Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Vancouver has a population of around 662,248 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Vancouver has increased by 4.87%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 631,486 | 662,248 | +4.87% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.96% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Vancouver's population is projected to reach approximately 694,509 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 6,029.77 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 662,248 | 694,509 | 6,029.77 |
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.
Population By Genders
The male population of Vancouver is around 324,570 while the female population is around 337,675.
Of the 662,248 total population in Vancouver, the largest gender is female with around 337,675 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 324,570 | 337,675 | +3.88% |
Is Vancouver a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how 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.
Other Cities Near Vancouver
- Burnaby (10.4 km)
- Richmond (11.0 km)
- New Westminster (15.9 km)
- Delta (20.0 km)
- Surrey (20.7 km)
- Port Moody (20.8 km)
- Coquitlam (23.4 km)
- Port Coquitlam (24.2 km)
- Pitt Meadows (31.1 km)
- Langley (37.5 km)
- Maple Ridge (37.6 km)
- Nanaimo (60.8 km)
- Abbotsford (61.6 km)
- Duncan (68.9 km)
- Chilliwack (84.9 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Vancouver has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 30 to 34 years old, accounting for 10.50% of the total population. The city median age is 39.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 to 34 years | 34,580 10.70% | 34,640 10.30% | 0.17% | 69,225 10.50% |
| 25 to 29 years | 32,785 10.10% | 34,375 10.20% | 4.63% | 67,155 10.10% |
| 35 to 39 years | 29,065 9.00% | 28,270 8.40% | 2.74% | 57,330 8.70% |
| 40 to 44 years | 22,380 6.90% | 22,695 6.70% | 1.39% | 45,075 6.80% |
| 50 to 54 years | 21,665 6.70% | 23,175 6.90% | 6.52% | 44,840 6.80% |
| 55 to 59 years | 22,060 6.80% | 22,305 6.60% | 1.10% | 44,360 6.70% |
| 20 to 24 years | 21,135 6.50% | 22,155 6.60% | 4.60% | 43,290 6.50% |
| 45 to 49 years | 20,055 6.20% | 21,990 6.50% | 8.80% | 42,045 6.30% |
| 60 to 64 years | 19,060 5.90% | 20,265 6.00% | 5.95% | 39,320 5.90% |
| 65 to 69 years | 16,420 5.10% | 18,170 5.40% | 9.63% | 34,590 5.20% |
| 70 to 74 years | 14,175 4.40% | 15,880 4.70% | 10.74% | 30,055 4.50% |
| 15 to 19 years | 13,645 4.20% | 12,670 3.80% | 7.15% | 26,315 4.00% |
| 0 to 4 years | 12,170 3.70% | 11,670 3.50% | 4.11% | 23,840 3.60% |
| 10 to 14 years | 12,280 3.80% | 11,380 3.40% | 7.33% | 23,660 3.60% |
| 5 to 9 years | 12,140 3.70% | 10,930 3.20% | 9.97% | 23,070 3.50% |
| 75 to 79 years | 8,495 2.60% | 10,025 3.00% | 15.26% | 18,520 2.80% |
| 85 years and over | 6,385 2.00% | 9,310 2.80% | 31.42% | 15,695 2.40% |
| 80 to 84 years | 6,080 1.90% | 7,785 2.30% | 21.90% | 13,865 2.10% |
| 85 to 89 years | 4,055 1.20% | 5,370 1.60% | 24.49% | 9,425 1.40% |
| 90 to 94 years | 1,870 0.60% | 2,815 0.80% | 33.57% | 4,685 0.70% |
| 95 to 99 years | 410 0.10% | 935 0.30% | 56.15% | 1,350 0.20% |
| 100 years and over | 50 0.00% | 185 0.10% | 72.97% | 235 0.00% |
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 72.30% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 17.00% and 10.70%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Vancouver are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 72.80% | 71.80% | 72.30% |
| Average age of the population | 41.50% | 43.00% | 42.20% |
| Median age of the population | 38.80% | 40.40% | 39.60% |
| 65 years and over | 15.90% | 18.10% | 17.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 11.30% | 10.10% | 10.70% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Vancouver
Population of Vancouver by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Vancouver is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Vancouver 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 Chinese, which accounts for 24.46% of the total population, followed by English (12.97%), Scottish (10.64%), Irish (10.10%), and German (6.95%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Filipino, Canadian, French, Indian (India), and British Isles.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese | 23.07% | 25.79% | 24.46% |
| English | 13.52% | 12.45% | 12.97% |
| Scottish | 10.80% | 10.49% | 10.64% |
| Irish | 10.28% | 9.93% | 10.10% |
| German | 7.02% | 6.89% | 6.95% |
| Filipino | 5.23% | 6.69% | 5.98% |
| Canadian | 5.62% | 4.75% | 5.18% |
| French | 4.85% | 4.57% | 4.71% |
| Indian (India) | 4.54% | 4.01% | 4.27% |
| British Isles | 3.50% | 3.13% | 3.31% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Vancouver's population profile.
