Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, White Rock has a population of around 21,939 people. The city's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of White Rock has increased by ▲ 9.96%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 19,952 | 21,939 | +9.96% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.92% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, White Rock's population is projected to reach approximately 24,124 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 4,666.15 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 21,939 | 24,124 | 4,666.15 |
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.
White Rock Population Trend & Context
White Rock had a 2021 census population of 21,939 — an increase of 1,987 (▲ 9.96%) people from the 19,952 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 58 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
Population By Genders
The male population of White Rock is around 9,970 while the female population is around 11,965.
Of the 21,939 total population in White Rock, the largest gender is female with around 11,965 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 9,970 | 11,965 | +16.67% |
Is White Rock a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how White Rock 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.
White Rock Population Compared to British Columbia
British Columbia's population in 2021 was 5,000,879, spread across the area. Here's how White Rock compares to the city's key indicators:
| Indicator | White Rock | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $73,000 | $85,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 58 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.0% | 31.8% |
| Immigrants (%) | 29.0% | 29.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
White Rock has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 70 to 74 years old, accounting for 9.30% of the total population. The city median age is 58.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 to 74 years | 885 8.90% | 1,160 9.70% | 23.71% | 2,040 9.30% |
| 65 to 69 years | 880 8.80% | 1,135 9.50% | 22.47% | 2,015 9.20% |
| 60 to 64 years | 870 8.70% | 1,135 9.50% | 23.35% | 2,005 9.10% |
| 55 to 59 years | 820 8.20% | 980 8.20% | 16.33% | 1,805 8.20% |
| 75 to 79 years | 660 6.60% | 885 7.40% | 25.42% | 1,545 7.00% |
| 85 years and over | 480 4.80% | 955 8.00% | 49.74% | 1,435 6.50% |
| 50 to 54 years | 650 6.50% | 770 6.40% | 15.58% | 1,420 6.50% |
| 45 to 49 years | 580 5.80% | 675 5.60% | 14.07% | 1,255 5.70% |
| 80 to 84 years | 510 5.10% | 640 5.30% | 20.31% | 1,150 5.20% |
| 40 to 44 years | 455 4.60% | 550 4.60% | 17.27% | 1,005 4.60% |
| 35 to 39 years | 445 4.50% | 495 4.10% | 10.10% | 940 4.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 440 4.40% | 445 3.70% | 1.12% | 890 4.10% |
| 25 to 29 years | 415 4.20% | 410 3.40% | 1.20% | 825 3.80% |
| 20 to 24 years | 435 4.40% | 375 3.10% | 13.79% | 815 3.70% |
| 15 to 19 years | 415 4.20% | 395 3.30% | 4.82% | 810 3.70% |
| 85 to 89 years | 285 2.90% | 495 4.10% | 42.42% | 780 3.60% |
| 10 to 14 years | 415 4.20% | 345 2.90% | 16.87% | 760 3.50% |
| 5 to 9 years | 345 3.50% | 325 2.70% | 5.80% | 670 3.10% |
| 0 to 4 years | 270 2.70% | 275 2.30% | 1.82% | 550 2.50% |
| 90 to 94 years | 150 1.50% | 295 2.50% | 49.15% | 445 2.00% |
| 95 to 99 years | 35 0.40% | 140 1.20% | 75.00% | 170 0.80% |
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 53.60% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 37.30% and 9.00%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in White Rock are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 55.50% | 52.20% | 53.60% |
| 65 years and over | 34.20% | 39.90% | 37.30% |
| 0 to 14 years | 10.30% | 7.90% | 9.00% |
Population of White Rock by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of White Rock is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. White Rock 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 White Rock are English, which accounts for 23.96% of the total population, followed by Scottish (18.31%), Irish (15.68%), German (12.35%), and Canadian (9.12%).
