Nanaimo River, British Columbia — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Nanaimo River census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 323
- −12.9% since 2016
- Density
- 140.9
- people per km²
- Land area
- 2.29
- km²
- Median age
- 34.4
- years
- Median household income
- $64,500
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 0.0%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Nanaimo River. It is an Indian reserve in Canada that encompasses a land area of 2.29 km2. The Indian reserve has a population density of 140.90 people per km2.
We highlight the Nanaimo River Indian reserve's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Nanaimo River on the Map
Nanaimo River location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Nanaimo River has a population of around 323 people. The Indian reserve's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Nanaimo River has decreased by ▼ -12.94%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 371 | 323 | --12.94% |
2026 Population Projection
Nanaimo River's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 323 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Nanaimo River Population Trend & Context
Nanaimo River is the 206th-largest Indian reserve in British Columbia, with a 2021 census population of 323 — a decline of 48 (▼ 12.94%) people from the 371 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 34.4 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
How does Nanaimo River compare to other British Columbia Indian reserves?
- 204th Langley 2 332
- 205th Holachten 8 330
- 206th Nanaimo River This Indian reserve 323
- 207th Stony Creek 1 323
- 208th Ittatsoo 1 321
Population By Genders
The male population of Nanaimo River is around 160 while the female population is around 160.
Of the 323 total population in Nanaimo River, the largest gender is female with around 160 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 160 | 160 | -0.00% |
Is Nanaimo River a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Nanaimo 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
Income & Affordability
Commute
Housing Character
Household Composition
Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.
Nanaimo River Population Compared to British Columbia
British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how Nanaimo River compares to the Indian reserve's key indicators:
| Indicator | Nanaimo River | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $64,500 | $85,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 0.0% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 34.4 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 2.1% | 31.8% |
| Immigrants (%) | 0.0% | 29.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Nanaimo River has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 10 to 14 years old, accounting for 9.20% of the total population. The Indian reserve median age is 34.40.
| 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 63.10% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 21.50% and 13.80%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Nanaimo River are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 14 years | 35.00% | 40.00% | 70.00% |
| 15 to 64 years | 65.60% | 65.60% | 63.10% |
| 65 years and over | 20.00% | 20.00% | 45.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 21.90% | 25.00% | 21.50% |
| 65 years and over | 12.50% | 12.50% | 13.80% |
Population of Nanaimo River by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Nanaimo River is quite diverse, which contributes to the Indian reserve's vibrant cultural landscape. Nanaimo River 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 Nanaimo River are First Nations (North American Indian), which accounts for 37.50% of the total population, followed by Canadian (12.50%), English (9.38%), Irish (4.69%), and Norwegian (4.69%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Nanaimo River include Scottish, French, German, Polish, and Welsh.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 35.48% | 42.42% | 37.50% |
| Canadian | 9.68% | 15.15% | 12.50% |
| English | 12.90% | 6.06% | 9.38% |
| Irish | 0.00% | 6.06% | 4.69% |
| Norwegian | 6.45% | 0.00% | 4.69% |
| Scottish | 0.00% | 0.00% | 3.13% |
| French | 6.45% | 6.06% | 3.13% |
| German | 0.00% | 0.00% | 3.13% |
| Polish | 0.00% | 6.06% | 3.13% |
| Welsh | 6.45% | 0.00% | 3.13% |
Indigenous Identity in Nanaimo River
About 90.63% of Nanaimo River's population (290 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 9.38% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 290 people (90.60% 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 Nanaimo River's population profile.
About 0.0% of Nanaimo River's population are immigrants (0 people).
The top countries of origin for Nanaimo River'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 Nanaimo River's residents (0 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.0% are not.
By generation status, 4.7% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 4.7% are second generation, and 90.6% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 65 of Nanaimo River's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 13.15% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 3 persons households ranked second, accounting for 13.15% of the population. 1 person, 5 or more persons, and 4 persons households account for 10.55%, 10.55%, and 5.25%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 25 | 13.15% |
| 3 persons | 25 | 13.15% |
| 1 person | 20 | 10.55% |
| 5 or more persons | 20 | 10.55% |
| 4 persons | 10 | 5.25% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 95 occupied private dwellings in Nanaimo River, 42.1% are owner-occupied (40) and 10.5% are rented (10).
Period of Construction
10.5% of Nanaimo River's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 0.0% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Nanaimo River
Of census families in Nanaimo River, 60.0% are couple families and 40.0% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.0 people.
15.8% of households in Nanaimo River are one-person households, 36.8% are couple-family households, 21.1% are one-parent-family households, and 15.8% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 15 | 15.8% |
| Couple-family households | 35 | 36.8% |
| One-parent-family households | 20 | 21.1% |
| Multigenerational households | 15 | 15.8% |
Income in Nanaimo River
Analyzing income distribution in Nanaimo River can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Nanaimo River is $26,400.
