Campbell River, British Columbia Population & Demographics: How Many People Live Here?

Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Campbell River census dataset on Statistics Canada

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Campbell River. It is a city in Canada that encompasses a land area of 144.38 km2. The city has a population density of 246.00 people per km2.

We highlight the Campbell River city's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.

Campbell River on the Map

The map and listings below are sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors, not Statistics Canada, and may be incomplete depending on how thoroughly the area has been mapped.

Campbell River location on the map. View in Google Map

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Campbell River has a population of around 35,519 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Campbell River has increased by 7.61%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
33,00735,519 +7.61%

2026 Population Projection

Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.48% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Campbell River's population is projected to reach approximately 38,222 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 264.73 people per km².

Population in 2021Projected Population in 2026Projected Density in 2026 (per km²)
35,51938,222264.73

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.

Population By Genders

The male population of Campbell River is around 17,420 while the female population is around 18,100.

Of the 35,519 total population in Campbell River, the largest gender is female with around 18,100 women within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
17,42018,100 +3.76%

Is Campbell River a Good Place to Live?

Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Campbell River compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against British Columbia, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.

Employment & Economy

8.7%
Unemployment rate
0.3 pts above the province
51.5%
Employment rate
6.4 pts below the province
56.5%
Participation rate
6.8 pts below the province

Income & Affordability

$78,000
Median household income
$7,000 below the province
10.0%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
0.8 pts below the province

Commute

80.8%
Commute under 30 minutes
15.0 pts above the province
88.8%
Commute by car
8.9 pts above the province
2.8%
Commute by public transit
6.5 pts below the province

Housing Character

60.8%
Single-detached houses
18.4 pts above the province
22.7%
Apartments (any building size)
20.8 pts below the province

Household Composition

2.20 people
Average household size
0.20people below the province
29.5%
One-person households
0.1 pts above the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Other Cities Near Campbell River

Population by Age Characteristics

Campbell River has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 8.50% of the total population. The city median age is 48.00.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal
60 to 64 years1,465 8.40%1,565 8.60% 6.39%3,025 8.50%
65 to 69 years1,405 8.10%1,580 8.70% 11.08%2,985 8.40%
70 to 74 years1,265 7.30%1,325 7.30% 4.53%2,585 7.30%
55 to 59 years1,195 6.90%1,365 7.50% 12.45%2,560 7.20%
35 to 39 years1,055 6.10%1,095 6.00% 3.65%2,145 6.00%
40 to 44 years1,035 5.90%1,095 6.00% 5.48%2,130 6.00%
50 to 54 years1,020 5.90%1,085 6.00% 5.99%2,105 5.90%
30 to 34 years1,030 5.90%1,030 5.70% 0.00%2,060 5.80%
45 to 49 years940 5.40%1,035 5.70% 9.18%1,970 5.50%
10 to 14 years980 5.60%930 5.10% 5.10%1,910 5.40%
5 to 9 years950 5.50%850 4.70% 10.53%1,800 5.10%
25 to 29 years865 5.00%895 4.90% 3.35%1,765 5.00%
15 to 19 years915 5.30%845 4.70% 7.65%1,755 4.90%
75 to 79 years850 4.90%865 4.80% 1.73%1,710 4.80%
20 to 24 years830 4.80%725 4.00% 12.65%1,555 4.40%
0 to 4 years775 4.40%700 3.90% 9.68%1,475 4.20%
80 to 84 years470 2.70%530 2.90% 11.32%1,005 2.80%
85 years and over390 2.20%585 3.20% 33.33%975 2.70%
85 to 89 years260 1.50%330 1.80% 21.21%585 1.60%
90 to 94 years110 0.60%195 1.10% 43.59%305 0.90%
95 to 99 years15 0.10%55 0.30% 72.73%75 0.20%

Broader Age Groups

If the city'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 59.40% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 26.10% and 14.60%, respectively.

If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Campbell River are within the 15 to 64 years age group.

DataMaleFemaleTotal
Median age of the population46.40%49.20%48.00%
Average age of the population44.80%46.70%45.80%
65 years and over25.10%27.00%26.10%
0 to 14 years15.50%13.70%14.60%

Photos of Places & Sceneries in Campbell River

Population of Campbell River by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Campbell River is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Campbell River 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 33.38% of the total population, followed by Scottish (25.06%), Irish (19.92%), German (13.00%), and Canadian (12.97%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include French, Ukrainian, Norwegian, British Isles, and First Nations (North American Indian).

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
English31.73%34.97%33.38%
Scottish24.57%25.54%25.06%
Irish19.13%20.66%19.92%
German13.04%12.96%13.00%
Canadian13.19%12.76%12.97%
French8.62%9.60%9.11%
Ukrainian5.24%5.93%5.57%
Norwegian5.47%5.56%5.52%
British Isles4.95%4.94%4.94%
First Nations (North American Indian)5.04%4.21%4.60%

Immigration Profile

Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Campbell River's population profile.

About 10.5% of Campbell River's population are immigrants (3,665 people).

