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Central Saanich, BC

British Columbia · Victoria Metro

Central Saanich is a small city in British Columbia with a population of 17,385. Residents earn $103,000 per year, which is 37% above the national average.

2.8 /5.0
C+ Fair
17,385 Population 1,093/sq mi density
$103,000 Median Income $60,650 per capita
$900,000 Home Value
$1,390 Median Rent 18.2% income on rent
52°F Avg Temperature 242 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A+
Economy
4.5 / 5.0
$103,000 median income, 4.9% unemployment
D
Affordability
1.7 / 5.0
$900,000 home value, $1,390/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
C+
Education
2.5 / 5.0
19.3% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Central Saanich, BC

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $103,000
37% higher than US avg
Home Value $900,000
219% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,390
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment 4.9%
36% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 5.5%
56% lower than US avg

How Central Saanich Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population17,385
Median Age49.6 yrs
Density1,093/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 92%

Economy

A+
Median Income$103,000
Per Capita$60,650
Unemployment4.9%
Poverty5.5%
Commute22 min

Housing

D
Home Value$900,000
Rent$1,390
Ownership79.9%
Housing Units7,105
Rent Burden18.2%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain32.9 in/yr
Sunny Days242/yr
Elevation207 ft (63 m)

Education

C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+28.9%
Graduate+9.1%

Community

Commute22 min

Is Central Saanich a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Central Saanich receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Central Saanich has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Central Saanich is $103,000, which is significantly higher than the national average / 37% above $75,149. This places Central Saanich among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 4.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Central Saanich is $900,000, making it a premium housing market at 219% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,390 per month. With a home price-to-income ratio of 8.7x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 28.9% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Central Saanich experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 242 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches, including 8.0 inches of snow.

Central Saanich has a population of 17,385 with a density of 1,093 people per square mile, spread across 15.9 square miles. The median age is 49.6 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (91.6%), with 6.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.2% of residents.

Population

17,385
Total Population
2021 Census
1,093
People / sq mi
49.6yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
15.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.4%
Female 51.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Central Saanich vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 89.2%
14% above US avg
Spanish 1.2%
91% below US avg
Other Languages 9.6%

Social Characteristics

Central Saanich vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Central Saanich is $103,000, which is 37% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $60,650 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,166, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 539 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 36.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Central Saanich vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$103,000
37% above US avg
Per Capita Income$60,650
Avg Weekly Wage$1,166

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment4.9%
36% above US avg
Poverty Rate5.5%
56% below US avg
Establishments (County)539

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time22.3 min
Drive Alone81.6%
Public Transit3.3%
Work from Home36.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Central Saanich is $900,000, 219% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,390 (20% above the national average of $1,163). 79.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 7,105 total housing units in the city. 18.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.7x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$900,000
219% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,390
20% above US avg
Rent Burden18.2%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership79.9%
Owner-Occupied79.9%
Renter-Occupied20.1%
Housing Units7,105

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Central Saanich receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Central Saanich vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Central Saanich experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 242 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches. The area receives 8.0 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 207 feet.

Temperature

42°F Jan (6°C) 66°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average51.5°F
5% below US avg
January Average42°F (6°C)
July Average66°F (19°C)
Sunny Days242 days/yr

Geography

Elevation207 ft (63 m)
Area15.9 sq mi (41.2 km²)
Population Density1,093/sq mi
Coordinates48.5663°N, 123.4193°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 32.9"
13% below US avg
Snowfall 8.0"
Wettest Month (Nov) 5.91"
Driest Month (Jul) 0.79"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

581 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 M5.4 145 km
Apr 14, 1990 4 km ENE of Deming, Washington M5.0 97 km
Jun 23, 1997 2 km NE of Enetai, Washington M4.9 125 km
Apr 25, 2003 26 km W of Brinnon, Washington M4.8 100 km
Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 126 km
Jan 30, 2009 6 km ESE of Lofall, Washington M4.7 107 km
Jul 12, 2019 2 km S of Roosevelt, Washington M4.6 129 km
Jan 24, 2020 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington M4.5 130 km
Mar 3, 2025 2025 Orcas Island, Washington M4.5 45 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 76 km
Feb 19, 1991 31 km E of Squamish, Canada M4.3 135 km
Apr 2, 1990 2 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.3 95 km
Sep 21, 2002 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington M4.1 23 km
Feb 23, 2017 11 km NE of Hoodsport, Washington M4.1 124 km
Apr 3, 1990 3 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.0 96 km
Jun 15, 1994 1 km WNW of Hoodsport, Washington M4.0 130 km
Apr 14, 1990 2 km ESE of Deming, Washington M4.0 95 km
Sep 26, 2024 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada M4.0 13 km
Dec 27, 2012 12 km E of North Saanich, Canada M4.0 16 km
Jul 1, 2009 4 km SE of Coupeville, Washington M4.0 71 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 — 144 km
1891 WASHINGTON Eruption + Earthquake 2.4 m — 63 km
1820 CAMANO ISLAND, WA Meteorological — — 97 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

5 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Baker (120 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 120 km
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 146 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 155 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 173 km
Glacier Peak Stratovolcano 3,213 m (10,541 ft) 1700 178 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Wildfire History

4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: DELABARRE (4,176 ac, 2023).

