British Columbia · Census Agglomeration
Courtenay by the numbers
Courtenay is Canada's 56th largest metro area, home to about 70K people, growing slower than the country since 2021 (+7.3% vs +9.3%). A two-bedroom rents for about $1,691, the median age is 50.8 and January averages 4°C.
People
Population of Courtenay
The Courtenay census agglomeration had an estimated 70,323 people on July 1, 2025, up +7.3% since 2021 (Canada grew +9.3%). The 2021 Census counted 63,282 people, +9.2% more than in 2016.
The City of Courtenay itself had an estimated 32,869 residents in 2025.
Municipalities in the Courtenay area
| Municipality | 2025 estimate | 2021 Census | 2016–21 growth | People / km² |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Courtenay | 32,869 | 28,420 | +10.8% | 877 |
| Comox | 15,884 | 14,806 | +5.5% | 878 |
| Comox Valley A | 8,415 | 7,926 | +9.9% | 16 |
| Comox Valley B (Lazo North) | 7,830 | 7,392 | +4.2% | 137 |
| Cumberland | 4,974 | 4,447 | +18.5% | 153 |
| Comox 1 | 325 | 291 | +31.1% | 500 |
Sources: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0148-01, Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0155-01, Statistics Canada, Table 98-10-0003-01
2021 Census
Who lives in Courtenay
Age
Median age is 50.8 (Canada: 41.6). 29.0% of residents are 65 or older and 13.7% are under 15.
Languages
10.2% can speak both official languages. At home, 96.2% speak mostly English, 0.9% mostly French and 2.1% mostly another language.
Immigration
— of residents are immigrants (Canada: 23.0%), and — arrived between 2016 and 2021.
Education: 26.0% of 25 to 64 year olds hold a bachelor's degree or higher; 23.0% have a college or CEGEP diploma and 10.5% a trades certificate.
Sources: Statistics Canada, Table 98-10-0030-01, Statistics Canada, Table 98-10-0223-01, Statistics Canada, Table 98-10-0227-01, Statistics Canada, Table 98-10-0302-01, Statistics Canada, Table 98-10-0384-01
Money
Income and jobs in Courtenay
Half of Courtenay households made more than $76,500 in 2020 and half made less. Across Canada the median was $84,000.
Housing
Housing in Courtenay
Average rent (October 2025)
A two-bedroom apartment rented for $1,691 a month on average, +1.0% from a year earlier and +51.4% over five years.
Sources: Statistics Canada, Table 98-10-0258-01, Statistics Canada, Table 98-10-0256-01, Statistics Canada, Table 98-10-0253-01, Statistics Canada, Table 34-10-0133-01, Statistics Canada, Table 34-10-0127-01
Commuting
Getting around Courtenay
Census day 2021 fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, so transit use is lower than in normal years.
Climate
Courtenay weather and climate
30-year averages (1981–2010) from the Comox A weather station, 7.5 km from the city centre.
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010
Out of all Canadian metro areas with data
How Courtenay ranks
Compare
Cities near Courtenay
FAQ
Courtenay questions, answered
What is the population of Courtenay?
The Courtenay metro area had an estimated 70,323 people on July 1, 2025 (Statistics Canada). The City of Courtenay itself had about 32,869.
How much is rent in Courtenay?
In October 2025 the average rent in Courtenay was $1,459 for a one-bedroom and $1,691 for a two-bedroom apartment (CMHC Rental Market Survey).
What is the average household income in Courtenay?
The median household income in Courtenay was $76,500 before tax in 2020 ($69,000 after tax), according to the 2021 Census. The average was $91,800.
How cold does it get in Courtenay?
January averages 3.9°C, with average lows of 1.4°C. Courtenay gets about 55 cm of snow a year, and in July the average daily high is 22.8°C (1981–2010 climate normals).
Is Courtenay bilingual?
10.2% of people in Courtenay can speak both English and French; 89.5% speak English only and 0.0% French only (2021 Census).
What is the median age in Courtenay?
The median age in Courtenay was 50.8 in the 2021 Census, compared with 41.6 for Canada.
Built October 30, 2026 from the latest published official data.