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 Indian reserve's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Nanaimo River population or around 45 people falls in the Under $10,000 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and $10,000 to $29,999 with around 30 and 25 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Nanaimo River's median household income is $64,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Nanaimo River's median household income is 19,500 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 Nanaimo River
This data sheds light on the distribution of Nanaimo 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.
42.40% or most of the Nanaimo River population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate. 33.30% of the population has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 24.20% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 35 | 40 | 70 | 42.40% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 30 | 25 | 55 | 33.30% |
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 20 | 20 | 40 | 24.20% |
Below national average 0.0% of Nanaimo River's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Nanaimo River
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Nanaimo River. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Nanaimo River is at 0.00% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 44.90% |
| Unemployment rate | 0.00% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Nanaimo River, 30.0% worked full year full time in the reference year, 18.0% worked part year and/or part time, and 50.0% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 75 | 30.0% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 45 | 18.0% |
| Did not work | 125 | 50.0% |
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 Nanaimo River's population (around 60.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the Indian reserve, there are 20 men and 10 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 30.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 20 | 10 | 30 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Nanaimo River industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Nanaimo River is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Nanaimo River has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (17%) works in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 13%, followed by Construction at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 20 | 0 | 17% |
| Retail trade | 10 | 10 | 13% |
| Construction | 10 | 0 | 9% |
| Manufacturing | 10 | 0 | 9% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 0 | 0 | 9% |
| Educational services | 0 | 10 | 9% |
| Health care and social assistance | 0 | 10 | 9% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10 | 0 | 9% |
| Public administration | 0 | 10 | 9% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 0 | 10 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 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 Nanaimo River residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Nanaimo River: Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (17%), Retail trade (13%), Construction (9%)
Top occupation categories in Nanaimo River: Sales and service occupations (22%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (17%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (17%)
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 | 40 | 35 | 70 | 66.70% |
| Worked at home | 10 | 10 | 20 | 19.00% |
| No fixed workplace address | 15 | 0 | 15 | 14.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Nanaimo 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 Nanaimo River residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Nanaimo River 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 | 44.40% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 44.40% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 0.00% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 0.00% |
| 60 minutes and over | 0.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Nanaimo River 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 Nanaimo River'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 Nanaimo River. About 320 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 | 320 |
| French | 0 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 0.0% of Nanaimo River's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 100.0% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 320 | 100.0% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 0 | 0.0% |
| 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 | 98.4% | 100.0% |
| French | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Non-official languages | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Religion
Nanaimo River is predominantly Christian. About 75 of its population is Christian (35 males and 40 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 | 23.4% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Nearest Indian Reserves to Nanaimo River
Methodology
- Data vintage: Reference date was Census Day, May 11, 2021. Statistics Canada released this profile in stages starting February 9, 2022, with later characteristics added through the remainder of 2022.
- Rounding & suppression: To protect respondent confidentiality, Statistics Canada randomly rounds every count shown here, and withholds some characteristics entirely for areas with very small populations. This is why a small number of figures on this page may show as unavailable for smaller places — it reflects a StatCan privacy rule, not missing data on our end.
- Next update: These are the most recent figures available. Canada's next census is scheduled for May 2026, with results expected to begin release in 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nanaimo River
What is the population of Nanaimo River?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Nanaimo River has a population of 323 people, making it the 206th Indian reserve in British Columbia. The population declined significantly from 371 in 2016, a decrease of 48 people or 12.94%. The Indian reserve has a population density of 140.9 people per km² across a land area of 2.29 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Nanaimo River growing?
Nanaimo River's population declined by 12.94% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 371 to 323 people, a loss of 48 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other British Columbia Indian reserves during this period. The median age of 34.40 years suggests a comparatively young population. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
What is the population density of Nanaimo River?
Nanaimo River has a population density of approximately 140.90 people per square kilometre.
How large is Nanaimo River?
Nanaimo River covers a land area of approximately 2.29 km².
What is the median age in Nanaimo River?
The median age of the population in Nanaimo River is 34.40 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Nanaimo River?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Nanaimo River is First Nations (North American Indian).
What is the median household income in Nanaimo River?
The median household income in Nanaimo River is $64,500, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Nanaimo River?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Nanaimo River.
What is the main religion in Nanaimo River?
Christian is the predominant religion in Nanaimo River.
What percentage of Nanaimo River's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 90.6% of Nanaimo River's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Nanaimo River residents are Canadian citizens?
0.0% of Nanaimo River's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Nanaimo River are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 42.1% of census families in Nanaimo River, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Nanaimo River?
Multigenerational households make up 15.8% of all households in Nanaimo River, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Nanaimo River's population is bilingual in English and French?
0.0% of Nanaimo River's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Nanaimo River's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Nanaimo River, 30.0% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Nanaimo River available yet?
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.