Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Qualicum Beach has a population of around 9,303 people. The town's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Qualicum Beach has increased by 4.03%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 8,943 | 9,303 | +4.03% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.79% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Qualicum Beach's population is projected to reach approximately 9,677 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 538.21 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 9,303 | 9,677 | 538.21 |
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.
Population By Genders
The male population of Qualicum Beach is around 4,195 while the female population is around 5,110.
Of the 9,303 total population in Qualicum Beach, the largest gender is female with around 5,110 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 4,195 | 5,110 | +17.91% |
Is Qualicum Beach a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Qualicum Beach 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.
Other Towns Near Qualicum Beach
- Nanaimo Town 1 (43.2 km)
- Comox (50.2 km)
- Ladysmith (60.3 km)
- Lake Cowichan (64.5 km)
- Gibsons (67.9 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Qualicum Beach has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 70 to 74 years old, accounting for 15.00% of the total population. The town median age is 67.50.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 to 74 years | 630 15.00% | 765 15.00% | 17.65% | 1,395 15.00% |
| 65 to 69 years | 520 12.40% | 690 13.50% | 24.64% | 1,210 13.00% |
| 75 to 79 years | 475 11.30% | 560 11.00% | 15.18% | 1,040 11.20% |
| 60 to 64 years | 365 8.70% | 540 10.60% | 32.41% | 905 9.70% |
| 85 years and over | 385 9.20% | 475 9.30% | 18.95% | 865 9.30% |
| 80 to 84 years | 320 7.60% | 405 7.90% | 20.99% | 730 7.80% |
| 55 to 59 years | 225 5.40% | 340 6.70% | 33.82% | 570 6.10% |
| 85 to 89 years | 250 6.00% | 285 5.60% | 12.28% | 535 5.80% |
| 50 to 54 years | 165 3.90% | 205 4.00% | 19.51% | 370 4.00% |
| 45 to 49 years | 155 3.70% | 165 3.20% | 6.06% | 320 3.40% |
| 40 to 44 years | 115 2.70% | 160 3.10% | 28.13% | 275 3.00% |
| 10 to 14 years | 130 3.10% | 130 2.50% | 0.00% | 255 2.70% |
| 35 to 39 years | 115 2.70% | 135 2.60% | 14.81% | 255 2.70% |
| 90 to 94 years | 105 2.50% | 140 2.70% | 25.00% | 250 2.70% |
| 5 to 9 years | 110 2.60% | 120 2.30% | 8.33% | 235 2.50% |
| 15 to 19 years | 135 3.20% | 95 1.90% | 29.63% | 225 2.40% |
| 30 to 34 years | 100 2.40% | 100 2.00% | 0.00% | 200 2.20% |
| 20 to 24 years | 90 2.10% | 75 1.50% | 16.67% | 165 1.80% |
| 0 to 4 years | 70 1.70% | 80 1.60% | 12.50% | 145 1.60% |
| 25 to 29 years | 75 1.80% | 70 1.40% | 6.67% | 145 1.60% |
| 95 to 99 years | 30 0.70% | 45 0.90% | 33.33% | 75 0.80% |
| Median age of the population | 68 67.50% | 68 67.50% | 0.00% | 68 67.50% |
Broader Age Groups
If the town's population is divided into broader age groups, most of the population falls into the 65 years and over age group. The group accounts for 56.30% of the population. The other age groups, 15 to 64 years and 0 to 14 years, account for 36.90% and 6.80%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Qualicum Beach are within the 65 years and over age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average age of the population | 60.20% | 62.00% | 61.20% |
| 65 years and over | 55.70% | 56.80% | 56.30% |
| 15 to 64 years | 36.90% | 36.80% | 36.90% |
| 0 to 14 years | 7.40% | 6.40% | 6.80% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Qualicum Beach
Population of Qualicum Beach by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Qualicum Beach is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Qualicum Beach is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the province appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in the province are English, which accounts for 37.78% of the total population, followed by Scottish (24.10%), Irish (22.28%), German (11.85%), and British Isles (8.89%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include French, Canadian, Ukrainian, Dutch, and Welsh.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 37.86% | 37.71% | 37.78% |
| Scottish | 24.66% | 23.63% | 24.10% |
| Irish | 21.05% | 23.32% | 22.28% |
| German | 10.83% | 12.82% | 11.85% |
| British Isles | 8.34% | 9.45% | 8.89% |
| French | 6.72% | 10.50% | 8.77% |
| Canadian | 9.09% | 7.77% | 8.38% |
| Ukrainian | 5.73% | 5.99% | 5.87% |
| Dutch | 4.48% | 4.94% | 4.73% |
| Welsh | 3.99% | 4.73% | 4.39% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Qualicum Beach's population profile.
