Sparwood, British Columbia — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Sparwood census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 4,148
- +9.6% since 2016
- Density
- 21.7
- people per km²
- Land area
- 191
- km²
- Median age
- 38.4
- years
- Median household income
- $112,000
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 7.1%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Sparwood. It is a township in Canada that encompasses a land area of 191.30 km2. The township has a population density of 21.70 people per km2.
We highlight the Sparwood township's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Sparwood on the Map
- Points of interest (5)
- Places to visit (2)
- Green spaces (4)
Sparwood location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Sparwood has a population of around 4,148 people. The township's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Sparwood has increased by ▲ 9.62%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,784 | 4,148 | +9.62% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.85% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Sparwood's population is projected to reach approximately 4,547 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 23.77 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 4,148 | 4,547 | 23.77 |
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.
Sparwood Population Trend & Context
Sparwood is the 83rd-largest township in British Columbia, with a 2021 census population of 4,148 — an increase of 364 (▲ 9.62%) people from the 3,784 recorded in 2016.
The township's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among British Columbia townships. The township's median age of 38.4 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
How does Sparwood compare to other British Columbia townships?
- 81st Cumberland 4,447
- 82nd Vanderhoof 4,346
- 83rd Sparwood This township 4,148
- 84th Rossland 4,140
- 85th Grand Forks 4,112
Population By Genders
The male population of Sparwood is around 2,140 while the female population is around 2,005.
Of the 4,148 total population in Sparwood, the largest gender is male with around 2,140 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 2,140 | 2,005 | +6.31% |
Is Sparwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Sparwood 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.
Sparwood Population Compared to British Columbia
British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how Sparwood compares to the township's key indicators:
| Indicator | Sparwood | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $112,000 | $85,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 38.4 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.0% | 31.8% |
| Immigrants (%) | 6.3% | 29.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Sparwood has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 35 to 39 years old, accounting for 8.60% of the total population. The township median age is 38.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 to 39 years | 165 7.70% | 190 9.50% | 13.16% | 355 8.60% |
| 30 to 34 years | 170 7.90% | 170 8.50% | 0.00% | 335 8.10% |
| 5 to 9 years | 155 7.20% | 145 7.20% | 6.45% | 295 7.10% |
| 40 to 44 years | 160 7.50% | 135 6.70% | 15.63% | 295 7.10% |
| 60 to 64 years | 150 7.00% | 145 7.20% | 3.33% | 290 7.00% |
| 25 to 29 years | 150 7.00% | 125 6.20% | 16.67% | 285 6.90% |
| 55 to 59 years | 140 6.50% | 140 7.00% | 0.00% | 285 6.90% |
| 0 to 4 years | 145 6.80% | 125 6.20% | 13.79% | 270 6.50% |
| 10 to 14 years | 135 6.30% | 130 6.50% | 3.70% | 265 6.40% |
| 45 to 49 years | 145 6.80% | 125 6.20% | 13.79% | 265 6.40% |
| 50 to 54 years | 120 5.60% | 115 5.70% | 4.17% | 240 5.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 125 5.80% | 105 5.20% | 16.00% | 230 5.50% |
| 15 to 19 years | 100 4.70% | 90 4.50% | 10.00% | 190 4.60% |
| 20 to 24 years | 110 5.10% | 85 4.20% | 22.73% | 190 4.60% |
| 70 to 74 years | 80 3.70% | 70 3.50% | 12.50% | 145 3.50% |
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 65.90% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 20.00% and 14.10%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Sparwood are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 65.90% | 65.80% | 65.90% |
| 0 to 14 years | 20.30% | 20.00% | 20.00% |
| 65 years and over | 14.00% | 14.20% | 14.10% |
Population of Sparwood by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Sparwood is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Sparwood 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 Sparwood are English, which accounts for 24.34% of the total population, followed by Scottish (23.13%), Canadian (18.67%), Irish (17.59%), and German (17.35%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Sparwood include Italian, French, Ukrainian, Polish, and Norwegian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 24.82% | 23.57% | 24.34% |
| Scottish | 23.19% | 23.08% | 23.13% |
| Canadian | 18.50% | 19.35% | 18.67% |
| Irish | 17.80% | 17.37% | 17.59% |
| German | 14.75% | 19.85% | 17.35% |
| Italian | 10.07% | 11.91% | 10.96% |
| French | 11.01% | 9.68% | 10.36% |
| Ukrainian | 9.37% | 6.95% | 8.07% |
| Polish | 7.26% | 6.20% | 6.75% |
| Norwegian | 6.09% | 7.20% | 6.63% |
Indigenous Identity in Sparwood
About 10.13% of Sparwood's population (420 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 89.87% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 45 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 Sparwood's population profile.
About 6.3% of Sparwood's population are immigrants (260 people).
The top countries of origin for Sparwood's immigrant population are United Kingdom (35), United States of America (25), Poland (15), Philippines (15), Germany (10).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 35 |
| United States of America | 25 |
| Poland | 15 |
| Philippines | 15 |
| Germany | 10 |
97.9% of Sparwood's residents (4,060 people) are Canadian citizens, and 2.2% are not.
By generation status, 7.1% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 12.2% are second generation, and 80.6% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,005 of Sparwood's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 17.65% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 15.85% of the population. 4 persons, 3 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.45%, 6.35%, and 2.75%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 640 | 17.65% |
| 1 person | 575 | 15.85% |
| 4 persons | 270 | 7.45% |
| 3 persons | 230 | 6.35% |
| 5 or more persons | 100 | 2.75% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 1,815 occupied private dwellings in Sparwood, 71.6% are owner-occupied (1,300) and 28.4% are rented (515). The median value of owned dwellings is $332,000 (average $338,400).
