Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Parksville has a population of around 13,642 people. The city's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Parksville has increased by ▲ 9.55%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 12,453 | 13,642 | +9.55% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.84% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Parksville's population is projected to reach approximately 14,945 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 1,029.27 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 13,642 | 14,945 | 1,029.27 |
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.
Parksville Population Trend & Context
Parksville had a 2021 census population of 13,642 — an increase of 1,189 (▲ 9.55%) people from the 12,453 recorded in 2016.
The city's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among British Columbia cities. The city's median age of 62 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 Parksville is around 6,195 while the female population is around 7,445.
Of the 13,642 total population in Parksville, the largest gender is female with around 7,445 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 6,195 | 7,445 | +16.79% |
Is Parksville a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Parksville 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.
Parksville Population Compared to British Columbia
British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how Parksville compares to the city's key indicators:
| Indicator | Parksville | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $66,500 | $85,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.7% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 62 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.8% | 31.8% |
| Immigrants (%) | 17.1% | 29.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Parksville has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 70 to 74 years old, accounting for 12.50% of the total population. The city median age is 62.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 to 74 years | 745 12.00% | 950 12.80% | 21.58% | 1,700 12.50% |
| 65 to 69 years | 635 10.30% | 830 11.10% | 23.49% | 1,465 10.70% |
| 75 to 79 years | 605 9.80% | 735 9.90% | 17.69% | 1,335 9.80% |
| 60 to 64 years | 530 8.60% | 740 9.90% | 28.38% | 1,270 9.30% |
| 55 to 59 years | 375 6.10% | 520 7.00% | 27.88% | 885 6.50% |
| 80 to 84 years | 410 6.60% | 435 5.80% | 5.75% | 845 6.20% |
| 85 years and over | 290 4.70% | 415 5.60% | 30.12% | 710 5.20% |
| 50 to 54 years | 285 4.60% | 345 4.60% | 17.39% | 630 4.60% |
| 35 to 39 years | 255 4.10% | 320 4.30% | 20.31% | 580 4.30% |
| 45 to 49 years | 265 4.30% | 300 4.00% | 11.67% | 565 4.10% |
| 40 to 44 years | 270 4.40% | 290 3.90% | 6.90% | 560 4.10% |
| 30 to 34 years | 235 3.80% | 250 3.40% | 6.00% | 485 3.60% |
| 15 to 19 years | 240 3.90% | 230 3.10% | 4.17% | 475 3.50% |
| 5 to 9 years | 225 3.60% | 230 3.10% | 2.17% | 455 3.30% |
| 85 to 89 years | 195 3.10% | 265 3.60% | 26.42% | 455 3.30% |
| 25 to 29 years | 220 3.60% | 230 3.10% | 4.35% | 450 3.30% |
| 20 to 24 years | 240 3.90% | 190 2.60% | 20.83% | 435 3.20% |
| 10 to 14 years | 200 3.20% | 230 3.10% | 13.04% | 430 3.20% |
| 0 to 4 years | 185 3.00% | 190 2.60% | 2.63% | 375 2.70% |
| 90 to 94 years | 90 1.50% | 120 1.60% | 25.00% | 210 1.50% |
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 46.40% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 44.30% and 9.20%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Parksville are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 47.00% | 46.00% | 46.40% |
| 65 years and over | 43.30% | 45.30% | 44.30% |
| 0 to 14 years | 9.80% | 8.70% | 9.20% |
Population of Parksville by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Parksville is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Parksville 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 Parksville are English, which accounts for 34.42% of the total population, followed by Scottish (23.34%), Irish (18.26%), German (15.03%), and Canadian (10.00%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Parksville include French, British Isles, Ukrainian, Dutch, and Norwegian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 33.44% | 35.30% | 34.42% |
| Scottish | 22.82% | 23.83% | 23.34% |
| Irish | 16.68% | 19.57% | 18.26% |
| German | 14.94% | 15.18% | 15.03% |
| Canadian | 9.88% | 10.16% | 10.00% |
| French | 9.38% | 9.82% | 9.62% |
| British Isles | 7.05% | 6.80% | 6.91% |
| Ukrainian | 6.31% | 5.49% | 5.86% |
| Dutch | 4.48% | 4.60% | 4.55% |
| Norwegian | 3.57% | 4.95% | 4.36% |
Indigenous Identity in Parksville
About 4.02% of Parksville's population (535 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 95.98% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 145 people (1.10% 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 Parksville's population profile.
