Median Income
$90,000
20% higher than US avg
Home Value
$850,000
202% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.6%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,190
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.8%
117% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
33% lower than US avg
How Abbotsford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population153,524
Median Age39.2 yrs
Density1,059/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 60%
Economy
B+
Median Income$90,000
Per Capita$45,600
Unemployment7.8%
Poverty8.3%
Commute27 min
Housing
F
Home Value$850,000
Rent$1,190
Ownership68.8%
Housing Units53,230
Rent Burden23.5%
Crime
C+
Property92/100K
Burglary13/100K
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
Rain66.1 in/yr
Sunny Days219/yr
Elevation371 ft (113 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.6%
High School+35.0%
Graduate+5.0%
Is Abbotsford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Abbotsford receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Abbotsford has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Abbotsford is $90,000, 20% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 7.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Abbotsford is $850,000, making it a premium housing market at 202% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,190 per month. With a home price-to-income ratio of 9.4x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Property crime occurs at a rate of 92 per 100,000, 95% below the national average.
Education
12.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 35.0% have completed high school.
Climate & Weather
Abbotsford experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 219 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 66.1 inches, including 45.6 inches of snow.
Abbotsford has a population of 153,524 with a density of 1,059 people per square mile, spread across 144.9 square miles. The median age is 39.2 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (59.8%), with 1.4% Black, 36.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 61.3% of residents.
Population
153,524
Total Population
2021 Census
39.2yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Abbotsford vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
61.3%
22% below US avg
Spanish
0.6%
95% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Abbotsford vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Abbotsford is $90,000, which is 20% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,600 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $877, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 127 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 16.1% of workers work from home.
Income: Abbotsford vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,000 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,600 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $877 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.8% |
| 117% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.3% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 127 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 0 |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.5% |
| Public Transit | 2.4% |
| Work from Home | 16.1% |
The median home value in Abbotsford is $850,000, 202% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,190 (2% above the national average of $1,163). 68.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 53,230 total housing units in the city. 23.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.4x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $850,000 |
| 202% above US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,190 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.5% |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.3% |
| Housing Units | 53,230 |
Property Tax
Property crime stands at 92 per 100,000, 95% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 66, burglary at 13, vehicle theft at 13 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Abbotsford receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Abbotsford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Property Crime
| Total Property | 92.1/100K |
| 95% below US avg |
| Burglary | 12.7/100K |
| Theft | 65.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 13.3/100K |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Abbotsford experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 219 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 66.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 45.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 371 feet.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 49.8°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 219 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 371 ft (113 m) |
| Area | 144.9 sq mi (375.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,059/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 49.0580°N, 122.2526°W |
| Timezone | America/Vancouver |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
66.1"
74% above US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
9.21"
Earthquake History
410 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 21, 2025.
| May 3, 1996 |
8 km NNE of Lake Marcel-Stillwater, Washington |
M5.4 |
147 km |
| Apr 14, 1990 |
4 km ENE of Deming, Washington |
M5.0 |
25 km |
| Feb 21, 2025 |
28 km W of Squamish, Canada |
M4.8 |
117 km |
| Jan 30, 2009 |
6 km ESE of Lofall, Washington |
M4.7 |
144 km |
| Jul 12, 2019 |
2 km S of Roosevelt, Washington |
M4.6 |
133 km |
| Mar 3, 2025 |
2025 Orcas Island, Washington |
M4.5 |
64 km |
| Jun 24, 1997 |
19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada |
M4.4 |
102 km |
| Apr 2, 1990 |
2 km ENE of Deming, Washington |
M4.3 |
26 km |
| Feb 19, 1991 |
31 km E of Squamish, Canada |
M4.3 |
79 km |
| Sep 21, 2002 |
9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington |
M4.1 |
90 km |
| Apr 3, 1990 |
3 km ENE of Deming, Washington |
M4.0 |
25 km |
| Apr 14, 1990 |
2 km ESE of Deming, Washington |
M4.0 |
27 km |
| Dec 27, 2012 |
12 km E of North Saanich, Canada |
M4.0 |
86 km |
| Sep 26, 2024 |
12 km E of Saanichton, Canada |
M4.0 |
90 km |
| Jul 1, 2009 |
4 km SE of Coupeville, Washington |
M4.0 |
100 km |
| Mar 6, 2025 |
14 km SW of Blyn, Washington |
M3.9 |
142 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 |
3 km SW of Clear Lake, Washington |
M3.8 |
68 km |
| Sep 8, 2022 |
7 km WNW of Lofall, Washington |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| Dec 11, 1999 |
10 km NNE of Oak Bay, Canada |
M3.7 |
93 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
2 km NNW of Quilcene, Washington |
M3.7 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 38.0 m (125 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 2007 |
CHEHALIS LAKE, CHILLIWACK |
Meteorological |
38.0 m |
— |
49 km |
| 1891 |
WASHINGTON |
Eruption + Earthquake |
2.4 m |
— |
149 km |
| 1820 |
CAMANO ISLAND, WA |
Meteorological |
— |
— |
111 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
6 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Baker (45 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Baker |
Stratovolcano(es) |
3,285 m (10,778 ft) |
1880 |
45 km |
| Garibaldi |
Stratovolcano |
2,678 m (8,786 ft) |
-8060 |
103 km |
| Garibaldi Lake |
Volcanic field |
2,316 m (7,598 ft) |
Unknown |
111 km |
| Glacier Peak |
Stratovolcano |
3,213 m (10,541 ft) |
1700 |
135 km |
| Cayley Volcanic Field |
Volcanic field |
2,375 m (7,792 ft) |
Unknown |
139 km |
| Meager |
Complex |
2,680 m (8,793 ft) |
-410 |
196 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SOURDOUGH (7,517 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
SOURDOUGH |
7,517 |
87 km |
| 2015 |
GOODELL |
6,624 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
COPPER LAKE |
3,825 |
62 km |
| 2022 |
BRUSH CREEK 2 |
3,186 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
SILESIA |
2,737 |
55 km |
| 2022 |
MCALLISTER CREEK |
2,581 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
THREE FOOLS |
2,451 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
LITTLE CHILL |
2,242 |
59 km |
| 2003 |
BIGBEAVER |
1,807 |
87 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,174 |
85 km |
| 2004 |
FREEZEOUT |
1,155 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
37°F (3°C) |
8.0 in |
|
| February |
40°F (5°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
6.3 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
9.2 in |
Wettest |
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
8.4 in |
Coldest |
Abbotsford has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 37°F in December to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 64.3 inches, with November being the wettest month (9.2") and August the driest (2.3").
Frequently Asked Questions About Abbotsford
What is the population of Abbotsford?
Abbotsford has a population of 153,524 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 1,059 people per square mile, spread across 144.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.2 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Abbotsford expensive to live in?
The median household income is $90,000, 20% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $850,000 (202% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,190 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Abbotsford safe?
Property crime occurs at a rate of 92 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Abbotsford receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Abbotsford?
Abbotsford has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 219 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 66.1 inches, with 45.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Abbotsford?
The unemployment rate in Abbotsford is 7.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $877. There are 127 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 16.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Abbotsford?
The median home value in Abbotsford is $850,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,190. The homeownership rate is 68.8%.
How are the schools in Abbotsford?
12.6% of adults in Abbotsford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 35.0% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
What is transportation like in Abbotsford?
The average commute in Abbotsford is 27 minutes. 83.5% of workers drive alone to work, 2.4% use public transit, and 16.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Abbotsford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Abbotsford is 59.8% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino, 36.1% Asian. 61.3% of residents speak only English at home.