Year Name Acres Distance
2023 DELABARRE 4,176 88 km
2015 PARADISE 2,818 100 km
2016 HAYES TWO 2,679 85 km
2011 BIG HUMP 1,400 100 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 42°F (6°C) 5.6 in
February 41°F (5°C) 3.9 in
March 44°F (6°C) 3.1 in
April 48°F (9°C) 2.0 in
May 53°F (12°C) 1.5 in
June 58°F (14°C) 1.2 in
July 66°F (19°C) 0.8 in Warmest, Driest
August 62°F (17°C) 1.0 in
September 58°F (14°C) 1.2 in
October 50°F (10°C) 3.1 in
November 43°F (6°C) 5.9 in Wettest
December 39°F (4°C) 5.8 in Coldest

Central Saanich has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F / from 39°F in December to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with November being the wettest month (5.9") and July the driest (0.8").

View full weather details →
19.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 43% below the national average of 33.7%. 28.9% have completed high school. 9.1% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 81.6% of workers drive alone to work, while 3.3% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+19.3%
43% below US avg
High School+28.9%
Graduate Degree+9.1%
C+ Education Grade (2.5/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density1,093/sq mi
Total Area15.9 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute22.3 min
Drive Alone81.6%
Public Transit3.3%
Work from Home36.0%

Schools in Central Saanich

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Stelly's Secondary — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Central Saanich

3 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CBC Radio One - Victoria, BC (MP3 stream) features, news MP3 128 kbps
KSQM (US) — AAC+ 128 kbps
CJSU-FM 89.7 "Sun FM" Duncan, BC adult hits AAC+ 57 kbps

Museums in Central Saanich

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
British Columbia Aviation Museum
Central Saanich Fire Museum
Centre of the Universe
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum - NAD20
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum - NAD29
Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre
Craigdarroch Castle
Craigflower Manor
Craigflower Schoolhouse
Emily Carr House
Gorge Waterway Nature House
Hand of Man Museum
Helmcken House
Henderson Hangar
Heritage Acres
Main Hangar
Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Metchosin Pioneer Museum
Metchosin School Museum
Miniature World
Pemberton Memorial Operating Room
Pender Islands Museum
Point Ellice House
Restoration Hangar
Royal BC Museum
Saint Ann's Schoolhouse
Shawnigan Lake Museum
Sidney Museum and Archives
Thunderbird Park
Victoria Chinatown Museum
Wentworth Villa

Libraries in Central Saanich

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Alan Batey Library & Learning Commons0.0
BC Archives0.0
Greater Victoria Public Library - Bruce Hutchison Branch0.0
GVPL: Central Branch0.0
GVPL: Central Saanich Branch0.0
GVPL: Emily Carr Branch0.0
GVPL: Esquimalt Branch0.0
GVPL: Goudy Branch0.0
GVPL: Juan de Fuca Branch0.0
GVPL: Langford Heritage Branch0.0
GVPL: Nellie McClung Branch0.0
GVPL: Oak Bay Branch0.0
GVPL: Saanich Centennial Library Branch0.0
GVPL: sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch0.0
Library Lounge0.0
McPherson Library0.0
Pender Island Public Library0.0
Piers Island Library0.0
Sidney Archives0.0
VIRL: Sidney / North Saanich Branch0.0
VIRL: South Cowichan Branch0.0

Farmers Markets in Central Saanich

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Food Truck Festival
Gorge Farmers Market
Great Greens Market
James Bay Market
Metchosin Farmers Market
Moss Street Farmers Market
North Saanich Farm Market
Oaklands Sunset Market
Pender Island Farmers’ Market
Peninsula Country Market

Cafes in Central Saanich

1 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Keating Coffee

Veterinaries in Central Saanich

2 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Breadner Veterinary Services
Central Saanich Animal Hospital

Gas Stations in Central Saanich

2 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Co-op
Co-op

Shopping Malls in Central Saanich

1 shopping malls within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Keating Centre

Breweries in Central Saanich

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Brass Monkey Taproom
Category 12
Hoyne Brewing Company
Île Sauvage Brewing Company
Lighthouse Brewing Company
Phillips Tasting Room
Salt Spring Island Ales
Spinnakers
Twin Island Cider
V2V Black Hops Brewing