Other ethnicities and origins in White Rock include Chinese, French, British Isles, Indian (India), and Ukrainian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 24.19% | 23.79% | 23.96% |
| Scottish | 19.05% | 17.72% | 18.31% |
| Irish | 16.11% | 15.31% | 15.68% |
| German | 12.43% | 12.28% | 12.35% |
| Canadian | 9.60% | 8.75% | 9.12% |
| Chinese | 7.08% | 7.68% | 7.41% |
| French | 7.29% | 7.28% | 7.31% |
| British Isles | 5.56% | 6.61% | 6.13% |
| Indian (India) | 4.93% | 4.78% | 4.85% |
| Ukrainian | 4.72% | 4.78% | 4.73% |
Indigenous Identity in White Rock
About 3.06% of White Rock's population (635 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 96.94% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 155 people (0.70% 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 White Rock's population profile.
About 29.0% of White Rock's population are immigrants (6,005 people).
The top countries of origin for White Rock's immigrant population are United Kingdom (1,020), China (965), India (650), United States of America (395), Philippines (330).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 1,020 |
| China | 965 |
| India | 650 |
| United States of America | 395 |
| Philippines | 330 |
92.0% of White Rock's residents (19,075 people) are Canadian citizens, and 8.0% are not.
By generation status, 31.4% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 23.5% are second generation, and 45.1% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 4,765 of White Rock's population live in a 1 person. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 22.20% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 17.70% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 4.60%, 3.45%, and 2.05%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 4,765 | 22.20% |
| 2 persons | 3,805 | 17.70% |
| 3 persons | 990 | 4.60% |
| 4 persons | 740 | 3.45% |
| 5 or more persons | 440 | 2.05% |
Family and Household Structure in White Rock
Of census families in White Rock, 84.7% are couple families and 15.3% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.5 people.
44.4% of households in White Rock are one-person households, 40.9% are couple-family households, 6.8% are one-parent-family households, and 1.9% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 4,765 | 44.4% |
| Couple-family households | 4,395 | 40.9% |
| One-parent-family households | 730 | 6.8% |
| Multigenerational households | 205 | 1.9% |
Income in White Rock
Analyzing income distribution in White Rock can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within White Rock is $43,600.
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 White Rock population or around 2,180 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 2,025 and 1,640 people, respectively.
Household Income
The White Rock's median household income is $73,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average White Rock's median household income is 11,000 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 White Rock
This data sheds light on the distribution of White Rock 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.
67.90% or most of the White Rock population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 27.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 5.10% 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 | 3,065 | 3,780 | 6,845 | 67.90% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 1,320 | 1,400 | 2,720 | 27.00% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 300 | 205 | 510 | 5.10% |
Above national average 34.5% of White Rock's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in White Rock
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in White Rock. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in White Rock is at 8.04% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 49.12% |
| Unemployment rate | 8.04% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in White Rock, 27.7% worked full year full time in the reference year, 26.8% worked part year and/or part time, and 45.6% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 5,185 | 27.7% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 5,020 | 26.8% |
| Did not work | 8,545 | 45.6% |
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 White Rock's population (around 62.80%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 1,455 men and 985 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 2,445.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 1,455 | 985 | 2,445 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The White Rock industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in White Rock is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
White Rock has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (12%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 10%, followed by Construction at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 220 | 935 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 500 | 520 | 10% |
| Construction | 855 | 130 | 10% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 535 | 445 | 10% |
| Educational services | 270 | 625 | 9% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 455 | 145 | 6% |
| Public administration | 270 | 260 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 175 | 340 | 5% |
| Manufacturing | 310 | 140 | 5% |
| Wholesale trade | 270 | 155 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 185 | 235 | 4% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 160 | 225 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 190 | 170 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 100 | 235 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 140 | 140 | 3% |
| Information and cultural industries | 165 | 100 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 55 | 35 | 1% |
| Utilities | 45 | 35 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 25 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where White Rock residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in White Rock: Health care and social assistance (12%), Retail trade (10%), Construction (10%)
Top occupation categories in White Rock: Sales and service occupations (24%), Business, finance and administration occupations (19%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (16%)
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 | 2,400 | 2,995 | 5,395 | 58.60% |
| Worked at home | 1,130 | 1,225 | 2,355 | 25.60% |
| No fixed workplace address | 1,045 | 325 | 1,370 | 14.90% |
| Worked outside Canada | 50 | 40 | 90 | 1.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how White Rock 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 White Rock residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of White Rock 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 |
|---|---|
| 30 to 44 minutes | 27.80% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 27.20% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 24.50% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 11.70% |
| 60 minutes and over | 8.70% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in White Rock 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 city's social fabric. We can gain insights into White Rock'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 White Rock. About 20,140 people living in the city speak English, 380 people speak Neither English nor French, 270 people speak French language, and 60 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 20,140 |
| Neither English nor French | 380 |
| French | 270 |
| English and French | 60 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 8.1% of White Rock's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 90.0% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 1.9% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 18,770 | 90.0% |
| French only | 10 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 1,680 | 8.1% |
| Neither English nor French | 395 | 1.9% |
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 | 74.1% | 86.5% |
| Non-official languages | 21.6% | 10.8% |
| French | 1.3% | 0.3% |
Religion
White Rock is predominantly Christian. About 8,875 of its population is Christian (3,720 males and 5,155 females).
