Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, North Vancouver has a population of around 88,168 people. The township's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of North Vancouver has increased by ▲ 2.94%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 85,649 | 88,168 | +2.94% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.58% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, North Vancouver's population is projected to reach approximately 90,761 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 564.93 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 88,168 | 90,761 | 564.93 |
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.
North Vancouver Population Trend & Context
North Vancouver had a 2021 census population of 88,168 — an increase of 2,519 (▲ 2.94%) people from the 85,649 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 44.4 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
Population By Genders
The male population of North Vancouver is around 42,935 while the female population is around 45,230.
Of the 88,168 total population in North Vancouver, the largest gender is female with around 45,230 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 42,935 | 45,230 | +5.07% |
Is North Vancouver a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how North Vancouver 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.
North Vancouver Population Compared to British Columbia
British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how North Vancouver compares to the township's key indicators:
| Indicator | North Vancouver | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $123,000 | $85,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 44.4 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 49.0% | 31.8% |
| Immigrants (%) | 32.3% | 29.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
North Vancouver has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 50 to 54 years old, accounting for 7.80% of the total population. The township median age is 44.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 54 years | 3,315 7.70% | 3,560 7.90% | 6.88% | 6,875 7.80% |
| 55 to 59 years | 3,195 7.40% | 3,525 7.80% | 9.36% | 6,720 7.60% |
| 45 to 49 years | 3,075 7.20% | 3,500 7.70% | 12.14% | 6,575 7.50% |
| 60 to 64 years | 3,140 7.30% | 3,320 7.30% | 5.42% | 6,460 7.30% |
| 40 to 44 years | 2,825 6.60% | 3,345 7.40% | 15.55% | 6,165 7.00% |
| 15 to 19 years | 2,850 6.60% | 2,830 6.30% | 0.70% | 5,680 6.40% |
| 10 to 14 years | 2,960 6.90% | 2,705 6.00% | 8.61% | 5,665 6.40% |
| 35 to 39 years | 2,505 5.80% | 2,860 6.30% | 12.41% | 5,370 6.10% |
| 5 to 9 years | 2,650 6.20% | 2,425 5.40% | 8.49% | 5,075 5.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 2,450 5.70% | 2,510 5.50% | 2.39% | 4,955 5.60% |
| 20 to 24 years | 2,490 5.80% | 2,225 4.90% | 10.64% | 4,715 5.30% |
| 70 to 74 years | 1,980 4.60% | 2,235 4.90% | 11.41% | 4,210 4.80% |
| 30 to 34 years | 1,980 4.60% | 2,230 4.90% | 11.21% | 4,205 4.80% |
| 25 to 29 years | 2,065 4.80% | 1,835 4.10% | 11.14% | 3,895 4.40% |
| 0 to 4 years | 2,010 4.70% | 1,815 4.00% | 9.70% | 3,825 4.30% |
| 75 to 79 years | 1,590 3.70% | 1,745 3.90% | 8.88% | 3,335 3.80% |
| 85 years and over | 900 2.10% | 1,370 3.00% | 34.31% | 2,270 2.60% |
| 80 to 84 years | 965 2.20% | 1,190 2.60% | 18.91% | 2,155 2.40% |
| 85 to 89 years | 560 1.30% | 785 1.70% | 28.66% | 1,340 1.50% |
| 90 to 94 years | 285 0.70% | 435 1.00% | 34.48% | 725 0.80% |
| 95 to 99 years | 50 0.10% | 125 0.30% | 60.00% | 175 0.20% |
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 64.30% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 19.20% and 16.50%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in North Vancouver are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 63.90% | 64.60% | 64.30% |
| 65 years and over | 18.40% | 20.00% | 19.20% |
| 0 to 14 years | 17.70% | 15.40% | 16.50% |
Population of North Vancouver by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of North Vancouver is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. North Vancouver 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 North Vancouver are English, which accounts for 25.03% of the total population, followed by Scottish (18.62%), Irish (14.86%), German (10.98%), and Canadian (9.54%).
Other ethnicities and origins in North Vancouver include Iranian, Chinese, British Isles, French, and Italian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 25.62% | 24.47% | 25.03% |
| Scottish | 19.33% | 17.94% | 18.62% |
| Irish | 14.81% | 14.90% | 14.86% |
| German | 11.01% | 10.96% | 10.98% |
| Canadian | 10.01% | 9.09% | 9.54% |
| Iranian | 7.33% | 7.40% | 7.38% |
| Chinese | 6.51% | 7.07% | 6.80% |
| British Isles | 6.75% | 6.27% | 6.50% |
| French | 6.30% | 5.95% | 6.13% |
| Italian | 4.81% | 4.28% | 4.54% |
Indigenous Identity in North Vancouver
About 1.81% of North Vancouver's population (1,580 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 98.19% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 585 people (0.70% 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 North Vancouver's population profile.
