Houston, British Columbia Population & Demographics: Is It a Good Place to Live?

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

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Houston. It is a township in Canada that encompasses a land area of 72.88 km2. The township has a population density of 41.90 people per km2.

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

Houston 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.

Houston location on the map. View in Google Map

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Houston has a population of around 3,052 people. The township's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Houston has increased by ▲ 1.97%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
2,9933,052 +1.97%

2026 Population Projection

Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.39% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Houston's population is projected to reach approximately 3,112 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 42.70 people per km².

Population in 2021Projected Population in 2026Projected Density in 2026 (per km²)
3,0523,11242.70

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.

Houston Population Trend & Context

Houston is the 97th-largest township in British Columbia, with a 2021 census population of 3,052 — an increase of 59 (▲ 1.97%) people from the 2,993 recorded in 2016.

The township's population has grown slightly over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among British Columbia townships. The township's median age of 38.8 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.

How does Houston compare to other British Columbia townships?

Population By Genders

The male population of Houston is around 1,575 while the female population is around 1,480.

Of the 3,052 total population in Houston, the largest gender is male with around 1,575 women within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
1,5751,480 +6.03%

Is Houston a Good Place to Live?

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

Employment & Economy

12.4%
Unemployment rate
4.0 pts above the province
59.9%
Employment rate
2.0 pts above the province
68.4%
Participation rate
5.1 pts above the province

Income & Affordability

$84,000
Median household income
$1,000 below the province
11.4%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
0.6 pts above the province

Commute

84.4%
Commute under 30 minutes
18.6 pts above the province
87.8%
Commute by car
7.9 pts above the province
1.9%
Commute by public transit
7.4 pts below the province

Housing Character

60.2%
Single-detached houses
17.8 pts above the province
16.1%
Apartments (any building size)
27.4 pts below the province

Household Composition

2.40 people
Average household size
About the same as the province
29.0%
One-person households
0.4 pts below the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Houston Population Compared to British Columbia

British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how Houston compares to the township's key indicators:

IndicatorHoustonBritish Columbia
Median household income$84,000$85,000
Unemployment rate12.4%8.4%
Median age38.842.8
Bachelor's degree or higher8.0%31.8%
Immigrants (%)9.1%29.0%

Population by Age Characteristics

Houston has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 7.70% of the total population. The township median age is 38.80.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal
60 to 64 years125 7.90%115 7.80% 8.00%235 7.70%
10 to 14 years120 7.60%110 7.40% 8.33%225 7.40%
55 to 59 years110 7.00%100 6.80% 9.09%210 6.90%
5 to 9 years110 7.00%95 6.40% 13.64%205 6.70%
35 to 39 years100 6.30%105 7.10% 4.76%205 6.70%
30 to 34 years95 6.00%105 7.10% 9.52%200 6.50%
15 to 19 years95 6.00%100 6.80% 5.00%195 6.40%
45 to 49 years100 6.30%90 6.10% 10.00%190 6.20%
0 to 4 years100 6.30%90 6.10% 10.00%185 6.10%
25 to 29 years95 6.00%90 6.10% 5.26%185 6.10%
40 to 44 years100 6.30%85 5.70% 15.00%185 6.10%
20 to 24 years95 6.00%70 4.70% 26.32%165 5.40%
50 to 54 years80 5.10%85 5.70% 5.88%165 5.40%
65 to 69 years80 5.10%85 5.70% 5.88%160 5.20%
70 to 74 years75 4.80%55 3.70% 26.67%135 4.40%
75 to 79 years50 3.20%50 3.40% 0.00%100 3.30%
80 to 84 years25 1.60%25 1.70% 0.00%55 1.80%
85 years and over15 1.00%25 1.70% 40.00%40 1.30%
Average age of the population39 39.20%40 39.80% 0.00%40 39.50%
Median age of the population38 38.40%39 38.80% 0.00%39 38.80%
85 to 89 years10 0.60%20 1.40% 50.00%30 1.00%

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 63.70% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 20.10% and 16.00%, respectively.

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

DataMaleFemaleTotal
0 to 14 years21.00%19.60%20.10%
65 years and over15.60%16.20%16.00%

Photos of Places & Sceneries in Houston

Population of Houston by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Houston is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Houston is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the township appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.

The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Houston are English, which accounts for 22.72% of the total population, followed by Dutch (21.06%), Scottish (19.57%), Irish (17.25%), and Canadian (16.92%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Houston include German, French, Norwegian, First Nations (North American Indian), and Ukrainian.

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
English24.92%20.57%22.72%
Dutch19.00%23.40%21.06%
Scottish18.69%20.57%19.57%
Irish14.95%19.86%17.25%
Canadian18.07%14.89%16.92%
German11.21%15.60%13.10%
French10.59%10.99%10.95%
Norwegian7.48%5.32%6.14%
First Nations (North American Indian)4.98%6.38%5.64%
Ukrainian3.43%6.38%4.81%

Immigration Profile

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

About 9.1% of Houston's population are immigrants (275 people).