Period of Construction
7.4% of Sparwood's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 4.7% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Sparwood
Of census families in Sparwood, 86.6% are couple families and 13.4% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.8 people.
32.0% of households in Sparwood are one-person households, 54.8% are couple-family households, 7.2% are one-parent-family households, and 1.1% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 580 | 32.0% |
| Couple-family households | 995 | 54.8% |
| One-parent-family households | 130 | 7.2% |
| Multigenerational households | 20 | 1.1% |
Income in Sparwood
Analyzing income distribution in Sparwood can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Sparwood is $51,200.
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 township's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Sparwood population or around 690 people falls in the $100,000 to $149,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 430 and 330 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Sparwood's median household income is $112,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Sparwood's median household income is 28,000 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 Sparwood
This data sheds light on the distribution of Sparwood 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.
54.00% or most of the Sparwood population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 36.50% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 9.50% 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 | 640 | 635 | 1,280 | 54.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 470 | 400 | 865 | 36.50% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 100 | 120 | 225 | 9.50% |
Below national average 13.3% of Sparwood's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Sparwood
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Sparwood. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Sparwood is at 7.11% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 66.00% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.11% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Sparwood, 40.8% worked full year full time in the reference year, 28.1% worked part year and/or part time, and 30.7% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 1,335 | 40.8% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 920 | 28.1% |
| Did not work | 1,005 | 30.7% |
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 Sparwood's population (around 81.70%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 35 men and 85 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 120.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 35 | 85 | 120 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Sparwood industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Sparwood is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Sparwood has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (35%) works in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 10%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 635 | 180 | 35% |
| Retail trade | 85 | 140 | 10% |
| Health care and social assistance | 15 | 190 | 9% |
| Educational services | 10 | 115 | 5% |
| Construction | 85 | 20 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 70 | 45 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 85 | 20 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 35 | 65 | 5% |
| Wholesale trade | 75 | 20 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 20 | 50 | 3% |
| Public administration | 35 | 25 | 3% |
| Manufacturing | 45 | 15 | 3% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 10 | 45 | 2% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 30 | 10 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10 | 25 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 15 | 15 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 15 | 10 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 15 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Sparwood residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Sparwood: Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (35%), Retail trade (10%), Health care and social assistance (9%)
Top occupation categories in Sparwood: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (33%), Sales and service occupations (20%), Business, finance and administration occupations (12%)
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 | 895 | 755 | 1,650 | 76.60% |
| No fixed workplace address | 250 | 85 | 335 | 15.50% |
| Worked at home | 70 | 100 | 170 | 7.90% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Sparwood 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 Sparwood residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Sparwood 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 |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 46.60% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 22.20% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 14.90% |
| 60 minutes and over | 9.60% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 6.80% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Sparwood 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 Sparwood'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 Sparwood. About 4,100 people living in the township speak English, 45 people speak French, 10 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 4,100 |
| French | 45 |
| English and French | 10 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 3.1% of Sparwood's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 96.7% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 4,015 | 96.7% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 130 | 3.1% |
| 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 | 93.0% | 97.6% |
| Non-official languages | 4.2% | 1.3% |
| French | 1.3% | 0.2% |
Religion
Sparwood is predominantly Christian. About 1,695 of its population is Christian (795 males and 905 females).
The second largest religion in the township is Muslim with 0.4% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Hindu, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 40.8% |
| Islam | 0.4% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Sparwood
Parks
Libraries
Places to Visit in Sparwood
Attractions
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Sparwood
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Cypress Park | Parks | 1.7 ha |
| Hidden Park | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Lions Park | Parks | 4.0 ha |
| Central Park | Parks | 1.6 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Townships to Sparwood
- Elkford 32.5 km away · 2,749 people
- Invermere 118.4 km away · 3,917 people
- Coldstream 315.3 km away · 11,171 people
- Sicamous 315.8 km away · 2,613 people
- Spallumcheen 322.9 km away · 5,307 people
- Lake Country 325.2 km away · 15,817 people
- Summerland 344.3 km away · 12,042 people
- Peachland 349.4 km away · 5,789 people
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 Sparwood
What is the population of Sparwood?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Sparwood has a population of 4,148 people, making it the 83rd township in British Columbia. The population increased significantly from 3,784 in 2016, an increase of 364 people or 9.62%. The township has a population density of 21.7 people per km² across a land area of 191.30 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Sparwood growing?
Sparwood's population grew by 9.62% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 3,784 to 4,148 people, a gain of 364 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other British Columbia townships during this period. The median age of 38.40 years suggests a relatively balanced demographic profile. 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 Sparwood?
Sparwood has a population density of approximately 21.70 people per square kilometre.
How large is Sparwood?
Sparwood covers a land area of approximately 191.30 km².
What is the median age in Sparwood?
The median age of the population in Sparwood is 38.40 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Sparwood?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Sparwood is English.
What is the median household income in Sparwood?
The median household income in Sparwood is $112,000, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Sparwood?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Sparwood.
What is the main religion in Sparwood?
Christian is the predominant religion in Sparwood.
What percentage of Sparwood's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 10.1% of Sparwood's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Sparwood residents are Canadian citizens?
97.9% of Sparwood's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Sparwood are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 13.4% of census families in Sparwood, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Sparwood?
Multigenerational households make up 1.1% of all households in Sparwood, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Sparwood's population is bilingual in English and French?
3.1% of Sparwood's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Sparwood's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Sparwood, 40.8% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Sparwood 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.