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 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 40,116 | 44,519 | +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 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 44,519 | 49,405 | 512.34 |
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.
Vernon Population Trend & Context
Vernon is the 20th-largest city in British Columbia, with a 2021 census population of 44,519 — an increase of 4,403 (▲ 10.98%) people from the 40,116 recorded in 2016.
The city's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among British Columbia cities. The city's median age of 49.2 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Vernon compare to other British Columbia cities?
- Port Coquitlam: 61,498 (2021)
- Langford: 46,584 (2021)
- Vernon: 44,519 (2021) ← 20th largest
- West Vancouver: 44,122 (2021)
- Mission: 41,519 (2021)
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.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 21,210 | 23,310 | +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
Income & Affordability
Commute
Housing Character
Household Composition
Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.
Vernon Population Compared to British Columbia
British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how Vernon compares to the city's key indicators:
| Indicator | Vernon | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $73,500 | $85,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.2% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 49.2 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.1% | 31.8% |
| Immigrants (%) | 12.4% | 29.0% |
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.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 1,650 7.80% | 1,925 8.30% | 14.29% | 3,575 8.00% |
| 65 to 69 years | 1,505 7.10% | 1,870 8.00% | 19.52% | 3,375 7.60% |
| 55 to 59 years | 1,495 7.00% | 1,775 7.60% | 15.77% | 3,270 7.30% |
| 70 to 74 years | 1,415 6.70% | 1,645 7.10% | 13.98% | 3,065 6.90% |
| 30 to 34 years | 1,375 6.50% | 1,290 5.50% | 6.18% | 2,665 6.00% |
| 35 to 39 years | 1,290 6.10% | 1,325 5.70% | 2.64% | 2,615 5.90% |
| 50 to 54 years | 1,240 5.80% | 1,295 5.60% | 4.25% | 2,535 5.70% |
| 40 to 44 years | 1,185 5.60% | 1,315 5.60% | 9.89% | 2,495 5.60% |
| 45 to 49 years | 1,170 5.50% | 1,255 5.40% | 6.77% | 2,420 5.40% |
| 25 to 29 years | 1,195 5.60% | 1,160 5.00% | 2.93% | 2,360 5.30% |
| 75 to 79 years | 1,020 4.80% | 1,215 5.20% | 16.05% | 2,235 5.00% |
| 10 to 14 years | 1,100 5.20% | 1,070 4.60% | 2.73% | 2,170 4.90% |
| 85 years and over | 825 3.90% | 1,335 5.70% | 38.20% | 2,155 4.80% |
| 5 to 9 years | 1,040 4.90% | 1,020 4.40% | 1.92% | 2,060 4.60% |
| 15 to 19 years | 1,030 4.90% | 1,005 4.30% | 2.43% | 2,040 4.60% |
| 20 to 24 years | 1,030 4.90% | 955 4.10% | 7.28% | 1,990 4.50% |
| 0 to 4 years | 920 4.30% | 880 3.80% | 4.35% | 1,800 4.00% |
| 80 to 84 years | 720 3.40% | 970 4.20% | 25.77% | 1,690 3.80% |
| 85 to 89 years | 505 2.40% | 695 3.00% | 27.34% | 1,200 2.70% |
| 90 to 94 years | 260 1.20% | 505 2.20% | 48.51% | 770 1.70% |
| 95 to 99 years | 55 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.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age of the population | 46.80% | 51.60% | 49.20% |
| Average age of the population | 45.60% | 48.60% | 47.20% |
| 65 years and over | 25.80% | 30.20% | 28.10% |
| 0 to 14 years | 14.40% | 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 city appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Vernon 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 Vernon include French, Ukrainian, Dutch, British Isles, and Norwegian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 29.22% | 30.03% | 29.65% |
| Scottish | 22.89% | 22.17% | 22.52% |
| German | 18.45% | 18.77% | 18.59% |
| Irish | 17.45% | 18.24% | 17.86% |
| Canadian | 12.86% | 12.37% | 12.61% |
| French | 9.42% | 10.20% | 9.81% |
| Ukrainian | 7.79% | 8.77% | 8.29% |
| Dutch | 5.75% | 5.38% | 5.55% |
| British Isles | 4.88% | 4.66% | 4.78% |
| Norwegian | 4.47% | 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).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 1,030 |
| Germany | 550 |
| United States of America | 450 |
| India | 355 |
| Philippines | 315 |
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 Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 7,665 | 19.40% |
| 1 person | 6,645 | 16.80% |
| 3 persons | 2,480 | 6.25% |
| 4 persons | 1,905 | 4.80% |
| 5 or more persons | 1,090 | 2.75% |
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.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 14,915 | 17,705 | 32,615 | 56.40% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 9,055 | 9,110 | 18,155 | 30.65% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 4,605 | 6,350 | 10,960 | 19.05% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 4,135 | 3,895 | 8,030 | 12.95% |
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 Vernon is at 4.62% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 51.80% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.62% |
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.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 1,885 | 1,425 | 3,310 |
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%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | 1,650 | 1,755 | 16% |
| Health care and social assistance | 565 | 2,595 | 15% |
| Construction | 1,785 | 285 | 10% |
| Accommodation and food services | 770 | 925 | 8% |
| Manufacturing | 1,140 | 315 | 7% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 700 | 600 | 6% |
| Educational services | 365 | 815 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 450 | 500 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 465 | 350 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 595 | 185 | 4% |
| Public administration | 300 | 350 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 405 | 170 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 305 | 255 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 150 | 315 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 280 | 165 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 190 | 195 | 2% |
| Utilities | 160 | 60 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 125 | 80 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 160 | 25 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 20 | 25 | 0% |
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.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 6,420 | 7,030 | 13,445 | 70.00% |
| No fixed workplace address | 2,225 | 880 | 3,105 | 16.20% |
| Worked at home | 1,235 | 1,370 | 2,605 | 13.60% |
| Worked outside Canada | 35 | 15 | 50 | 0.30% |
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.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 51.40% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 29.40% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 10.80% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 4.40% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.00% |
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.