About 17.1% of Parksville's population are immigrants (2,275 people).
The top countries of origin for Parksville's immigrant population are United Kingdom (915), Germany (215), Philippines (210), United States of America (195), Netherlands (90).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 915 |
| Germany | 215 |
| Philippines | 210 |
| United States of America | 195 |
| Netherlands | 90 |
96.4% of Parksville's residents (12,825 people) are Canadian citizens, and 3.6% are not.
By generation status, 18.5% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 19.2% are second generation, and 62.3% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 4,065 of Parksville's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 23.55% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 17.35% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 4.50%, 3.10%, and 1.50%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 3,180 | 23.55% |
| 1 person | 2,340 | 17.35% |
| 3 persons | 610 | 4.50% |
| 4 persons | 420 | 3.10% |
| 5 or more persons | 200 | 1.50% |
Family and Household Structure in Parksville
Of census families in Parksville, 87.4% are couple families and 12.6% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.4 people.
34.6% of households in Parksville are one-person households, 52.2% are couple-family households, 6.5% are one-parent-family households, and 1.2% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 2,340 | 34.6% |
| Couple-family households | 3,525 | 52.2% |
| One-parent-family households | 440 | 6.5% |
| Multigenerational households | 80 | 1.2% |
Income in Parksville
Analyzing income distribution in Parksville can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Parksville is $37,200.
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 Parksville population or around 1,435 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 1,100 and 1,020 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Parksville's median household income is $66,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Parksville's median household income is 17,500 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 Parksville
This data sheds light on the distribution of Parksville 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.
61.60% or most of the Parksville population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 29.40% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 8.90% 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 | 1,385 | 1,885 | 3,270 | 61.60% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 700 | 860 | 1,560 | 29.40% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 270 | 205 | 470 | 8.90% |
Below national average 19.2% of Parksville's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Parksville
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Parksville. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Parksville is at 6.69% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 39.32% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.69% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Parksville, 19.7% worked full year full time in the reference year, 23.4% worked part year and/or part time, and 56.8% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 2,380 | 19.7% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 2,825 | 23.4% |
| Did not work | 6,850 | 56.8% |
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 Parksville's population (around 67.50%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 530 men and 465 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 995.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 530 | 465 | 995 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Parksville industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Parksville is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Parksville has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (17%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 16%, followed by Construction at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 140 | 735 | 17% |
| Retail trade | 355 | 475 | 16% |
| Construction | 500 | 50 | 11% |
| Accommodation and food services | 180 | 270 | 9% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 180 | 195 | 8% |
| Educational services | 70 | 205 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 90 | 175 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 125 | 110 | 5% |
| Public administration | 120 | 85 | 4% |
| Manufacturing | 135 | 40 | 3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 100 | 45 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 40 | 80 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 80 | 30 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 75 | 35 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 70 | 30 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 45 | 40 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 40 | 30 | 2% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 25 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 10 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Parksville residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Parksville: Health care and social assistance (17%), Retail trade (16%), Construction (11%)
Top occupation categories in Parksville: Sales and service occupations (34%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (18%), Business, finance and administration occupations (15%)
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 | 1,340 | 1,810 | 3,150 | 66.50% |
| Worked at home | 380 | 430 | 810 | 17.10% |
| No fixed workplace address | 525 | 255 | 775 | 16.40% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Parksville 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 Parksville residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Parksville 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 | 53.90% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 24.20% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 13.10% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 4.60% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.30% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Parksville 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 city's social fabric. We can gain insights into Parksville'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 Parksville. About 13,325 people living in the city speak English, 165 people speak French, 30 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 5 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 13,325 |
| French | 165 |
| Neither English nor French | 30 |
| English and French | 5 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 5.9% of Parksville's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 93.8% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 12,690 | 93.8% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 800 | 5.9% |
| Neither English nor French | 30 | 0.2% |
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 | 89.3% | 97.3% |
| Non-official languages | 7.8% | 1.7% |
| French | 1.3% | 0.2% |
Religion
Parksville is predominantly Christian. About 6,085 of its population is Christian (2,530 males and 3,555 females).
