Vernon, British Columbia Population & Demographics: How Many People Live Here?

Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Vernon census dataset on Statistics Canada

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Vernon. It is a city in Canada that encompasses a land area of 96.43 km2. The city has a population density of 461.70 people per km2.

We highlight the Vernon city's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.

Vernon on the Map

The map and listings below are sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors, not Statistics Canada, and may be incomplete depending on how thoroughly the area has been mapped.

Vernon location on the map. View in Google Map

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Vernon has a population of around 44,519 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Vernon has increased by 10.98%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
40,11644,519 +10.98%

2026 Population Projection

Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.10% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Vernon's population is projected to reach approximately 49,405 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 512.34 people per km².

Population in 2021Projected Population in 2026Projected Density in 2026 (per km²)
44,51949,405512.34

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 Vernon is around 21,210 while the female population is around 23,310.

Of the 44,519 total population in Vernon, the largest gender is female with around 23,310 women within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
21,21023,310 +9.01%

Is Vernon a Good Place to Live?

Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Vernon compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against British Columbia, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.

Employment & Economy

8.2%
Unemployment rate
0.2 pts below the province
51.8%
Employment rate
6.1 pts below the province
56.4%
Participation rate
6.9 pts below the province

Income & Affordability

$73,500
Median household income
$11,500 below the province
11.3%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
0.5 pts above the province

Commute

80.8%
Commute under 30 minutes
15.0 pts above the province
87.7%
Commute by car
7.8 pts above the province
1.4%
Commute by public transit
7.9 pts below the province

Housing Character

47.6%
Single-detached houses
5.2 pts above the province
33.6%
Apartments (any building size)
9.9 pts below the province

Household Composition

2.20 people
Average household size
0.20people below the province
33.6%
One-person households
4.2 pts above the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Other Cities Near Vernon

Population by Age Characteristics

Vernon has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 8.00% of the total population. The city median age is 49.20.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal
60 to 64 years1,650 7.80%1,925 8.30% 14.29%3,575 8.00%
65 to 69 years1,505 7.10%1,870 8.00% 19.52%3,375 7.60%
55 to 59 years1,495 7.00%1,775 7.60% 15.77%3,270 7.30%
70 to 74 years1,415 6.70%1,645 7.10% 13.98%3,065 6.90%
30 to 34 years1,375 6.50%1,290 5.50% 6.18%2,665 6.00%
35 to 39 years1,290 6.10%1,325 5.70% 2.64%2,615 5.90%
50 to 54 years1,240 5.80%1,295 5.60% 4.25%2,535 5.70%
40 to 44 years1,185 5.60%1,315 5.60% 9.89%2,495 5.60%
45 to 49 years1,170 5.50%1,255 5.40% 6.77%2,420 5.40%
25 to 29 years1,195 5.60%1,160 5.00% 2.93%2,360 5.30%
75 to 79 years1,020 4.80%1,215 5.20% 16.05%2,235 5.00%
10 to 14 years1,100 5.20%1,070 4.60% 2.73%2,170 4.90%
85 years and over825 3.90%1,335 5.70% 38.20%2,155 4.80%
5 to 9 years1,040 4.90%1,020 4.40% 1.92%2,060 4.60%
15 to 19 years1,030 4.90%1,005 4.30% 2.43%2,040 4.60%
20 to 24 years1,030 4.90%955 4.10% 7.28%1,990 4.50%
0 to 4 years920 4.30%880 3.80% 4.35%1,800 4.00%
80 to 84 years720 3.40%970 4.20% 25.77%1,690 3.80%
85 to 89 years505 2.40%695 3.00% 27.34%1,200 2.70%
90 to 94 years260 1.20%505 2.20% 48.51%770 1.70%
95 to 99 years55 0.30%100 0.40% 45.00%160 0.40%

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 58.30% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 28.10% and 13.50%, respectively.

If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Vernon are within the 15 to 64 years age group.

DataMaleFemaleTotal
Median age of the population46.80%51.60%49.20%
Average age of the population45.60%48.60%47.20%
65 years and over25.80%30.20%28.10%
0 to 14 years14.40%12.70%13.50%

Photos of Places & Sceneries in Vernon

Population of Vernon by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Vernon is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Vernon 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 29.65% of the total population, followed by Scottish (22.52%), German (18.59%), Irish (17.86%), and Canadian (12.61%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include French, Ukrainian, Dutch, British Isles, and Norwegian.

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
English29.22%30.03%29.65%
Scottish22.89%22.17%22.52%
German18.45%18.77%18.59%
Irish17.45%18.24%17.86%
Canadian12.86%12.37%12.61%
French9.42%10.20%9.81%
Ukrainian7.79%8.77%8.29%
Dutch5.75%5.38%5.55%
British Isles4.88%4.66%4.78%
Norwegian4.47%4.89%4.69%

Immigration Profile

Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Vernon's population profile.

