Vancouver
- North Vancouver (6.3 km)
- Squamish (40.8 km)
- Sechelt (46.4 km)
- Mission (66.4 km)
- Lantzville (67.0 km)
- North Cowichan (69.5 km)
- North Saanich (77.6 km)
- Central Saanich (84.1 km)
- Whistler (88.6 km)
- Kent (95.2 km)
- Highlands (98.0 km)
- Saanich (98.2 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
West Vancouver has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 50 to 54 years old, accounting for 8.00% of the total population. The township median age is 50.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 54 years | 1,595 7.70% | 1,925 8.20% | 17.14% | 3,520 8.00% |
| 55 to 59 years | 1,590 7.70% | 1,735 7.40% | 8.36% | 3,325 7.50% |
| 60 to 64 years | 1,495 7.20% | 1,685 7.20% | 11.28% | 3,175 7.20% |
| 45 to 49 years | 1,245 6.00% | 1,725 7.30% | 27.83% | 2,970 6.70% |
| 65 to 69 years | 1,420 6.90% | 1,545 6.60% | 8.09% | 2,965 6.70% |
| 15 to 19 years | 1,525 7.40% | 1,415 6.00% | 7.21% | 2,940 6.70% |
| 70 to 74 years | 1,305 6.30% | 1,530 6.50% | 14.71% | 2,835 6.40% |
| 10 to 14 years | 1,515 7.30% | 1,235 5.30% | 18.48% | 2,750 6.20% |
| 75 to 79 years | 1,145 5.60% | 1,365 5.80% | 16.12% | 2,515 5.70% |
| 85 years and over | 905 4.40% | 1,485 6.30% | 39.06% | 2,395 5.40% |
| 40 to 44 years | 950 4.60% | 1,425 6.10% | 33.33% | 2,375 5.40% |
| 20 to 24 years | 1,185 5.70% | 1,120 4.80% | 5.49% | 2,305 5.20% |
| 5 to 9 years | 1,060 5.10% | 1,050 4.50% | 0.94% | 2,115 4.80% |
| 35 to 39 years | 825 4.00% | 1,140 4.90% | 27.63% | 1,965 4.50% |
| 80 to 84 years | 805 3.90% | 1,065 4.50% | 24.41% | 1,875 4.20% |
| 25 to 29 years | 760 3.70% | 690 2.90% | 9.21% | 1,455 3.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 630 3.10% | 730 3.10% | 13.70% | 1,370 3.10% |
| 0 to 4 years | 670 3.20% | 625 2.70% | 6.72% | 1,295 2.90% |
| 85 to 89 years | 530 2.60% | 725 3.10% | 26.90% | 1,260 2.90% |
| 90 to 94 years | 295 1.40% | 620 2.60% | 52.42% | 915 2.10% |
| 95 to 99 years | 70 0.30% | 120 0.50% | 41.67% | 195 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 57.50% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 28.50% and 14.00%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in West Vancouver are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age of the population | 50.00% | 51.60% | 50.80% |
| Average age of the population | 46.00% | 49.00% | 47.60% |
| 65 years and over | 27.10% | 29.80% | 28.50% |
| 0 to 14 years | 15.70% | 12.40% | 14.00% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in West Vancouver
Population of West Vancouver by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of West Vancouver is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. West Vancouver 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 19.71% of the total population, followed by Chinese (18.66%), Scottish (13.98%), Irish (11.38%), and Iranian (10.17%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include German, Canadian, British Isles, French, and Persian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 19.37% | 20.03% | 19.71% |
| Chinese | 18.20% | 19.05% | 18.66% |
| Scottish | 13.85% | 14.09% | 13.98% |
| Irish | 11.28% | 11.46% | 11.38% |
| Iranian | 10.67% | 9.72% | 10.17% |
| German | 7.16% | 7.05% | 7.10% |
| Canadian | 6.11% | 5.57% | 5.82% |
| British Isles | 5.08% | 5.37% | 5.23% |
| French | 3.95% | 4.31% | 4.14% |
| Persian | 4.07% | 3.22% | 3.62% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of West Vancouver's population profile.
