British Columbia · Census Agglomeration
Powell River by the numbers
Powell River is Canada's 124th largest metro area, home to about 19K people, growing slower than the country since 2021 (+3.2% vs +9.3%). A two-bedroom rents for about $1,182, the median age is 54.0 and January averages 4°C.
People
Population of Powell River
The Powell River census agglomeration had an estimated 18,966 people on July 1, 2025, up +3.2% since 2021 (Canada grew +9.3%). The 2021 Census counted 17,825 people, +6.2% more than in 2016.
The City of Powell River itself had an estimated 14,947 residents in 2025.
Municipalities in the Powell River area
| Municipality | 2025 estimate | 2021 Census | 2016–21 growth | People / km² |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powell River | 14,947 | 13,943 | +6.0% | 482 |
| qathet C | 2,409 | 2,197 | +6.4% | 3 |
| qathet B | 1,714 | 1,664 | +8.0% | 13 |
| Sechelt (Part) | 21 | 21 | 0.0% | 87 |
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 Powell River
Age
Median age is 54.0 (Canada: 41.6). 31.3% of residents are 65 or older and 12.5% are under 15.
Languages
6.9% can speak both official languages. At home, 96.2% speak mostly English, 0.5% mostly French and 2.3% mostly another language.
Immigration
— of residents are immigrants (Canada: 23.0%), and — arrived between 2016 and 2021.
Education: 17.7% of 25 to 64 year olds hold a bachelor's degree or higher; 23.5% have a college or CEGEP diploma and 14.8% 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 Powell River
Half of Powell River households made more than $66,500 in 2020 and half made less. Across Canada the median was $84,000.
Housing
Housing in Powell River
Average rent (October 2025)
A two-bedroom apartment rented for $1,182 a month on average, +7.2% from a year earlier and +39.4% 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 Powell River
Census day 2021 fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, so transit use is lower than in normal years.
Climate
Powell River weather and climate
30-year averages (1981–2010) from the Powell River A weather station, 1.7 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 Powell River ranks
Compare
Cities near Powell River
FAQ
Powell River questions, answered
What is the population of Powell River?
The Powell River metro area had an estimated 18,966 people on July 1, 2025 (Statistics Canada). The City of Powell River itself had about 14,947.
How much is rent in Powell River?
In October 2025 the average rent in Powell River was $957 for a one-bedroom and $1,182 for a two-bedroom apartment (CMHC Rental Market Survey).
What is the average household income in Powell River?
The median household income in Powell River was $66,500 before tax in 2020 ($60,800 after tax), according to the 2021 Census. The average was $81,100.
How cold does it get in Powell River?
January averages 3.5°C, with average lows of 1.2°C. Powell River gets about 47 cm of snow a year, and in July the average daily high is 22.1°C (1981–2010 climate normals).
Is Powell River bilingual?
6.9% of people in Powell River can speak both English and French; 92.8% speak English only and 0.0% French only (2021 Census).
What is the median age in Powell River?
The median age in Powell River was 54.0 in the 2021 Census, compared with 41.6 for Canada.
Built October 30, 2026 from the latest published official data.