About 12.4% of Vernon's population are immigrants (5,345 people).

The top countries of origin for Vernon's immigrant population are United Kingdom (1,030), Germany (550), United States of America (450), India (355), Philippines (315).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
United Kingdom1,030
Germany550
United States of America450
India355
Philippines315

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 9,415 of Vernon's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.

Household Size

About 19.40% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 16.80% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.25%, 4.80%, and 2.75%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
2 persons7,66519.40%
1 person6,64516.80%
3 persons2,4806.25%
4 persons1,9054.80%
5 or more persons1,0902.75%

Income in Vernon

Analyzing income distribution in Vernon can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Vernon is $39,200.

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 Vernon population or around 5,445 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 4,590 and 4,440 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Vernon's median household income is $73,500, according to 2020 data.

Below national average Vernon's median household income is 10,500 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 Vernon

This data sheds light on the distribution of Vernon 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.

56.40% or most of the Vernon population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 30.65% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 19.05% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 12.95% has No certificate, diploma or degree.

Only using 25% sample data.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree14,91517,70532,61556.40%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate9,0559,11018,15530.65%
Bachelor's degree or higher4,6056,35010,96019.05%
No certificate, diploma or degree4,1353,8958,03012.95%

Below national average 19.1% of Vernon's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Vernon

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Vernon. 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 4.62% which is pretty low.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate51.80%
Unemployment rate4.62%

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 Vernon's population (around 68.50%) are working permanent position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the city, there are 1,885 men and 1,425 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 3,310.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed1,8851,4253,310

Employment Industry Sectors

The Vernon industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Vernon is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.

Vernon has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (16%) works in the retail trade sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 15%, followed by Construction at 10%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Retail trade1,6501,75516%
Health care and social assistance5652,59515%
Construction1,78528510%
Accommodation and food services7709258%
Manufacturing1,1403157%
Professional, scientific and technical services7006006%
Educational services3658156%
Other services (except public administration)4505005%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services4653504%
Transportation and warehousing5951854%
Public administration3003503%
Wholesale trade4051703%
Arts, entertainment and recreation3052553%
Finance and insurance1503152%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting2801652%
Real estate and rental and leasing1901952%
Utilities160601%
Information and cultural industries125801%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction160251%
Management of companies and enterprises20250%

Labour Market Snapshot

A quick snapshot of where Vernon residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.

Top employer sectors in Vernon: -45 Retail trade (16%), Health care and social assistance (15%), Construction (10%)

Top occupation categories in Vernon: Sales and service occupations (31%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (19%), Business, finance and administration occupations (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.

Only using 25% sample data.
Work LocationMenWomenTotalPercentage
Usual place of work6,4207,03013,44570.00%
No fixed workplace address2,2258803,10516.20%
Worked at home1,2351,3702,60513.60%
Worked outside Canada3515500.30%

Commuting

The data sheds light on how Vernon 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 Vernon residents and sustainable urban planning.

Commuting Duration

This data reveals the average time that the residents of Vernon 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.

Only using 25% sample data.
DurationPercentage
Less than 15 minutes51.40%
15 to 29 minutes29.40%
30 to 44 minutes10.80%
45 to 59 minutes4.40%
60 minutes and over4.00%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Vernonshed 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 Vernon's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law
55.16%
Married or living common-law
44.84%

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 Vernon. About 43,035 people living in the province speak English, 460 people speak French, 180 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 55 people speak English and French language.

LanguagePopulation
English43,035
French460
Neither English nor French180
English and French55

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.

LanguageMother TongueSpoken Most Often at Home
English87.2%94.9%
Non-official languages9.8%3.6%
French1.2%0.2%

Religion

Vernon is predominantly Christian. About 17,585 of its population is Christian (7,700 males and 7,700 females).

The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 0.9% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Sikh and Hindu, both represent 0.8% and 0.5% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.5% of the population.

ReligionPopulation
Christian40.8%
Islam0.9%
Sikh0.8%
Hindu0.5%
Buddhist0.5%
Jewish0.2%

Frequently Asked Questions about Vernon

According to the 2021 census, Vernon has a population of approximately 44,519 people.

Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Vernon increased by 10.98%.

Vernon has a population density of approximately 461.70 people per square kilometre.

Vernon covers a land area of approximately 96.43 km².

The median age of the population in Vernon is 49.20 years.

The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Vernon is English.

The median household income in Vernon is $73,500, based on 2020 data.

English is the most common first official language spoken in Vernon.

Christian is the predominant religion in Vernon.

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.