Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, South Saanich 1 has a population of around 712 people. The Indian reserve's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of South Saanich 1 has decreased by ▼ -13.38%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 822 | 712 | --13.38% |
2026 Population Projection
South Saanich 1's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 712 people recorded in the 2021 census.
South Saanich 1 Population Trend & Context
South Saanich 1 had a 2021 census population of 712 — a decline of 110 (▼ 13.38%) people from the 822 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 32.8 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
Population By Genders
The male population of South Saanich 1 is around 345 while the female population is around 365.
Of the 712 total population in South Saanich 1, the largest gender is female with around 365 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 345 | 365 | -5.48% |
Is South Saanich 1 a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how South Saanich 1 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.
South Saanich 1 Population Compared to British Columbia
British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how South Saanich 1 compares to the Indian reserve's key indicators:
| Indicator | South Saanich 1 | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $59,600 | $85,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.2% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 32.8 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 5.9% | 31.8% |
| Immigrants (%) | 0.0% | 29.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
South Saanich 1 has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 10 to 14 years old, accounting for 9.80% of the total population. The Indian reserve median age is 32.80.
| 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 65.70% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 21.00% and 13.30%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in South Saanich 1 are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 years and over | 45.00% | 50.00% | 95.00% |
| 15 to 64 years | 68.10% | 64.40% | 65.70% |
| 0 to 14 years | 18.80% | 23.30% | 21.00% |
| 65 years and over | 13.00% | 13.70% | 13.30% |
Population of South Saanich 1 by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of South Saanich 1 is quite diverse, which contributes to the Indian reserve's vibrant cultural landscape. South Saanich 1 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 South Saanich 1 are First Nations (North American Indian), which accounts for 69.01% of the total population, followed by English (9.15%), Scottish (8.45%), Canadian (2.82%), and Irish (2.82%).
Other ethnicities and origins in South Saanich 1 include French, Welsh, Czech, Western European, and Blackfoot.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 68.12% | 71.23% | 69.01% |
| English | 10.14% | 9.59% | 9.15% |
| Scottish | 5.80% | 10.96% | 8.45% |
| Canadian | 2.90% | 2.74% | 2.82% |
| Irish | 0.00% | 4.11% | 2.82% |
| French | 2.90% | 2.74% | 2.82% |
| Welsh | 2.90% | 2.74% | 2.11% |
| Czech | 2.90% | 0.00% | 1.41% |
| Western European | 0.00% | 0.00% | 1.41% |
| Blackfoot | 2.90% | 2.74% | 1.41% |
Indigenous Identity in South Saanich 1
About 89.44% of South Saanich 1's population (635 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 10.56% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 610 people (85.90% 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 South Saanich 1's population profile.
About 0.0% of South Saanich 1's population are immigrants (0 people).
The top countries of origin for South Saanich 1'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 South Saanich 1's residents (0 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.0% are not.
By generation status, 3.5% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 7.7% are second generation, and 88.7% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 145 of South Saanich 1's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 14.90% of the population lives in 1 person households. 5 or more persons households ranked second, accounting for 11.70% of the population. 2 persons, 3 persons, and 4 persons households account for 10.65%, 9.55%, and 6.40%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 70 | 14.90% |
| 5 or more persons | 55 | 11.70% |
| 2 persons | 50 | 10.65% |
| 3 persons | 45 | 9.55% |
| 4 persons | 30 | 6.40% |
Family and Household Structure in South Saanich 1
Of census families in South Saanich 1, 65.7% are couple families and 34.3% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.1 people.
29.8% of households in South Saanich 1 are one-person households, 31.9% are couple-family households, 10.6% are one-parent-family households, and 10.6% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 70 | 29.8% |
| Couple-family households | 75 | 31.9% |
| One-parent-family households | 25 | 10.6% |
| Multigenerational households | 25 | 10.6% |
Income in South Saanich 1
Analyzing income distribution in South Saanich 1 can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within South Saanich 1 is $25,800.
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 South Saanich 1 population or around 150 people falls in the Under $10,000 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 95 and 80 people, respectively.
Household Income
The South Saanich 1's median household income is $59,600, according to 2020 data.
Below national average South Saanich 1's median household income is 24,400 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 South Saanich 1
This data sheds light on the distribution of South Saanich 1 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.
