Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Courtenay has a population of around 28,420 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Courtenay has increased by 10.85%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 25,639 | 28,420 | +10.85% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.08% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Courtenay's population is projected to reach approximately 31,503 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 971.71 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 28,420 | 31,503 | 971.71 |
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 Courtenay is around 13,490 while the female population is around 14,925.
Of the 28,420 total population in Courtenay, the largest gender is female with around 14,925 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 13,490 | 14,925 | +9.61% |
Is Courtenay a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Courtenay 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 Cities Near Courtenay
- Powell River (37.5 km)
- Campbell River (41.2 km)
- Port Alberni (52.4 km)
- Parksville (64.4 km)
- Nanaimo (96.2 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Courtenay has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 7.80% of the total population. The city median age is 48.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 1,020 7.60% | 1,205 8.10% | 15.35% | 2,230 7.80% |
| 70 to 74 years | 1,010 7.50% | 1,200 8.00% | 15.83% | 2,205 7.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 905 6.70% | 1,280 8.60% | 29.30% | 2,185 7.70% |
| 55 to 59 years | 910 6.70% | 1,075 7.20% | 15.35% | 1,980 7.00% |
| 35 to 39 years | 840 6.20% | 910 6.10% | 7.69% | 1,750 6.20% |
| 30 to 34 years | 820 6.10% | 845 5.70% | 2.96% | 1,665 5.90% |
| 50 to 54 years | 720 5.30% | 880 5.90% | 18.18% | 1,600 5.60% |
| 25 to 29 years | 785 5.80% | 800 5.40% | 1.88% | 1,585 5.60% |
| 40 to 44 years | 745 5.50% | 830 5.60% | 10.24% | 1,575 5.50% |
| 75 to 79 years | 735 5.40% | 830 5.60% | 11.45% | 1,560 5.50% |
| 45 to 49 years | 730 5.40% | 820 5.50% | 10.98% | 1,550 5.50% |
| 5 to 9 years | 685 5.10% | 700 4.70% | 2.14% | 1,380 4.90% |
| 10 to 14 years | 740 5.50% | 625 4.20% | 15.54% | 1,370 4.80% |
| 15 to 19 years | 695 5.20% | 615 4.10% | 11.51% | 1,310 4.60% |
| 20 to 24 years | 665 4.90% | 635 4.30% | 4.51% | 1,295 4.60% |
| 0 to 4 years | 555 4.10% | 550 3.70% | 0.90% | 1,100 3.90% |
| 80 to 84 years | 500 3.70% | 545 3.70% | 8.26% | 1,050 3.70% |
| 85 years and over | 430 3.20% | 590 4.00% | 27.12% | 1,020 3.60% |
| 85 to 89 years | 285 2.10% | 375 2.50% | 24.00% | 655 2.30% |
| 90 to 94 years | 120 0.90% | 150 1.00% | 20.00% | 265 0.90% |
| 95 to 99 years | 25 0.20% | 55 0.40% | 54.55% | 85 0.30% |
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 58.20% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 28.30% and 13.50%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Courtenay are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age of the population | 46.40% | 50.80% | 48.80% |
| Average age of the population | 45.50% | 48.00% | 46.80% |
| 65 years and over | 26.60% | 29.70% | 28.30% |
| 0 to 14 years | 14.60% | 12.50% | 13.50% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Courtenay
Population of Courtenay by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Courtenay is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Courtenay 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 32.14% of the total population, followed by Scottish (26.10%), Irish (19.16%), German (13.66%), and Canadian (13.44%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include French, British Isles, Ukrainian, Dutch, and Norwegian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 32.53% | 31.78% | 32.14% |
| Scottish | 25.28% | 26.87% | 26.10% |
| Irish | 18.23% | 19.97% | 19.16% |
| German | 12.91% | 14.34% | 13.66% |
| Canadian | 14.60% | 12.35% | 13.44% |
| French | 9.09% | 9.54% | 9.35% |
| British Isles | 5.43% | 5.90% | 5.66% |
| Ukrainian | 5.21% | 5.80% | 5.52% |
| Dutch | 4.79% | 4.60% | 4.67% |
| Norwegian | 3.89% | 3.64% | 3.76% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Courtenay's population profile.