About 32.3% of North Vancouver's population are immigrants (28,200 people).
The top countries of origin for North Vancouver's immigrant population are Iran (6,395), United Kingdom (3,800), China (1,985), Philippines (1,580), United States of America (1,450).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Iran | 6,395 |
| United Kingdom | 3,800 |
| China | 1,985 |
| Philippines | 1,580 |
| United States of America | 1,450 |
90.0% of North Vancouver's residents (78,665 people) are Canadian citizens, and 10.0% are not.
By generation status, 36.9% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 23.9% are second generation, and 39.2% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 16,115 of North Vancouver's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 16.25% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 10.30% of the population. 4 persons, 3 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 10.00%, 9.15%, and 4.30%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 10,625 | 16.25% |
| 1 person | 6,745 | 10.30% |
| 4 persons | 6,545 | 10.00% |
| 3 persons | 5,970 | 9.15% |
| 5 or more persons | 2,815 | 4.30% |
Family and Household Structure in North Vancouver
Of census families in North Vancouver, 87.4% are couple families and 12.6% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.9 people.
20.6% of households in North Vancouver are one-person households, 60.6% are couple-family households, 8.1% are one-parent-family households, and 2.8% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 6,750 | 20.6% |
| Couple-family households | 19,800 | 60.6% |
| One-parent-family households | 2,645 | 8.1% |
| Multigenerational households | 915 | 2.8% |
Income in North Vancouver
Analyzing income distribution in North Vancouver can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within North Vancouver is $49,600.
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 North Vancouver population or around 8,500 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $50,000 to $79,999, and $100,000 to $149,999 with around 8,295 and 7,790 people, respectively.
Household Income
The North Vancouver's median household income is $123,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average North Vancouver's median household income is 39,000 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 North Vancouver
This data sheds light on the distribution of North Vancouver 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.
80.90% or most of the North Vancouver population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 17.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 2.10% has a No 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 17,360 | 19,960 | 37,315 | 80.90% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 3,995 | 3,860 | 7,855 | 17.00% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 570 | 385 | 950 | 2.10% |
Above national average 54.0% of North Vancouver's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in North Vancouver
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in North Vancouver. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in North Vancouver is at 7.32% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 61.10% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.32% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in North Vancouver, 34.2% worked full year full time in the reference year, 32.4% worked part year and/or part time, and 33.4% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 24,925 | 34.2% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 23,605 | 32.4% |
| Did not work | 24,290 | 33.4% |
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 North Vancouver's population (around 62.20%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 6,340 men and 4,320 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 10,665.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 6,340 | 4,320 | 10,665 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The North Vancouver industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in North Vancouver is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
North Vancouver has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (16%) works in the professional, scientific and technical services sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 11%, followed by Retail trade at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 4,440 | 3,295 | 16% |
| Health care and social assistance | 1,205 | 4,130 | 11% |
| Retail trade | 2,305 | 2,290 | 10% |
| Educational services | 1,295 | 2,890 | 9% |
| Construction | 2,845 | 510 | 7% |
| Finance and insurance | 1,345 | 1,340 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 1,165 | 1,335 | 5% |
| Information and cultural industries | 1,260 | 885 | 5% |
| Public administration | 1,030 | 1,085 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 620 | 1,185 | 4% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 875 | 865 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 965 | 660 | 3% |
| Manufacturing | 1,140 | 465 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 1,065 | 525 | 3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 1,180 | 400 | 3% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 860 | 635 | 3% |
| Utilities | 220 | 95 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 210 | 80 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 125 | 100 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 75 | 125 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where North Vancouver residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in North Vancouver: Professional, scientific and technical services (16%), Health care and social assistance (11%), Retail trade (10%)
Top occupation categories in North Vancouver: Sales and service occupations (21%), Business, finance and administration occupations (21%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (14%)
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.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 11,635 | 12,590 | 24,225 | 54.50% |
| Worked at home | 7,700 | 7,700 | 15,400 | 34.60% |
| No fixed workplace address | 3,470 | 1,215 | 4,680 | 10.50% |
| Worked outside Canada | 105 | 75 | 180 | 0.40% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how North Vancouver 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 North Vancouver residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of North Vancouver 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.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 41.00% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 26.80% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 21.60% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 6.60% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in North Vancouver 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 township's social fabric. We can gain insights into North Vancouver's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
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 North Vancouver. About 84,360 people living in the township speak English, 1,265 people speak French, 1,235 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 640 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 84,360 |
| French | 1,265 |
| Neither English nor French | 1,235 |
| English and French | 640 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 11.0% of North Vancouver's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 87.5% know English only, 0.1% know French only, and 1.4% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 76,585 | 87.5% |
| French only | 45 | 0.1% |
| English and French | 9,615 | 11.0% |
| Neither English nor French | 1,265 | 1.4% |
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 | 69.0% | 81.3% |
| Non-official languages | 26.2% | 14.9% |
| French | 1.4% | 0.6% |
Religion
North Vancouver is predominantly Christian. About 29,845 of its population is Christian (13,430 males and 16,415 females).
