Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Duncan has a population of around 5,047 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Duncan has increased by ▲ 2.08%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 4,944 | 5,047 | +2.08% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.41% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Duncan's population is projected to reach approximately 5,152 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 2,500.97 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 5,047 | 5,152 | 2,500.97 |
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.
Duncan Population Trend & Context
Duncan is the 79th-largest city in British Columbia, with a 2021 census population of 5,047 — an increase of 103 (▲ 2.08%) people from the 4,944 recorded in 2016.
The city's population has grown slightly over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among British Columbia cities. The city's median age of 55.6 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Duncan compare to other British Columbia cities?
- Oliver: 5,094 (2021)
- Metchosin: 5,067 (2021)
- Duncan: 5,047 (2021) ← 79th largest
- Gibsons: 4,758 (2021)
- Cumberland: 4,447 (2021)
Population By Genders
The male population of Duncan is around 2,230 while the female population is around 2,820.
Of the 5,047 total population in Duncan, the largest gender is female with around 2,820 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 2,230 | 2,820 | +20.92% |
Is Duncan a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Duncan 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.
Duncan Population Compared to British Columbia
British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how Duncan compares to the city's key indicators:
| Indicator | Duncan | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $53,200 | $85,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 55.6 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.8% | 31.8% |
| Immigrants (%) | 11.0% | 29.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Duncan has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 85 years and over old, accounting for 9.20% of the total population. The city median age is 55.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 years and over | 170 7.60% | 295 10.50% | 42.37% | 465 9.20% |
| 70 to 74 years | 160 7.20% | 230 8.20% | 30.43% | 400 7.90% |
| 60 to 64 years | 165 7.40% | 225 8.00% | 26.67% | 390 7.70% |
| 65 to 69 years | 155 7.00% | 205 7.30% | 24.39% | 360 7.10% |
| 55 to 59 years | 160 7.20% | 200 7.10% | 20.00% | 355 7.00% |
| 80 to 84 years | 125 5.60% | 190 6.70% | 34.21% | 320 6.30% |
| 35 to 39 years | 130 5.80% | 145 5.10% | 10.34% | 280 5.50% |
| 30 to 34 years | 125 5.60% | 145 5.10% | 13.79% | 275 5.40% |
| 75 to 79 years | 105 4.70% | 165 5.90% | 36.36% | 270 5.30% |
| 50 to 54 years | 105 4.70% | 135 4.80% | 22.22% | 245 4.90% |
| 85 to 89 years | 125 5.60% | 120 4.30% | 4.00% | 245 4.90% |
| 25 to 29 years | 120 5.40% | 125 4.40% | 4.00% | 240 4.80% |
| 5 to 9 years | 110 4.90% | 120 4.30% | 8.33% | 230 4.60% |
| 40 to 44 years | 105 4.70% | 120 4.30% | 12.50% | 230 4.60% |
| 10 to 14 years | 115 5.20% | 110 3.90% | 4.35% | 225 4.50% |
| 0 to 4 years | 105 4.70% | 110 3.90% | 4.55% | 210 4.20% |
| 45 to 49 years | 95 4.30% | 110 3.90% | 13.64% | 200 4.00% |
| 15 to 19 years | 85 3.80% | 105 3.70% | 19.05% | 190 3.80% |
| 90 to 94 years | 40 1.80% | 150 5.30% | 73.33% | 185 3.70% |
| 20 to 24 years | 90 4.00% | 80 2.80% | 11.11% | 175 3.50% |
| Median age of the population | 52 52.00% | 58 57.60% | 8.68% | 56 55.60% |
| Average age of the population | 49 48.70% | 53 52.80% | 7.58% | 51 51.00% |
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 50.80% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 35.90% and 13.20%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Duncan are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 52.90% | 49.10% | 50.80% |
| 65 years and over | 32.30% | 38.80% | 35.90% |
| 0 to 14 years | 14.60% | 12.10% | 13.20% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Duncan
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Population of Duncan by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Duncan is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Duncan is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the city appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Duncan are English, which accounts for 33.69% of the total population, followed by Scottish (24.33%), Irish (18.62%), German (12.27%), and Canadian (11.84%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Duncan include French, Ukrainian, Dutch, British Isles, and First Nations (North American Indian).
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 30.19% | 36.43% | 33.69% |
| Scottish | 22.95% | 25.39% | 24.33% |
| Irish | 15.46% | 21.12% | 18.62% |
| German | 11.84% | 12.79% | 12.27% |
| Canadian | 13.04% | 10.85% | 11.84% |
| French | 11.35% | 11.05% | 11.19% |
| Ukrainian | 4.35% | 4.84% | 4.63% |
| Dutch | 5.07% | 4.07% | 4.31% |
| British Isles | 3.86% | 4.46% | 4.20% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 3.38% | 4.46% | 3.88% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Duncan's population profile.
About 11.0% of Duncan's population are immigrants (510 people).
The top countries of origin for Duncan's immigrant population are United Kingdom (140), United States of America (70), Germany (55), Netherlands (45), Philippines (30).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 140 |
| United States of America | 70 |
| Germany | 55 |
| Netherlands | 45 |
| Philippines | 30 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,165 of Duncan's population live in a 1 person. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 23.75% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 15.90% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.40%, 2.95%, and 1.95%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 1,165 | 23.75% |
| 2 persons | 780 | 15.90% |
| 3 persons | 265 | 5.40% |
| 4 persons | 145 | 2.95% |
| 5 or more persons | 95 | 1.95% |
Income in Duncan
Analyzing income distribution in Duncan can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Duncan is $34,800.