About 45.7% of West Vancouver's population are immigrants (19,810 people).
The top countries of origin for West Vancouver's immigrant population are China (5,295), Iran (4,405), United Kingdom (2,105), United States of America (880), Korea, South (500).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| China | 5,295 |
| Iran | 4,405 |
| United Kingdom | 2,105 |
| United States of America | 880 |
| Korea, South | 500 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 9,835 of West Vancouver's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 16.60% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 14.00% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.85%, 7.65%, and 3.85%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 5,880 | 16.60% |
| 1 person | 4,955 | 14.00% |
| 3 persons | 2,785 | 7.85% |
| 4 persons | 2,700 | 7.65% |
| 5 or more persons | 1,365 | 3.85% |
Income in West Vancouver
Analyzing income distribution in West Vancouver can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within West Vancouver 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 West Vancouver population or around 5,130 people falls in the Under $10,000 group. The next largest groups are the $150,000 and over, and $10,000 to $29,999 with around 5,005 and 4,085 people, respectively.
Household Income
The West Vancouver's median household income is $104,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average West Vancouver's median household income is 20,000 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 West Vancouver
This data sheds light on the distribution of West Vancouver 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.
75.70% or most of the West Vancouver population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 56.00% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, 19.45% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 4.85% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 19,240 | 23,015 | 42,255 | 75.70% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14,895 | 16,160 | 31,060 | 56.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 5,530 | 6,250 | 11,775 | 19.45% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 1,520 | 1,740 | 3,260 | 4.85% |
Above national average 56.0% of West Vancouver's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in West Vancouver
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in West Vancouver. 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 4.94% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 47.39% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.94% |
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 West Vancouver's population (around 46.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 4,220 men and 2,750 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 6,975.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 4,220 | 2,750 | 6,975 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The West Vancouver industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in West Vancouver is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
West Vancouver has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (18%) works in the professional, scientific and technical services sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 10%, followed by Retail trade at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 1,995 | 1,425 | 18% |
| Health care and social assistance | 605 | 1,335 | 10% |
| Retail trade | 940 | 985 | 10% |
| Finance and insurance | 960 | 680 | 8% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 835 | 665 | 8% |
| Educational services | 490 | 905 | 7% |
| Construction | 845 | 220 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 470 | 450 | 5% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 375 | 365 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 200 | 445 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 430 | 195 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 345 | 260 | 3% |
| Manufacturing | 395 | 185 | 3% |
| Information and cultural industries | 335 | 230 | 3% |
| Public administration | 240 | 275 | 3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 315 | 90 | 2% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 140 | 40 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 55 | 35 | 0% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 45 | 35 | 0% |
| Utilities | 40 | 20 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where West Vancouver residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in West Vancouver: Professional, scientific and technical services (18%), Health care and social assistance (10%), -45 Retail trade (10%)
Top occupation categories in West Vancouver: Business, finance and administration occupations (23%), Sales and service occupations (22%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (12%)
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 | 4,435 | 4,120 | 8,550 | 48.50% |
| Worked at home | 3,675 | 3,465 | 7,140 | 40.50% |
| No fixed workplace address | 1,080 | 585 | 1,665 | 9.40% |
