Parksville’s population increased by nearly 10 per cent during the last five years, new census data shows.
The city, with a median age of 63.6, now boasts 13,642 residents, for a total population of 31,054 in the Parksville area — including 15 people older than 100, according to 2021 census numbers.
Qualicum Beach is home to 9,303 people and growing a little slower, with a four per cent increase since 2016. The town was also home to 10 people older than 100 at the time of the census.
The median age in Qualicum Beach is 67.5, well over the national average of 41.6.
READ MORE: B.C. population tops 5M in 2021, province grows by 7.6% since 2016
The working age population (15 to 64) represented 37 per cent of Qualicum Beach’s numbers, compared with 65 per cent nationally. The town’s working age population decreased by approximately 300 people during the last five years.
Parksville’s working-age population share is a bit higher at 45 per cent, but still well below the national average. That demographic increased by just 30 people (13,785 to 13,815) between 2016 and 2021.
There were 6,754 private dwellings occupied in the City of Parksville, an increase of 11.5 per cent from 2016. There were 4,435 private dwellings occupied in Qualicum Beach, a change of 3.1 per cent from 2016.
Parksville’s population density is 939.5 people per square kilometre in the city, with a les- crowded 517.5 per square kilometre in Qualicum Beach.
Parksville ranks 49th in B.C. for population, with Qualicum Beach 63rd.
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