The second largest religion in the township is Muslim with 6.4% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Jewish and Buddhist, both represent 1.0% and 0.9% of the population, while Sikh represent 0.6% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 34.2% |
| Islam | 6.4% |
| Jewish | 1.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.9% |
| Sikh | 0.6% |
| Hindu | 0.3% |
Points of Interest in North Vancouver
Hospitals
Schools
- Larson Elementary School
- Queen Mary Elementary School
- Victoria Park West
- École Boundary Elementary School
- Vancouver Waldorf School
- Eastview Elementary School
Parks
- Ray Perrault Park
- Michael Park
- Harbourview Park
- Lynnmouth Park
- High Place Park
- Kealy Woods Park
- Victoria Park
- William Griffin Park
- Mosquito Creek Park
- Ottawa Gardens
- Kings Mill Walk Park
- Emerald Park
- Brooksbank Park
- Waterfront Park
- Wagg Creek Park
- Eastview Park
- St Andrews Park
- Kirkstone Park
- MacKay Park
- Dudley Place
- Loutet Park
- Crickmay Park
- Rodger Burnes Green
- Rey Sargent Park
- Heywood Park
- Seylynn Park
- Lynnmouth Park
- Princess Park
- Park & Tilford Gardens
- Bridgman Park
Libraries
Community Centres
- John Braithwaite Community Centre
- Karen Magnussen Community Recreation Centre
- Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre
- North Shore Neighbourhood House
- North Shore Women's Centre
- Memoria Community Center
- Silver Harbour Senior Centre
Places to Visit in North Vancouver
Museums
Historic Sites
Theatres
Green Spaces in North Vancouver
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Perrault Park | Parks | 3.4 ha |
| Michael Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Harbourview Park | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Lynnmouth Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| High Place Park | Parks | 1.7 ha |
| Kealy Woods Park | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Victoria Park | Parks | 4.1 ha |
| William Griffin Park | Parks | 9.3 ha |
| Mosquito Creek Park | Parks | 13.8 ha |
| Ottawa Gardens | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Kings Mill Walk Park | Parks | 2.8 ha |
| Emerald Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Brooksbank Park | Parks | 1.3 ha |
| Waterfront Park | Parks | 1.6 ha |
| Wagg Creek Park | Parks | 2.8 ha |
| Eastview Park | Parks | 2.9 ha |
| St Andrews Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Townships to North Vancouver
- West Vancouver 6.3 km · 44,122 people
- Squamish 42.4 km · 23,819 people
- Sechelt 52.7 km · 10,847 people
- Mission 60.1 km · 41,519 people
- North Cowichan 72.5 km · 31,990 people
- Lantzville 73.0 km · 3,817 people
- North Saanich 78.4 km · 12,235 people
- Central Saanich 84.6 km · 17,385 people
Frequently Asked Questions about North Vancouver
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, North Vancouver has a population of 88,168 people, making it the 15th township in British Columbia. The population increased moderately from 85,649 in 2016, an increase of 2,519 people or 2.94%. The township has a population density of 548.8 people per km² across a land area of 160.66 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
North Vancouver's population grew by 2.94% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 85,649 to 88,168 people, a gain of 2,519 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other British Columbia townships during this period. The median age of 44.40 years suggests a mature, established community. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
North Vancouver has a population density of approximately 548.80 people per square kilometre.
North Vancouver covers a land area of approximately 160.66 km².
The median age of the population in North Vancouver is 44.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in North Vancouver is English.
The median household income in North Vancouver is $123,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in North Vancouver.
Christian is the predominant religion in North Vancouver.
According to the 2021 Census, 1.8% of North Vancouver's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
90.0% of North Vancouver's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 12.6% of census families in North Vancouver, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 2.8% of all households in North Vancouver, per the 2021 Census.
11.0% of North Vancouver'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 North Vancouver, 34.2% 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.