About 13.6% of Courtenay's population are immigrants (3,795 people).
The top countries of origin for Courtenay's immigrant population are United Kingdom (1,105), United States of America (370), Germany (300), Philippines (290), Viet Nam (160).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 1,105 |
| United States of America | 370 |
| Germany | 300 |
| Philippines | 290 |
| Viet Nam | 160 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 6,515 of Courtenay's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 20.30% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 16.40% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.45%, 4.60%, and 2.25%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 5,275 | 20.30% |
| 1 person | 4,265 | 16.40% |
| 3 persons | 1,670 | 6.45% |
| 4 persons | 1,190 | 4.60% |
| 5 or more persons | 585 | 2.25% |
Income in Courtenay
Analyzing income distribution in Courtenay can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Courtenay is $38,800.
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 Courtenay population or around 3,570 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 2,950 and 2,780 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Courtenay's median household income is $72,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Courtenay's median household income is 12,000 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 Courtenay
This data sheds light on the distribution of Courtenay 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.
57.30% or most of the Courtenay population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 30.60% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 22.55% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 12.10% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 9,510 | 11,855 | 21,360 | 57.30% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 5,715 | 5,925 | 11,640 | 30.60% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 3,515 | 4,830 | 8,345 | 22.55% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 2,595 | 2,180 | 4,770 | 12.10% |
Below national average 22.6% of Courtenay's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Courtenay
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Courtenay. 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 4.71% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 50.81% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.71% |
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 Courtenay's population (around 66.80%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 1,150 men and 1,045 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 2,195.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 1,150 | 1,045 | 2,195 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Courtenay industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Courtenay is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Courtenay has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (17%) works in the retail trade sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 14%, followed by Accommodation and food services at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | 1,115 | 1,100 | 17% |
| Health care and social assistance | 295 | 1,575 | 14% |
| Accommodation and food services | 510 | 725 | 9% |
| Construction | 1,005 | 165 | 9% |
| Public administration | 720 | 425 | 9% |
| Educational services | 235 | 610 | 6% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 400 | 405 | 6% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 340 | 245 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 225 | 340 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 350 | 125 | 4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 255 | 160 | 3% |
| Manufacturing | 260 | 105 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 130 | 210 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 180 | 135 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 135 | 75 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 85 | 105 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 105 | 45 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 120 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 30 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 10 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Courtenay residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Courtenay: -45 Retail trade (17%), Health care and social assistance (14%), Accommodation and food services (9%)
Top occupation categories in Courtenay: Sales and service occupations (32%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (17%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (13%)
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.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 3,700 | 4,735 | 8,435 | 69.20% |
| No fixed workplace address | 1,510 | 485 | 1,995 | 16.40% |
| Worked at home | 840 | 895 | 1,745 | 14.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 10 | 0 | 15 | 0.10% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Courtenay 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 Courtenay residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Courtenay 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.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 56.50% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 28.60% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 6.10% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.90% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.80% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Courtenayshed 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 Courtenay's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