39.70% or most of the South Saanich 1 population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate. 32.90% of the population has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 27.40% 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 | 80 | 70 | 145 | 39.70% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 65 | 55 | 120 | 32.90% |
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 35 | 70 | 100 | 27.40% |
Below national average 5.5% of South Saanich 1's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in South Saanich 1
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in South Saanich 1. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in South Saanich 1 is at 8.00% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 41.07% |
| Unemployment rate | 8.00% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in South Saanich 1, 20.5% worked full year full time in the reference year, 20.5% worked part year and/or part time, and 58.9% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 115 | 20.5% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 115 | 20.5% |
| Did not work | 330 | 58.9% |
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 South Saanich 1's population (around 65.30%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the Indian reserve, there are 10 men and 10 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 20.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 10 | 10 | 20 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The South Saanich 1 industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in South Saanich 1 is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
South Saanich 1 has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (16%) works in the educational services sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 14%, followed by Public administration at 14%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational services | 10 | 30 | 16% |
| Retail trade | 15 | 20 | 14% |
| Public administration | 15 | 20 | 14% |
| Construction | 25 | 0 | 10% |
| Health care and social assistance | 0 | 25 | 10% |
| Accommodation and food services | 20 | 10 | 10% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 0 | 0 | 4% |
| Wholesale trade | 10 | 0 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 0 | 0 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 0 | 0 | 4% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 0 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 0 | 0 | 4% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Manufacturing | 10 | 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 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where South Saanich 1 residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in South Saanich 1: Educational services (16%), Retail trade (14%), Public administration (14%)
Top occupation categories in South Saanich 1: Sales and service occupations (31%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (20%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (18%)
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 | 70 | 85 | 155 | 67.40% |
| No fixed workplace address | 30 | 10 | 40 | 17.40% |
| Worked at home | 10 | 25 | 35 | 15.20% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how South Saanich 1 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 South Saanich 1 residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of South Saanich 1 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 | 43.60% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 38.50% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 15.40% |
| 60 minutes and over | 5.10% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 0.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in South Saanich 1 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 South Saanich 1'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 South Saanich 1. About 710 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 | 710 |
| French | 0 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 0.7% of South Saanich 1's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 99.3% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 705 | 99.3% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 5 | 0.7% |
| 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 | 94.4% | 96.5% |
| Non-official languages | 4.2% | 3.5% |
| French | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Religion
South Saanich 1 is predominantly Christian. About 115 of its population is Christian (55 males and 65 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 | 16.1% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in South Saanich 1
Parks
Green Spaces in South Saanich 1
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Saanich Fairgrounds | Parks | 29.9 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Indian Reserves to South Saanich 1
- Cole Bay 3 3.8 km · 266 people
- East Saanich 2 4.9 km · 1,790 people
- Malahat 11 7.0 km · 165 people
- Union Bay 4 8.4 km · 109 people
- New Songhees 1A 16.0 km · 1,839 people
- Est-Patrolas 4 17.9 km · 26 people
- Kil-pah-las 3 20.4 km
- Theik 2 21.7 km · 48 people
Frequently Asked Questions about South Saanich 1
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, South Saanich 1 has a population of 712 people, making it the 161st Indian reserve in British Columbia. The population declined significantly from 822 in 2016, a decrease of 110 people or 13.38%. The Indian reserve has a population density of 340.9 people per km² across a land area of 2.09 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
South Saanich 1's population declined by 13.38% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 822 to 712 people, a loss of 110 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other British Columbia Indian reserves during this period. The median age of 32.80 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.
South Saanich 1 has a population density of approximately 340.90 people per square kilometre.
South Saanich 1 covers a land area of approximately 2.09 km².
The median age of the population in South Saanich 1 is 32.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in South Saanich 1 is First Nations (North American Indian).
The median household income in South Saanich 1 is $59,600, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in South Saanich 1.
Christian is the predominant religion in South Saanich 1.
According to the 2021 Census, 89.4% of South Saanich 1's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
0.0% of South Saanich 1's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 34.3% of census families in South Saanich 1, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 10.6% of all households in South Saanich 1, per the 2021 Census.
0.7% of South Saanich 1'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 South Saanich 1, 20.5% 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.