The second largest religion in the city is Sikh with 4.4% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Muslim, both represent 1.2% and 1.0% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.8% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 42.8% |
| Sikh | 4.4% |
| Hindu | 1.2% |
| Islam | 1.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.8% |
| Jewish | 0.6% |
Points of Interest in White Rock
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
- Semiahmoo Park
- Gage Park
- Dr. R.J. Allan Hogg Rotary Park
- Lions Lookout Park
- Davey Park
- Vidal Street Greenbelt
- Bay Street Greenbelt
- Emerson Park
- Terry Parr Plaza
- Bryant Park
- Centennial Park
- Centennial Park
- Ruth Johnson Park
- Hodgson Park
- Goggs Park
- Bayview Park
- Barge Park
- Stager Park
- Memorial Park
- Hughes Park
- Coldicutt Park
- Memorial Park
- Beverly Commons
Libraries
Community Centres
- White Rock Community Centre
- Centennial Park Leisure Centre and Arena
- Horst and Emmy Werner Centre for Active Living
- Kent Street Activity Centre
Places to Visit in White Rock
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
- MacCaud Memorial Cairn
- West Beach Observation Point
- Firminger
- Nestor John Izowsky
- Thomas Davis Coldicutt
- William R. Barge
- Brock's Rock
- Campbell River Lumber Company ruins
- White Rock Community Cenotaph
Theatres
Green Spaces in White Rock
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Semiahmoo Park | Parks | 7.5 ha |
| Gage Park | Parks | 0.0 ha |
| Dr. R.J. Allan Hogg Rotary Park | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Lions Lookout Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Davey Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Vidal Street Greenbelt | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Bay Street Greenbelt | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Emerson Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Terry Parr Plaza | Parks | 0.0 ha |
| Bryant Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Centennial Park | Parks | 6.5 ha |
| Centennial Park | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Ruth Johnson Park | Parks | 13.3 ha |
| Hodgson Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Goggs Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Bayview Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Barge Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Stager Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Cities to White Rock
- Langley 13.6 km · 6,033 people
- Surrey 19.0 km · 568,322 people
- Delta 20.1 km · 108,455 people
- New Westminster 22.0 km · 78,916 people
- Pitt Meadows 23.3 km · 19,146 people
- Maple Ridge 26.2 km · 90,990 people
- Port Coquitlam 26.6 km · 61,498 people
- Burnaby 27.5 km · 249,125 people
Frequently Asked Questions about White Rock
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, White Rock has a population of 21,939 people, making it the 30th city in British Columbia. The population increased significantly from 19,952 in 2016, an increase of 1,987 people or 9.96%. The city has a population density of 4,240.6 people per km² across a land area of 5.17 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
White Rock's population grew by 9.96% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 19,952 to 21,939 people, a gain of 1,987 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other British Columbia cities during this period. The median age of 58.00 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (44.4%) 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.
White Rock has a population density of approximately 4,240.60 people per square kilometre.
White Rock covers a land area of approximately 5.17 km².
The median age of the population in White Rock is 58.00 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in White Rock is English.
The median household income in White Rock is $73,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in White Rock.
Christian is the predominant religion in White Rock.
According to the 2021 Census, 3.1% of White Rock's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
92.0% of White Rock's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 15.3% of census families in White Rock, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.9% of all households in White Rock, per the 2021 Census.
8.1% of White Rock'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 White Rock, 27.7% 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.