About 42.2% of Vancouver's population are immigrants (274,360 people).
The top countries of origin for Vancouver's immigrant population are China (63,270), Philippines (29,925), Hong Kong (25,485), India (14,640), United Kingdom (12,895).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| China | 63,270 |
| Philippines | 29,925 |
| Hong Kong | 25,485 |
| India | 14,640 |
| United Kingdom | 12,895 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 119,805 of Vancouver's population live in a 1 person. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 19.60% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 16.50% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.30%, 4.75%, and 2.80%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 119,805 | 19.60% |
| 2 persons | 100,730 | 16.50% |
| 3 persons | 38,600 | 6.30% |
| 4 persons | 29,140 | 4.75% |
| 5 or more persons | 17,060 | 2.80% |
Income in Vancouver
Analyzing income distribution in Vancouver can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Vancouver is $42,000.
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 Vancouver population or around 84,530 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $50,000 to $79,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 82,390 and 68,515 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Vancouver's median household income is $82,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Vancouver's median household income is 2,000 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 Vancouver
This data sheds light on the distribution of 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.
71.10% or most of the Vancouver population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 48.85% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, 20.95% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 7.95% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 326,805 | 363,995 | 690,795 | 71.10% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 219,910 | 253,645 | 473,555 | 48.85% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 110,985 | 99,355 | 210,340 | 20.95% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 41,485 | 41,365 | 82,845 | 7.95% |
Above national average 48.9% of Vancouver's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Vancouver
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Vancouver. 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 6.10% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 61.94% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.10% |
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 Vancouver's population (around 65.20%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 40,735 men and 29,250 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 69,980.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 40,735 | 29,250 | 69,980 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Vancouver industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Vancouver is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Vancouver has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (15%) works in the professional, scientific and technical services sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 12%, followed by Retail trade at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 32,865 | 25,205 | 15% |
| Health care and social assistance | 12,250 | 33,660 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 18,805 | 19,665 | 10% |
| Educational services | 12,940 | 21,095 | 9% |
| Accommodation and food services | 14,670 | 15,810 | 8% |
| Information and cultural industries | 13,540 | 8,850 | 6% |
| Construction | 17,640 | 3,135 | 5% |
| Finance and insurance | 9,610 | 9,100 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 5,915 | 10,865 | 4% |
| Manufacturing | 10,040 | 6,270 | 4% |
| Public administration | 7,095 | 8,140 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 8,250 | 6,415 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 10,740 | 3,835 | 4% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 6,415 | 5,435 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 7,230 | 4,215 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 5,595 | 5,505 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 1,065 | 780 | 1% |
| Utilities | 1,035 | 625 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 855 | 390 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 580 | 645 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Vancouver residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Vancouver: Professional, scientific and technical services (15%), Health care and social assistance (12%), -45 Retail trade (10%)
Top occupation categories in Vancouver: Sales and service occupations (24%), Business, finance and administration occupations (19%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (13%)
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 | 92,785 | 101,530 | 194,315 | 54.10% |
| Worked at home | 61,710 | 61,400 | 123,110 | 34.30% |
| No fixed workplace address | 27,565 | 12,080 | 39,640 | 11.00% |
| Worked outside Canada | 1,355 | 855 | 2,210 | 0.60% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how 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 Vancouver residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Vancouver 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 |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 40.10% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 26.30% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 20.00% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 7.90% |
| 60 minutes and over | 5.60% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Vancouvershed 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 Vancouver'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 Vancouver. About 602,935 people living in the province speak English, 37,725 people speak Neither English nor French, 10,485 people speak French language, and 3,685 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 602,935 |
| Neither English nor French | 37,725 |
| French | 10,485 |
| English and French | 3,685 |
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 | 50.7% | 68.2% |
| Non-official languages | 42.3% | 25.4% |
| French | 1.5% | 0.6% |
Religion
Vancouver is predominantly Christian. About 194,365 of its population is Christian (88,655 males and 88,655 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Buddhist with 4.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Muslim and Sikh, both represent 2.8% and 2.5% of the population, while Hindu represent 1.9% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 29.9% |
| Buddhist | 4.0% |
| Islam | 2.8% |
| Sikh | 2.5% |
| Hindu | 1.9% |
| Jewish | 1.8% |
Frequently Asked Questions about Vancouver
According to the 2021 census, Vancouver has a population of approximately 662,248 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Vancouver increased by 4.87%.
Vancouver has a population density of approximately 5,749.90 people per square kilometre.
Vancouver covers a land area of approximately 115.18 km².
The median age of the population in Vancouver is 39.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Vancouver is Chinese.
The median household income in Vancouver is $82,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Vancouver.
Christian is the predominant religion in Vancouver.
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.