The second largest religion in the city is Buddhist with 0.5% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Jewish and Hindu, both represent 0.3% and 0.2% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.1% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 45.7% |
| Buddhist | 0.5% |
| Jewish | 0.3% |
| Hindu | 0.2% |
| Islam | 0.1% |
| Sikh | 0.1% |
Points of Interest in Parksville
Schools
- School District 69 - Collaborative Education Alternative Program
- École Secondaire Ballenas
- Springwood Elementary School
Parks
- Allsbrook Road Community Park
- Top Bridge Community Park
- Englishman River Regional Park
- San Malo Community Park
- Maple Lane Community Park
- Sanika Close Community Park
- Riley Road Community Park
- Neden Way Community Park
- Stanhope Community Park
- Sutherland Park
- Young Park
- Vicken Park
- Aquila Park
- Wedgewood Park
- Bradbury Park
- Soriel Park
- Foster Park
- Aberdeen Park
- Springwood Park
- Woodland Park
- Magnolia Park
- Ermineskin Park
- Linear Park
- Marks Nature Park
- Sylvan Park
- Brice Park
- Ermineskin Avenue Park
- Ermineskin Park
- Nicholls Park
- Renz Park
- Park on Church
- Retegno Park
- Cedar Ridge Park
- Humphrey Park
- Shelly Creek Park West
- Shelly Creek Park North
- Bridgewater Park
- Eagle Park
- Pheasant Park
- Shelly Road Park
- Sunset Park
- Rotary Peach Park
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Parksville
Museums
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Parksville
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Allsbrook Road Community Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Top Bridge Community Park | Parks | 4.8 ha |
| Englishman River Regional Park | Parks | 207.1 ha |
| San Malo Community Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Maple Lane Community Park | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Sanika Close Community Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Riley Road Community Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Neden Way Community Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Stanhope Community Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Sutherland Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Young Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Vicken Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Aquila Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Wedgewood Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Bradbury Park | Parks | 0.0 ha |
| Soriel Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Foster Park | Parks | 3.0 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Cities to Parksville
- Nanaimo 32.1 km · 99,863 people
- Port Alberni 37.0 km · 18,259 people
- Powell River 59.6 km · 13,943 people
- Courtenay 64.4 km · 28,420 people
- Duncan 74.4 km · 5,047 people
- Richmond 87.0 km · 209,937 people
- Vancouver 87.1 km · 662,248 people
- Delta 94.7 km · 108,455 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Parksville
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Parksville has a population of 13,642 people, making it the 45th city in British Columbia. The population increased significantly from 12,453 in 2016, an increase of 1,189 people or 9.55%. The city has a population density of 939.5 people per km² across a land area of 14.52 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Parksville's population grew by 9.55% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 12,453 to 13,642 people, a gain of 1,189 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other British Columbia cities during this period. The median age of 62.00 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (34.7%) 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.
Parksville has a population density of approximately 939.50 people per square kilometre.
Parksville covers a land area of approximately 14.52 km².
The median age of the population in Parksville is 62.00 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Parksville is English.
The median household income in Parksville is $66,500, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Parksville.
Christian is the predominant religion in Parksville.
According to the 2021 Census, 4.0% of Parksville's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
96.4% of Parksville's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 12.6% of census families in Parksville, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.2% of all households in Parksville, per the 2021 Census.
5.9% of Parksville'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 Parksville, 19.7% 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.