The top countries of origin for Houston's immigrant population are Netherlands (55), United States of America (45), India (40), Portugal (25), Korea, South (25).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
Netherlands55
United States of America45
India40
Portugal25
Korea, South25

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 765 of Houston's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.

Household Size

About 18.45% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 14.50% of the population. 4 persons, 3 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.65%, 6.25%, and 3.90%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
2 persons47018.45%
1 person37014.50%
4 persons1706.65%
3 persons1606.25%
5 or more persons1003.90%

Income in Houston

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

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Houston is $42,400.

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 Houston population or around 395 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 340 and 265 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Houston's median household income is $84,000, according to 2020 data.

Above national average Houston's median household income is 0 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 Houston

This data sheds light on the distribution of Houston 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.

41.35% or most of the Houston population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 41.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 17.55% has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 7.95% has Bachelor's degree or higher.

Only using 25% sample data.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree8957251,62041.35%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate7558751,62541.00%
No certificate, diploma or degree44529573517.55%
Bachelor's degree or higher1601553107.95%

Below national average 8.0% of Houston's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Houston

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Houston. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.

The data shows that the unemployment rate in Houston is at 8.47% which is very high.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate59.92%
Unemployment rate8.47%

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 Houston's population (around 73.20%) are working permanent position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the township, there are 105 men and 80 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 180.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed10580180

Employment Industry Sectors

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

Houston has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (20%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector comes second at 15%, followed by Retail trade at 12%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Manufacturing2656520%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting1806015%
Retail trade5514512%
Educational services35958%
Construction80106%
Health care and social assistance0905%
Other services (except public administration)50355%
Accommodation and food services20454%
Public administration30304%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction50154%
Professional, scientific and technical services0453%
Finance and insurance20253%
Wholesale trade25152%
Transportation and warehousing30152%
Arts, entertainment and recreation0152%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services1501%
Real estate and rental and leasing0101%
Information and cultural industries001%
Utilities000%
Management of companies and enterprises000%

Labour Market Snapshot

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

Top employer sectors in Houston: -33 Manufacturing (20%), Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (15%), -45 Retail trade (12%)

Top occupation categories in Houston: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (26%), Sales and service occupations (22%), Business, finance and administration occupations (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.

Only using 25% sample data.
Work LocationMenWomenTotalPercentage
Usual place of work5355751,11076.60%
No fixed workplace address1805523516.20%
Worked at home45601006.90%
Worked outside Canada0000.00%

Commuting

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

Commuting Duration

This data reveals the average time that the residents of Houston 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.

Only using 25% sample data.
DurationPercentage
Less than 15 minutes75.90%
15 to 29 minutes8.50%
60 minutes and over7.80%
45 to 59 minutes4.40%
30 to 44 minutes3.30%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Houstonshed 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 Houston's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law
61.81%
Married or living common-law
38.19%

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 Houston. About 3,015 people living in the province speak English, 25 people speak French, 10 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 0 people speak English and French language.

LanguagePopulation
English3,015
French25
Neither English nor French10
English and French0

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
English90.1%96.1%
Non-official languages8.2%3.1%
French0.8%0.2%

Religion

Houston is predominantly Christian. About 1,230 of its population is Christian (620 males and 620 females).

The second largest religion in the province is Sikh with 1.5% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Buddhist, both represent 0.8% and 0.5% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.0% of the population.

ReligionPopulation
Christian40.8%
Sikh1.5%
Hindu0.8%
Buddhist0.5%
Jewish0.0%
Islam0.0%

Points of Interest in Houston

Schools

Parks

Libraries

Community Centres

Places to Visit in Houston

Attractions

Green Spaces in Houston

NameTypeApprox. Area
Jamie Baxter ParkParks1.9 ha
Northside ParkParks0.9 ha
Alexander ParkParks3.8 ha
Hagman ParkParks0.1 ha
Baggerman ParkParks0.3 ha
Nadina ParkParks0.4 ha
Rutler Heights ParkParks0.3 ha
Walker Road ParkParks0.3 ha
Steelhead ParkParks1.9 ha

Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.

Other Townships in British Columbia

Frequently Asked Questions about Houston

According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Houston has a population of 3,052 people, making it the 97th township in British Columbia. The population increased moderately from 2,993 in 2016, an increase of 59 people or 1.97%. The township has a population density of 41.9 people per km² across a land area of 72.88 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.

Houston's population grew by 1.97% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 2,993 to 3,052 people, a gain of 59 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other British Columbia townships during this period. The median age of 38.80 years suggests a relatively balanced demographic profile. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.

Houston has a population density of approximately 41.90 people per square kilometre.

Houston covers a land area of approximately 72.88 km².

The median age of the population in Houston is 38.80 years.

The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Houston is English.

The median household income in Houston is $84,000, based on 2020 data.

English is the most common first official language spoken in Houston.

Christian is the predominant religion in Houston.

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.