The top countries of origin for Campbell River's immigrant population are United Kingdom (960), United States of America (355), Philippines (320), Germany (215), South Africa, Republic of (165).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
United Kingdom960
United States of America355
Philippines320
Germany215
South Africa, Republic of165

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 9,450 of Campbell River's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.

Household Size

About 20.65% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 14.75% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.50%, 5.30%, and 2.75%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
2 persons6,43020.65%
1 person4,59014.75%
3 persons2,0256.50%
4 persons1,6505.30%
5 or more persons8602.75%

Income in Campbell River

Analyzing income distribution in Campbell River can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Campbell River is $40,000.

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 city's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.

Most of Campbell River population or around 4,320 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 3,670 and 3,490 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Campbell River's median household income is $78,000, according to 2020 data.

Below national average Campbell River's median household income is 6,000 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).

The data provides important insights into the city'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 city's income distribution, disparities, and trends.

Education Levels in Campbell River

This data sheds light on the distribution of Campbell River 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.

54.70% or most of the Campbell River population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 32.80% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 16.70% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 12.45% has No certificate, diploma or degree.

Only using 25% sample data.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree12,15513,31025,46054.70%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate7,4758,18515,65032.80%
Bachelor's degree or higher3,2904,4257,71016.70%
No certificate, diploma or degree3,4052,8456,26012.45%

Below national average 16.7% of Campbell River's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Campbell River

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Campbell River. 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 4.93% which is pretty low.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate51.51%
Unemployment rate4.93%

Working as an Employee

The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the city who work as an employee. The majority of Campbell River's population (around 71.10%) are working permanent position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the city, there are 1,415 men and 1,030 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 2,445.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed1,4151,0302,445

Employment Industry Sectors

The Campbell River industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Campbell River is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.

Campbell River has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (17%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 13%, followed by Construction at 9%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Health care and social assistance4852,34017%
Retail trade1,0551,18513%
Construction1,3002259%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting9753258%
Accommodation and food services5407108%
Educational services1957306%
Professional, scientific and technical services4254705%
Other services (except public administration)4004005%
Public administration4153655%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services4152954%
Transportation and warehousing4951504%
Manufacturing3651853%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction495553%
Finance and insurance1502002%
Arts, entertainment and recreation1202052%
Real estate and rental and leasing1101502%
Wholesale trade180401%
Information and cultural industries100501%
Utilities110101%
Management of companies and enterprises15150%

Labour Market Snapshot

A quick snapshot of where Campbell River residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.

Top employer sectors in Campbell River: Health care and social assistance (17%), -45 Retail trade (13%), Construction (9%)

Top occupation categories in Campbell River: Sales and service occupations (27%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (19%), Business, finance and administration occupations (14%)

Places of Work

The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the city. It provides a snapshot of workplaces, showing their geographic distribution and the flow of workers across different areas.

Only using 25% sample data.
Work LocationMenWomenTotalPercentage
Usual place of work4,7405,84010,58069.10%
No fixed workplace address2,2007402,94519.20%
Worked at home7551,0101,77011.60%
Worked outside Canada1010150.10%

Commuting

The data sheds light on how Campbell River 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 Campbell River residents and sustainable urban planning.

Commuting Duration

This data reveals the average time that the residents of Campbell River spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the city's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the city.

Only using 25% sample data.
DurationPercentage
Less than 15 minutes53.70%
15 to 29 minutes27.10%
60 minutes and over8.10%
30 to 44 minutes7.40%
45 to 59 minutes3.80%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Campbell Rivershed 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 city's social fabric. We can gain insights into Campbell River's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law
59.32%
Married or living common-law
40.68%

Language Spoken

The data below highlights city'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 Campbell River. About 34,605 people living in the province speak English, 450 people speak French, 105 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 40 people speak English and French language.

LanguagePopulation
English34,605
French450
Neither English nor French105
English and French40

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.

LanguageMother TongueSpoken Most Often at Home
English90.8%96.6%
Non-official languages6.5%2.2%
French1.4%0.3%

Religion

Campbell River is predominantly Christian. About 11,585 of its population is Christian (5,130 males and 5,130 females).

The second largest religion in the province is Sikh with 0.6% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Buddhist, both represent 0.5% and 0.4% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.2% of the population.

ReligionPopulation
Christian33.2%
Sikh0.6%
Hindu0.5%
Buddhist0.4%
Islam0.2%
Jewish0.1%

Frequently Asked Questions about Campbell River

According to the 2021 census, Campbell River has a population of approximately 35,519 people.

Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Campbell River increased by 7.61%.

Campbell River has a population density of approximately 246.00 people per square kilometre.

Campbell River covers a land area of approximately 144.38 km².

The median age of the population in Campbell River is 48.00 years.

The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Campbell River is English.

The median household income in Campbell River is $78,000, based on 2020 data.

English is the most common first official language spoken in Campbell River.

Christian is the predominant religion in Campbell River.

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.