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.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 43,035 |
| French | 460 |
| Neither English nor French | 180 |
| English and French | 55 |
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 | 87.2% | 94.9% |
| Non-official languages | 9.8% | 3.6% |
| French | 1.2% | 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.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 40.8% |
| Islam | 0.9% |
| Sikh | 0.8% |
| Hindu | 0.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.5% |
| Jewish | 0.2% |
Points of Interest in Vernon
Hospitals
Schools
- School District 22 Operations
- Beairsto Elementary School
- St. James Catholic School
- W.L. Seaton Secondary School
- Coldstream Elementary School
- Kalamalka Secondary School
- Kidston Elementary School
- Vernon Secondary School
- Hillview Elementary School
- Harwood Elementary School
Parks
- Civic Plaza
- Hurlburt Park
- sncəcmałqtn Agricultural Park
- Kin Beach
- Paddlewheel Park
- Creekside Park
- Coldstream Park
- Pioneer Park
- Mission Hill Park
- Polson Park
- BX Creek Wetlands
- Cenotaph Park
- Kaiser Bill Lake Recreation Site
- King Edward Lake North Recreation Site
- Coursier Park
- Grahame Park
- BX Creek Natural Wetland
- Civic Plaza
- N'Kwala Park
- Lakeview Park
- Heritage Park
- Lakers Park
- Armoury Park
- Linear Park
- Linear Park
- Linear Park
- Macdonald Park
- 19th Avenue Tot Lot
- Justice Park
- Girouard Park
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Vernon
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
- Coldstream Cenotaph
- Cenotaph
- Vernon Train Station
- Polson Park
- Luc Girouard Cabin
- Parade Square Entrance Structure
Theatres
Green Spaces in Vernon
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Civic Plaza | Parks | — |
| Hurlburt Park | Parks | — |
| sncəcmałqtn Agricultural Park | Parks | — |
| Kin Beach | Parks | 2.2 ha |
| Paddlewheel Park | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Creekside Park | Parks | 8.1 ha |
| Coldstream Park | Parks | 2.3 ha |
| Pioneer Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Mission Hill Park | Parks | 3.1 ha |
| Polson Park | Parks | 19.1 ha |
| BX Creek Wetlands | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Cenotaph Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Kaiser Bill Lake Recreation Site | Parks | 10.9 ha |
| King Edward Lake North Recreation Site | Parks | 9.6 ha |
| Coursier Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Grahame Park | Parks | 8.5 ha |
| BX Creek Natural Wetland | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Civic Plaza | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Blue Heron bird sanctuary | Nature Reserves | 4.0 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Other Cities in British Columbia
- Vancouver 662,248
- Surrey 568,322
- Burnaby 249,125
- Richmond 209,937
- Abbotsford 153,524
- Coquitlam 148,625
- Kelowna 144,576
- Delta 108,455
- Nanaimo 99,863
- Kamloops 97,902
- Chilliwack 93,203
- Victoria 91,867
- Maple Ridge 90,990
- New Westminster 78,916
- Prince George 76,708
- Port Coquitlam 61,498
- Langford 46,584
- Penticton 36,885
- West Kelowna 36,078
- Campbell River 35,519
- Port Moody 33,535
- Courtenay 28,420
- White Rock 21,939
- Fort St. John 21,465
- Cranbrook 20,499
- Salmon Arm 19,432
- Pitt Meadows 19,146
- Colwood 18,961
- Port Alberni 18,259
- Powell River 13,943
- Parksville 13,642
- Dawson Creek 12,323
- Prince Rupert 12,300
- Terrace 12,017
- Nelson 11,106
- Williams Lake 10,947
- Quesnel 9,889
- Castlegar 8,338
- Revelstoke 8,275
- Kimberley 8,115
- Trail 7,920
- Merritt 7,051
- Fernie 6,320
- Langley 6,033
- Armstrong 5,323
- Duncan 5,047
- Rossland 4,140
- Grand Forks 4,112
- Enderby 3,028
- Greenwood 702
Frequently Asked Questions about Vernon
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Vernon has a population of 44,519 people, making it the 20th city in British Columbia. The population increased significantly from 40,116 in 2016, an increase of 4,403 people or 10.98%. The city has a population density of 461.7 people per km² across a land area of 96.43 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Vernon's population grew by 10.98% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 40,116 to 44,519 people, a gain of 4,403 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other British Columbia cities during this period. The median age of 49.20 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (33.6%) may indicate young adults leaving for larger centres. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
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.