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 Courtenay. About 27,255 people living in the province speak English, 605 people speak French, 140 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 25 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 27,255 |
| French | 605 |
| Neither English nor French | 140 |
| English and French | 25 |
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 | 88.0% | 95.0% |
| Non-official languages | 7.9% | 3.1% |
| French | 2.3% | 0.7% |
Religion
Courtenay is predominantly Christian. About 9,735 of its population is Christian (4,225 males and 4,225 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Sikh with 0.6% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Muslim and Buddhist, both represent 0.5% and 0.4% of the population, while Hindu represent 0.4% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 35.0% |
| Sikh | 0.6% |
| Islam | 0.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.4% |
| Hindu | 0.4% |
| Jewish | 0.2% |
Points of Interest in Courtenay
Schools
- Sandwick Technical School
- The Spool Sewing Studio
- Georges P. Vanier Secondary School
- Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School
- Valley View Elementary School
- Lake Trail Junior Secondary School
- Queneesh Elementary School
- Huband Park Elementary School
- Glacier View Secondary School (Alternate)
- 4 R's Education Centre & Little R's Preschool
- Arden Elementary
- Courtenay Elementary School
Parks
- Lawrence Burns Park
- Riverside Park
- Dogwood Park
- Bill Moore Memorial Park
- Trumpeter Glen Park
- Hawk Glen Park
- Harmston Park
- Sussex Park
- First Street Park
- Martin Park
- Malcolm Morrison Sr. Park
- Walbran Park
- Cruickshank Park
- Sunrise Rotary Park
- Cousins Park
- Elderberry Park
- Galloway Park
- Hobson Park
- Idiens Park
- Inverclyde Park
- Malahat Storm Park
- Monarch Park
- Muir/McLauchlin Park
- Bear James Park
- Port Augusta Park
- Harbour Wood Park
- Park Drive Park
- Standard Park
- Rotary Skypark
- Courthouse Park
- Puntledge Park
- Valley View Park
- Cooper Park
- Courtenay Marina Park
- Maple Park
- Aspen Park
- 4th Street Parklet
- Simms Millennium Park
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Courtenay
Museums
- HMCS Alberni Museum & Memorial
- Courtenay & District Museum & Palaeontology Centre
- Courtenay & District Museum
Attractions
Historic Sites
- Sandwick Cairn
- Courtenay Cenotaph
- Comox South School Memorial Plaque
- The Eaton's Building
- LaFarge Land Dedication
- The 40 Houses
- First Comox Valley Settlers' Cairn
- Sid Williams Civic Theatre - British Columbia Centennial Project
- Leung Grocery Building
- Mile of Flowers
- Courtenay City Hall Site 1952-1995
- Citizens of the Century
- The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's)
- Cenotaph
- Park Boundary
- USS Tattnall (DD-125)
- HMCS Gatineau
- Laurel Whalen
- HMCS Prince Rupert
- Forest Friend
- Riversdale
- Salvage King (ex ATR13)
- Comet
- HMCS Dunver
- Melanope
- Qualicum
- Blue (or Black
- HMCS Eastview
- Nanoose
Theatres
Green Spaces in Courtenay
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence Burns Park | Parks | — |
| Riverside Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Dogwood Park | Parks | 2.5 ha |
| Bill Moore Memorial Park | Parks | 5.8 ha |
| Trumpeter Glen Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Hawk Glen Park | Parks | 1.2 ha |
| Harmston Park | Parks | 1.3 ha |
| Sussex Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| First Street Park | Parks | 1.9 ha |
| Martin Park | Parks | 1.6 ha |
| Malcolm Morrison Sr. Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Walbran Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Cruickshank Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Sunrise Rotary Park | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Cousins Park | Parks | 1.5 ha |
| Elderberry Park | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Galloway Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Hobson Park | Parks | 1.8 ha |
| Idiens Park | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Inverclyde Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Malahat Storm Park | Parks | 1.7 ha |
| Monarch Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Muir/McLauchlin Park | Parks | 2.6 ha |
| Hurford Hill Nature Park | Nature Reserves | 11.6 ha |
| Roy Stewart Morrison Nature Park | Nature Reserves | 20.7 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Courtenay
According to the 2021 census, Courtenay has a population of approximately 28,420 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Courtenay increased by 10.85%.
Courtenay has a population density of approximately 876.70 people per square kilometre.
Courtenay covers a land area of approximately 32.42 km².
The median age of the population in Courtenay is 48.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Courtenay is English.
The median household income in Courtenay is $72,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Courtenay.
Christian is the predominant religion in Courtenay.
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.