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 Duncan population or around 575 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 490 and 435 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Duncan's median household income is $53,200, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Duncan's median household income is 30,800 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 Duncan
This data sheds light on the distribution of Duncan 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.
50.50% or most of the Duncan population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 33.30% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 16.45% has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 15.75% has Bachelor's degree or higher.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 1,280 | 1,825 | 3,105 | 50.50% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 960 | 1,080 | 2,040 | 33.30% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 505 | 535 | 1,045 | 16.45% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 365 | 595 | 960 | 15.75% |
Below national average 15.8% of Duncan's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Duncan
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Duncan. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Duncan is at 4.77% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 45.35% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.77% |
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 Duncan's population (around 69.00%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 185 men and 185 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 375.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 185 | 185 | 375 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Duncan industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Duncan is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Duncan has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (15%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 15%, followed by Accommodation and food services at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 50 | 245 | 15% |
| Retail trade | 120 | 170 | 15% |
| Accommodation and food services | 85 | 125 | 11% |
| Construction | 155 | 40 | 10% |
| Manufacturing | 105 | 45 | 8% |
| Educational services | 50 | 100 | 7% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 80 | 45 | 7% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 60 | 60 | 6% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 35 | 65 | 5% |
| Public administration | 35 | 55 | 5% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 30 | 25 | 3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 40 | 0 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 35 | 0 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 15 | 30 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 20 | 15 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 10 | 15 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Duncan residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Duncan: Health care and social assistance (15%), -45 Retail trade (15%), Accommodation and food services (11%)
Top occupation categories in Duncan: Sales and service occupations (32%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (19%), Business, finance and administration occupations (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 | 555 | 725 | 1,280 | 70.70% |
| No fixed workplace address | 200 | 100 | 295 | 16.30% |
| Worked at home | 90 | 135 | 225 | 12.40% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Duncan 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 Duncan residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Duncan 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 | 50.00% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 31.60% |
| 60 minutes and over | 7.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 6.00% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 5.40% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Duncanshed 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 Duncan'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 Duncan. About 4,685 people living in the province speak English, 55 people speak French, 10 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 5 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 4,685 |
| French | 55 |
| Neither English nor French | 10 |
| English and French | 5 |
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 | 89.9% | 97.1% |
| Non-official languages | 6.8% | 1.9% |
| French | 1.4% | 0.2% |
Religion
Duncan is predominantly Christian. About 1,590 of its population is Christian (640 males and 640 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Sikh with 0.6% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Jewish and Buddhist, both represent 0.5% and 0.4% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.3% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 34.2% |
| Sikh | 0.6% |
| Jewish | 0.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.4% |
| Islam | 0.3% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Duncan
Schools
Universities
Parks
- Cowichan Sportsplex Community Park
- Station Street Park
- Heiwa Park
- China Gardens
- Charles Hoey, VC, Memorial Park
- Centennial Park
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Duncan
Museums
Historic Sites
Theatres
Green Spaces in Duncan
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Cowichan Sportsplex Community Park | Parks | 11.2 ha |
| Station Street Park | Parks | 0.0 ha |
| Heiwa Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| China Gardens | Parks | 0.0 ha |
| Charles Hoey, VC, Memorial Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Centennial Park | Parks | 0.9 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Other Cities in British Columbia
- Vancouver 662,248
- Surrey 568,322
- Burnaby 249,125
- Richmond 209,937
- Abbotsford 153,524
- Coquitlam 148,625
- Kelowna 144,576
- Delta 108,455
- Nanaimo 99,863
- Kamloops 97,902
- Chilliwack 93,203
- Victoria 91,867
- Maple Ridge 90,990
- New Westminster 78,916
- Prince George 76,708
- Port Coquitlam 61,498
- Langford 46,584
- Vernon 44,519
- Penticton 36,885
- West Kelowna 36,078
- Campbell River 35,519
- Port Moody 33,535
- Courtenay 28,420
- White Rock 21,939
- Fort St. John 21,465
- Cranbrook 20,499
- Salmon Arm 19,432
- Pitt Meadows 19,146
- Colwood 18,961
- Port Alberni 18,259
- Powell River 13,943
- Parksville 13,642
- Dawson Creek 12,323
- Prince Rupert 12,300
- Terrace 12,017
- Nelson 11,106
- Williams Lake 10,947
- Quesnel 9,889
- Castlegar 8,338
- Revelstoke 8,275
- Kimberley 8,115
- Trail 7,920
- Merritt 7,051
- Fernie 6,320
- Langley 6,033
- Armstrong 5,323
- Rossland 4,140
- Grand Forks 4,112
- Enderby 3,028
- Greenwood 702
Frequently Asked Questions about Duncan
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Duncan has a population of 5,047 people, making it the 79th city in British Columbia. The population increased moderately from 4,944 in 2016, an increase of 103 people or 2.08%. The city has a population density of 2,444.5 people per km² across a land area of 2.06 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Duncan's population grew by 2.08% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 4,944 to 5,047 people, a gain of 103 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other British Columbia cities during this period. The median age of 55.60 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (47.5%) 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.
Duncan has a population density of approximately 2,444.50 people per square kilometre.
Duncan covers a land area of approximately 2.06 km².
The median age of the population in Duncan is 55.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Duncan is English.
The median household income in Duncan is $53,200, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Duncan.
Christian is the predominant religion in Duncan.
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.