Stadiums & Teams in Central Saanich

TeamLeagueDivision

Amtrak Stations in Central Saanich

2 Amtrak stations.

StationAddressType
Victoria, BC721 Douglas St.BUS
Victoria, BC254 Belleville StreetBUS

Airports Near Central Saanich

50 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Vancouver International AirportYVRLarge Airport
Victoria International AirportYYJLarge Airport
Boundary Bay AirportYDTMedium Airport
Friday Harbor AirportFRDMedium Airport
Nanaimo AirportYCDMedium Airport
Orcas Island AirportESDMedium Airport
Pitt Meadows Regional Airport—Medium Airport
William R Fairchild International AirportCLMMedium Airport
AJ Eisenberg AirportODWSmall Airport
Allan Island Airport—Small Airport
Big Andy Airport—Small Airport
Blakely Island AirportBYWSmall Airport
Blue Heron Field—Small Airport
Blue Ribbon Airport—Small Airport
Burden Field-(Rabbit Run) Airport—Small Airport
Center Island AirportCWSSmall Airport
Clam Harbor Airport—Small Airport
Crane Island AirstripCKRSmall Airport
Crow Valley Airport—Small Airport
Cypress Island Airport—Small Airport
Decatur /Jones/ Airport—Small Airport
Decatur Shores AirportDTRSmall Airport
Delta Heritage Air Park—Small Airport
Diamond Point Airstrip—Small Airport
Duncan AirportDUQSmall Airport
Friday West Airport—Small Airport
Grand View International Airport—Small Airport
Intergalactic Aerodrome—Small Airport
Jefferson County International AirportTWDSmall Airport
Kimshan Ranch Airport—Small Airport
King Airport—Small Airport
Lawson Airpark—Small Airport
Long Harbour Airport—Small Airport
Lopez Island AirportLPSSmall Airport
Michell Airpark—Small Airport
Olympic Field—Small Airport
Point Roberts Airpark—Small Airport
Port Angeles Cgas Airport—Small Airport
Quamichan Lake (Raven Field) Airport—Small Airport
Rake's Glen Airport—Small Airport
Roche Harbor AirportRCESmall Airport
Rucilla's Roost Airport—Small Airport
Sequim Valley AirportSQVSmall Airport
Shaw Island AIrport—Small Airport
Sinclair Island Airport—Small Airport
Sky Valley Airstrip—Small Airport
Stacey's Airport—Small Airport
Stuart Island AirparkSSWSmall Airport
Stuart Island West Airport—Small Airport
Waldron AirstripWDNSmall Airport

Treatment Centers in Central Saanich

3 treatment centers.

CenterTypePhone
Maven Pelvic Health
Sobering & Assessment Centre
Victoria Mental Health & Substance Use

Churches & Religious Organizations in Central Saanich

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
First Unitarian Church of Victoria

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Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Central Saanich.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Central Saanich

What is the population of Central Saanich?

Central Saanich has a population of 17,385 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 1,093 people per square mile, spread across 15.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.4% male.

Is Central Saanich expensive to live in?

The median household income is $103,000, 37% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $900,000 (219% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,390 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Central Saanich safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Central Saanich receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Central Saanich?

Central Saanich has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 242 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 32.9 inches, with 8.0 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Central Saanich?

Central Saanich has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,166. There are 539 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 36.0% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Central Saanich?

The median home value in Central Saanich is $900,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,390. The homeownership rate is 79.9%.

How are the schools in Central Saanich?

19.3% of adults in Central Saanich hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 28.9% have completed high school. 9.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Central Saanich?

The average commute in Central Saanich is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.6% of workers drive alone to work, 3.3% use public transit, and 36.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of Central Saanich?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Central Saanich is 91.6% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian. 89.2% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Keating, BC 1,403 pop · 0.9 mi Brentwood Bay, BC 7,581 pop · 1.9 mi East Saanich 2, BC 1,790 pop · 2.2 mi Saanichton, BC 1,565 pop · 2.3 mi Saanich, BC 117,735 pop · 2.6 mi Cordova Bay, BC 8,100 pop · 4.2 mi Rural Saanich, BC 5,025 pop · 4.8 mi Cowichan Valley A, BC 4,949 pop · 5.0 mi Ardmore, BC 1,014 pop · 5.5 mi Sidney, BC 12,318 pop · 5.8 mi Royal Oak, BC 8,855 pop · 6.0 mi Carey, BC 18,405 pop · 6.6 mi North Saanich, BC 12,235 pop · 6.9 mi Gordon Head, BC 21,270 pop · 7.4 mi
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