Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Cole Bay 3 has a population of around 266 people. The Indian reserve's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Cole Bay 3 has decreased by ▼ -19.88%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 332 | 266 | --19.88% |
2026 Population Projection
Cole Bay 3's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 266 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Cole Bay 3 Population Trend & Context
Cole Bay 3 had a 2021 census population of 266 — a decline of 66 (▼ 19.88%) people from the 332 recorded in 2016.
The Indian reserve's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing British Columbia Indian reserves. The Indian reserve's median age of 30.4 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
Population By Genders
The male population of Cole Bay 3 is around 130 while the female population is around 135.
Of the 266 total population in Cole Bay 3, the largest gender is female with around 135 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 130 | 135 | -3.70% |
Is Cole Bay 3 a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Cole Bay 3 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.
Cole Bay 3 Population Compared to British Columbia
British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how Cole Bay 3 compares to the Indian reserve's key indicators:
| Indicator | Cole Bay 3 | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $47,600 | $85,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 25.0% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 30.4 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 2.7% | 31.8% |
| Immigrants (%) | 0.0% | 29.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Cole Bay 3 has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 5 to 9 years old, accounting for 11.30% of the total population. The Indian reserve median age is 30.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|
Broader Age Groups
If the Indian reserve'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 58.50% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 30.20% and 13.20%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Cole Bay 3 are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 14 years | 45.00% | 30.00% | 80.00% |
| 15 to 64 years | 57.70% | 59.30% | 58.50% |
| 65 years and over | 15.00% | 20.00% | 35.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 34.60% | 22.20% | 30.20% |
| 65 years and over | 11.50% | 14.80% | 13.20% |
Population of Cole Bay 3 by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Cole Bay 3 is quite diverse, which contributes to the Indian reserve's vibrant cultural landscape. Cole Bay 3 is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the Indian reserve appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Cole Bay 3 are First Nations (North American Indian), which accounts for 83.33% of the total population, followed by Scottish (5.56%), English (3.70%), Irish (3.70%), and Dutch (3.70%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Cole Bay 3 include Norwegian, Welsh, Hispanic, Iroquois (Haudenosaunee), and New Zealander.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 84.62% | 82.14% | 83.33% |
| Scottish | 7.69% | 0.00% | 5.56% |
| English | 0.00% | 0.00% | 3.70% |
| Irish | 0.00% | 0.00% | 3.70% |
| Dutch | 0.00% | 7.14% | 3.70% |
| Norwegian | 0.00% | 7.14% | 3.70% |
| Welsh | 7.69% | 0.00% | 3.70% |
| Hispanic | 7.69% | 7.14% | 3.70% |
| Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| New Zealander | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Indigenous Identity in Cole Bay 3
About 96.30% of Cole Bay 3's population (260 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 3.70% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 250 people (94.30% 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 Cole Bay 3's population profile.
About 0.0% of Cole Bay 3's population are immigrants (0 people).
The top countries of origin for Cole Bay 3's immigrant population are Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0), Haiti (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
| Guyana | 0 |
| Haiti | 0 |
0.0% of Cole Bay 3's residents (0 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.0% are not.
By generation status, 3.8% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 0.0% are second generation, and 94.3% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 55 of Cole Bay 3's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 17.65% of the population lives in 1 person households. 3 persons households ranked second, accounting for 11.75% of the population. 5 or more persons, 2 persons, and 4 persons households account for 11.75%, 5.90%, and 2.95%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 30 | 17.65% |
| 3 persons | 20 | 11.75% |
| 5 or more persons | 20 | 11.75% |
| 2 persons | 10 | 5.90% |
| 4 persons | 5 | 2.95% |
Family and Household Structure in Cole Bay 3
Of census families in Cole Bay 3, 50.0% are couple families and 50.0% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.5 people.
35.3% of households in Cole Bay 3 are one-person households, 17.6% are couple-family households, 11.8% are one-parent-family households, and 11.8% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 30 | 35.3% |
| Couple-family households | 15 | 17.6% |
| One-parent-family households | 10 | 11.8% |
| Multigenerational households | 10 | 11.8% |
Income in Cole Bay 3
Analyzing income distribution in Cole Bay 3 can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Cole Bay 3 is $22,000.
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 Indian reserve's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Cole Bay 3 population or around 50 people falls in the Under $10,000 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 35 and 30 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Cole Bay 3's median household income is $47,600, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Cole Bay 3's median household income is 36,400 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the Indian reserve'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 Indian reserve's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Cole Bay 3
This data sheds light on the distribution of Cole Bay 3 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.
