Population by Age | Metro Vancouver

The age composition of Canada’s population, including in Metro Vancouver, has been shifting as the baby boomer generation ages and immigration boosts the growth of younger generations. This trend has significant effects, particularly on the demand for housing and its type, location, and affordability.

Statistics Canada’s Census of Population occurs every five years and provides a detailed statistical portrait of the population by their demographic, social, and economic characteristics.

Change in population in Metro Vancouver from 2016 to 2021

Note: The % change for Tsawwassen First Nation is not displayed as it is substantially larger than other data points and cannot be represented on this scale.

Distribution of population by age group in Metro Vancouver

Change in population of children and seniors in Metro Vancouver from 2016 to 2021

Note: The % change for Tsawwassen First Nation is not displayed as it is substantially larger than other data points and cannot be represented on this scale.

Key observations

The 2021 Census counted 2,642,825 people in Metro Vancouver. This was 179,395 more people than were counted in the 2016 Census, representing an increase of 7.3%.
Between 2016 and 2021, the areas with the greatest rates of population growth were scəẃaθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen First Nation) (176.7%), Bowen Island Municipality (15.8%), and Electoral Area A, including UBC (15.4%).
Age distribution varies significantly across the region. White Rock, the Village of Belcarra, and West Vancouver had the greatest proportions of seniors, and the highest median ages.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of seniors grew the quickest in scəẃaθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen First Nation), the Village of Anmore, the Village of Belcarra, and Bowen Island Municipality, while Vancouver, Surrey, and Richmond added the largest number of seniors since 2016.
The Township of Langley, Maple Ridge, and Surrey added the largest number of children since the 2016 Census, while the population of children grew the fastest in scəẃaθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen First Nation).

Population by age group and median age in Metro Vancouver

Notes

The glossary provides definitions of each technical term, ensuring consistent interpretation.
Data is based on Census counts and does not include undercount estimates.
Jurisdiction and Metro Vancouver totals may not equal the sum of individual values due to rounding, data suppression, or the omission of smaller data points to maintain visual readability. If a geography is not listed or appears missing, the associated data was either unavailable or did not meet reporting thresholds.
Proportion percentages are calculated using available data and may exclude instances of missed or suppressed data.
Electoral Area A includes UBC/UEL (University of British Columbia / University Endowment Lands).

Source
This information is from Statistics Canada census data .

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies. View our privacy statement.