About 20.4% of Qualicum Beach's population are immigrants (1,795 people).
The top countries of origin for Qualicum Beach's immigrant population are United Kingdom (995), United States of America (160), Germany (105), Netherlands (60), Philippines (35).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 995 |
| United States of America | 160 |
| Germany | 105 |
| Netherlands | 60 |
| Philippines | 35 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 3,515 of Qualicum Beach's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 27.45% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 14.65% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 4.00%, 2.55%, and 1.35%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 2,435 | 27.45% |
| 1 person | 1,300 | 14.65% |
| 3 persons | 355 | 4.00% |
| 4 persons | 225 | 2.55% |
| 5 or more persons | 120 | 1.35% |
Income in Qualicum Beach
Analyzing income distribution in Qualicum Beach can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Qualicum Beach is $40,400.
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 town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Qualicum Beach population or around 780 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the Under $10,000, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 545 and 510 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Qualicum Beach's median household income is $76,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Qualicum Beach's median household income is 7,500 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the town'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 town's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Qualicum Beach
This data sheds light on the distribution of Qualicum Beach 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.
66.05% or most of the Qualicum Beach population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 27.30% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 26.90% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.70% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 3,315 | 3,965 | 7,280 | 66.05% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 1,310 | 1,745 | 3,055 | 27.30% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 1,405 | 1,570 | 2,970 | 26.90% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 410 | 410 | 820 | 6.70% |
Below national average 26.9% of Qualicum Beach's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Qualicum Beach
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Qualicum Beach. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Newfoundland and Labrador is at 2.64% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 31.86% |
| Unemployment rate | 2.64% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the town who work as an employee. The majority of Qualicum Beach's population (around 55.00%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 560 men and 340 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 900.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 560 | 340 | 900 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Qualicum Beach industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Qualicum Beach is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Qualicum Beach 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 12%, followed by Professional, scientific and technical services at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 85 | 325 | 15% |
| Retail trade | 130 | 215 | 12% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 220 | 115 | 12% |
| Construction | 280 | 50 | 12% |
| Educational services | 80 | 125 | 7% |
| Accommodation and food services | 70 | 70 | 5% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 70 | 70 | 5% |
| Public administration | 60 | 65 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 40 | 75 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 50 | 45 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 40 | 45 | 3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 65 | 15 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 20 | 55 | 3% |
| Manufacturing | 50 | 20 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 45 | 25 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 35 | 20 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 25 | 25 | 2% |
| Utilities | 20 | 0 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 10 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 10 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Qualicum Beach residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Qualicum Beach: Health care and social assistance (15%), -45 Retail trade (12%), Professional, scientific and technical services (12%)
Top occupation categories in Qualicum Beach: Sales and service occupations (25%), Business, finance and administration occupations (18%), 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 town. 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 | 690 | 865 | 1,560 | 60.10% |
| Worked at home | 310 | 350 | 660 | 25.40% |
| No fixed workplace address | 305 | 70 | 370 | 14.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0.40% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Qualicum Beach 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 Qualicum Beach residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Qualicum Beach spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the town's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the town.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 44.00% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 31.10% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 13.50% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 7.30% |
| 60 minutes and over | 3.60% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Qualicum Beachshed 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 town's social fabric. We can gain insights into Qualicum Beach's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights town'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 Qualicum Beach. About 8,785 people living in the province speak English, 120 people speak French, 15 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 5 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 8,785 |
| French | 120 |
| Neither English nor French | 15 |
| 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 | 91.1% | 98.4% |
| Non-official languages | 6.3% | 1.0% |
| French | 1.5% | 0.3% |
Religion
Qualicum Beach is predominantly Christian. About 4,015 of its population is Christian (1,650 males and 1,650 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Jewish with 0.3% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Muslim, both represent 0.2% and 0.2% of the population, while Hindu represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 45.7% |
| Jewish | 0.3% |
| Buddhist | 0.2% |
| Islam | 0.2% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions about Qualicum Beach
According to the 2021 census, Qualicum Beach has a population of approximately 9,303 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Qualicum Beach increased by 4.03%.
Qualicum Beach has a population density of approximately 517.50 people per square kilometre.
Qualicum Beach covers a land area of approximately 17.98 km².
The median age of the population in Qualicum Beach is 67.50 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Qualicum Beach is English.
The median household income in Qualicum Beach is $76,500, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Qualicum Beach.
Christian is the predominant religion in Qualicum Beach.
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.