40.00% or most of the Cole Bay 3 population has a No certificate, diploma or degree. 28.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 28.00% has a Postsecondary 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 30 | 25 | 50 | 40.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 15 | 20 | 35 | 28.00% |
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 15 | 15 | 35 | 28.00% |
Below national average 0.0% of Cole Bay 3's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Cole Bay 3
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Cole Bay 3. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Cole Bay 3 is at 26.32% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 36.84% |
| Unemployment rate | 26.32% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Cole Bay 3, 21.1% worked full year full time in the reference year, 15.8% worked part year and/or part time, and 60.5% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 40 | 21.1% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 30 | 15.8% |
| Did not work | 115 | 60.5% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the Indian reserve who work as an employee. The majority of Cole Bay 3's population (around 57.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the Indian reserve, there are 0 men and 0 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 0.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Cole Bay 3 industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Cole Bay 3 is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Cole Bay 3 has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (11%) works in the retail trade sector. The Transportation and warehousing sector comes second at 11%, followed by Real estate and rental and leasing at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | 10 | 10 | 11% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 0 | 0 | 11% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 11% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 0 | 0 | 11% |
| Health care and social assistance | 0 | 10 | 11% |
| Public administration | 10 | 0 | 11% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Construction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Manufacturing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Educational services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Accommodation and food services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Cole Bay 3 residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Cole Bay 3: Retail trade (11%), Transportation and warehousing (11%), Real estate and rental and leasing (11%)
Top occupation categories in Cole Bay 3: Sales and service occupations (32%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (16%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (16%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the Indian reserve. 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 | 20 | 30 | 50 | 66.70% |
| No fixed workplace address | 15 | 0 | 15 | 20.00% |
| Worked at home | 0 | 0 | 10 | 13.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Cole Bay 3 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 Cole Bay 3 residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Cole Bay 3 spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the Indian reserve's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the Indian reserve.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 61.50% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 23.10% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 15.40% |
| 60 minutes and over | 15.40% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 0.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Cole Bay 3 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 Indian reserve's social fabric. We can gain insights into Cole Bay 3's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights Indian reserve'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 Cole Bay 3. About 270 people living in the Indian reserve speak English, 0 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 270 |
| French | 0 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 1.9% of Cole Bay 3's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 98.1% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 265 | 98.1% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 5 | 1.9% |
| Neither English nor French | 0 | 0.0% |
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 | 94.4% | 96.3% |
| Non-official languages | 3.7% | 1.9% |
| French | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Religion
Cole Bay 3 is predominantly Christian. About 50 of its population is Christian (25 males and 20 females).
The second largest religion in the Indian reserve 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 | 18.9% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Nearest Indian Reserves to Cole Bay 3
- South Saanich 1 3.8 km · 712 people
- Union Bay 4 4.6 km · 109 people
- Malahat 11 5.8 km · 165 people
- East Saanich 2 6.3 km · 1,790 people
- Est-Patrolas 4 15.1 km · 26 people
- Kil-pah-las 3 17.4 km
- Theik 2 18.9 km · 48 people
- New Songhees 1A 19.8 km · 1,839 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Cole Bay 3
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Cole Bay 3 has a population of 266 people, making it the 221st Indian reserve in British Columbia. The population declined significantly from 332 in 2016, a decrease of 66 people or 19.88%. The Indian reserve has a population density of 94.4 people per km² across a land area of 2.82 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Cole Bay 3's population declined by 19.88% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 332 to 266 people, a loss of 66 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other British Columbia Indian reserves during this period. The median age of 30.40 years suggests a comparatively young population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (35.3%) may indicate young adults leaving for larger centres. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Cole Bay 3 has a population density of approximately 94.40 people per square kilometre.
Cole Bay 3 covers a land area of approximately 2.82 km².
The median age of the population in Cole Bay 3 is 30.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Cole Bay 3 is First Nations (North American Indian).
The median household income in Cole Bay 3 is $47,600, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Cole Bay 3.
Christian is the predominant religion in Cole Bay 3.
According to the 2021 Census, 98.1% of Cole Bay 3's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
0.0% of Cole Bay 3's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 50.0% of census families in Cole Bay 3, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 11.8% of all households in Cole Bay 3, per the 2021 Census.
1.9% of Cole Bay 3'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 Cole Bay 3, 21.1% 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.