| Worked outside Canada | 230 | 60 | 290 | 1.60% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how West Vancouver 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 West Vancouver residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of West Vancouver 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 | 39.80% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 27.50% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 20.20% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 7.60% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.90% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in West Vancouvershed 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 West Vancouver'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 West Vancouver. About 41,070 people living in the province speak English, 1,585 people speak Neither English nor French, 465 people speak French language, and 445 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 41,070 |
| Neither English nor French | 1,585 |
| French | 465 |
| English and French | 445 |
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 | 56.1% | 70.3% |
| Non-official languages | 39.2% | 24.7% |
| French | 1.0% | 0.4% |
Religion
West Vancouver is predominantly Christian. About 14,710 of its population is Christian (6,310 males and 6,310 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 8.9% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Jewish, both represent 1.5% and 1.3% of the population, while Hindu represent 0.7% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 33.9% |
| Islam | 8.9% |
| Buddhist | 1.5% |
| Jewish | 1.3% |
| Hindu | 0.7% |
| Sikh | 0.3% |
Points of Interest in West Vancouver
Schools
- Sentinel Secondary School
- Chartwell Elementary School
- Hollyburn Elementary School
- Xwemélch'stn Etsimxwawtxw - Capilano Littlest Ones School
- West Bay Elementary
- Mulgrave Private School
- Collingwood Private School
- Ridgeview Elementary School
- Collingwood Private School
- Westcot Elementary School
Parks
- Nelson Creek Fish Hatchery
- Norgate Park
- Anderwood Park
- Welch Park
- Hay Park
- Stanley Park
- Glenmore Park
- Horseshoe Bay Park
- Leyland Park
- Ambleside Waterfront
- Whytecliff Park
- Meadfeild Park
- Chatwin Park
- Benbow Park
- Altamont Park
- John Richardson Park
- Caulfeild Park
- Seawalk Gardens
- Weston Park
- Foot of 23rd Street Park
- Navvy Jack Point Park
- Dundarave Park
- Foot of 26th Street Park
- Irwin Park
- Memorial Park
- Ambleside Landing
- Capilano River Regional Park
- Trails Park
- Andover Park
- Mount Moyne Square Park
- Cross Creek Park
- Chartwell Park
- Westhill Park
- Normanby Park
- Finch Hill Park
- Chairlift Park
- Westwood Park
- Batchelor Bay Park
- Tantalus Park
- Park Verdun
- Klootchman Park
- The Dale Park
Libraries
Community Centres
- ACCESS
- West Vancouver Community Arts Council
- Lions Gate Community Recreation Centre
- Chief Joe Mathias Centre
- Gleneagles Community Centre
Places to Visit in West Vancouver
Attractions
Historic Sites
- 1912 Mill Site
- Big Fir
- Cable Railway Loading Site
- Candelabra Tree
- Abandoned Truck
- Windstorm Damage
- Rock Pile
- All Canadians for Accepting People From Every Walk of Life
- T33 Aircraft Crash Site Memorial
- Clyde McRae
- Barrett's View
- Binning Residence
- Point Atkinson Lighthouse
- Lions Gate Bridge
- Shields Log Dam
Green Spaces in West Vancouver
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Nelson Creek Fish Hatchery | Parks | — |
| Norgate Park | Parks | 2.2 ha |
| Anderwood Park | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Welch Park | Parks | 3.2 ha |
| Hay Park | Parks | 2.0 ha |
| Stanley Park | Parks | 389.7 ha |
| Glenmore Park | Parks | 1.1 ha |
| Horseshoe Bay Park | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Leyland Park | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Ambleside Waterfront | Parks | 1.4 ha |
| Whytecliff Park | Parks | 17.2 ha |
| Meadfeild Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Chatwin Park | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Benbow Park | Parks | 1.1 ha |
| Altamont Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| John Richardson Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Caulfeild Park | Parks | 4.5 ha |
| Seawalk Gardens | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Weston Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Foot of 23rd Street Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Navvy Jack Point Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Dundarave Park | Parks | 1.7 ha |
| Douglas Woodward Park | Nature Reserves | 5.7 ha |
| Cypress Falls Park | Nature Reserves | 30.4 ha |
| Cypress Provincial Park | Nature Reserves | 3.7 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about West Vancouver
According to the 2021 census, West Vancouver has a population of approximately 44,122 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of West Vancouver increased by 3.88%.
West Vancouver has a population density of approximately 506.10 people per square kilometre.
West Vancouver covers a land area of approximately 87.18 km².
The median age of the population in West Vancouver is 50.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in West Vancouver is English.
The median household income in West Vancouver is $104,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in West Vancouver.
Christian is the predominant religion in West Vancouver.
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.